1.
From figure 8.1 in the text, select one of the interest
groups and do some research on their issues and beliefs. What did you learn?
What did you find interesting? Do you agree/disagree with their positions on
issues? Why?
NEA fights to protect academic
freedom at both the campus and government levels, to ensure protection for the
faculty and quality for the student. There are several issues that are
continuously relevant to the NEA, such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). I believe the NEA is a great
interest group that supports education.
2.
Find an interest group with which you associate
(positively). What is the name of the group and what do you find persuasive
about their position on issues?
I think the NEA is an interest
group that I positively agree with. This group focuses on academic freedom and
the group has taken huge steps over the years to protect education and
educators. The NEA was birthed to fight for the rights of both children and
educators. It is the largest professional organization and largest labor union
in the United States.
3.
Do interest groups have enough/too much/the right
amount of power in the political system? Most believe it's a fine-line balance
between freedom of speech for the groups and keeping unfair persuasion out of
government. Where is that line and when is it crossed?
I think interest groups have the
right amount of power in the political system. They are a more effective way to
influence politics and act to achieve balance. They can only have too much
power if they take it from others without their will, like a union. They can
have too little power if they are suppressed from gaining power. If I want to
protect my individual right to keep and bear arms then I would support the NRA
before depending on a candidate or party about my concerns.
I commented on Ronald Payne's, Adrian Arthur's, and Dara Cates's blog.
