Today, there are many vocal special interest groups, prominent lobbying groups, and prominent political contributors who encourage elected policy makers to develop policies for the benefit of the special interest group. Do you think that today’s policy makers truly represent the general public, or do they actually represent special interest groups and the elite population? Why, or why not? Elected policy makers are faced with many forces coming from many directions. These include the forces of lobbyists, large campaign donors, special interest groups, party, and constituents. All too often these groups have interests that do not align, which puts the policy makers in a situation to choose. I believe that policy makers, when they first get elected, do so with the intent of doing what is best for the general public; I also believe that the path of least resistance once elected is to fall in line with the party and to accept the financial support of special interests, while also supporting policies that benefit these groups. The lack of term limits at the federal level exacerbates this issue, as members of congress seem to be constantly campaigning, and therefore constantly lending their ear to the special interests and the funders of campaigns. Once caught in this cycle, elected officials become more beholden to special interests and less responsive to the general public.
