Middle-Class Interest Groups

Since the beginning, interest groups have received criticism based on the potential for corruption or outwardly false intentions, despite the seemingly natural induction of the interest groups. Others view interest groups as a necessity in the foundation of the current structure of the government, and furthermore, could not envision the government deprived of the influence of interest groups. However, interest groups have not always held the same level of leverage currently available to them, and have formed due to the ever-changing needs of government constituents. Throughout the timeline of the country, interest groups mold and shape the government, while also guided by that same government. As a precursor, interest groups did not begin
The second stage in the growth of in the timeline of interest groups, taking place further into the period of industrialization in the United States, revolves around the acceptingness of the predominantly middle-class interest groups. As businesses expand, and also attempt to abuse the law-granted power that they are gifted, interest groups require the support of more constituents in order to combat the businesses. To keep up with growing demands, interest groups began to accept the support of citizens, regardless of social class. The decision to remove social-class discrimination made sense, as many of the issues that affect the middle-class also affect the wealthy and the poor, especially with regards to global issues. Interest groups, with the combined powers of the social classes, naturally focus their attention towards the direct goals of their constituents. Thus, during this time period, the interest groups drifted naturally towards the economy and more specified groups, such as trade unions and groups focused on agriculture. By converging the efforts of multiple social classes, the interest groups begin to make changes in the United
What had once fueled the country, a burst in the need for industrialization, began to fade. In its place, a new era came into being: one without the need for the constant production of war materials or to expand the U.S. economy. Again, it follows that the constituents of the interest groups will direct the groups to deal with these new upcoming issues. During this period, the largest expansion took place from citizens joining into single-interest groups, an important change in development. The current time period has been scattered with the appearance of interest groups that specifically target postindustrial issues. Issues involved past the industrial phase include problems such as: “promoting postindustrial values, environmental issues, and civil rights.” (“Interest Groups”) The path interest groups have taken to reach their current stage becomes apparent as a constant reaction to meet the needs of their