Political Action Committees (PACs) and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are important organizations associated with the politics in the United States. In fact, PACs have been recognized as the second best advocacy group capable of funding political campaigns. Similarly, SIGs are also organizations which contribute money to the campaigns of political parties to be able to encourage politicians to support their causes. Aside from this, SIGs also engage in different public displays which include protests in the World Trade Organization and even in meetings involving the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The main objectives of such protests are to show the strength of the convictions of the group when it comes to their causes and other political issues. Special Interest Groups or Pressure Groups can represent a narrow field of interest such as auto workers, farmers, and shareholders of certain firms or a broader field of interest such as retired workers and environmentalists (Grossman & Helpman, 2000; Gill, 2016).
Since health policy is within the realm of politics, the impact of PACs and SIGs in the political system in the United States can also affect the health care system. Additionally, it is important to note that the health care system is driven by different sectors of the government which include public, private, and political sectors. These sectors work hand in hand to develop health related policies from different levels of the government (local, state, federal). Aside from public health policies and reforms, institutions and businesses can also be involved in the development of health care reforms. Policy making consists of three phases (formulation phase, implementation phase, and evaluation phase) which also involves policy and politics. The formulation phase revolves around brainstorming of different ideas and information from stakeholders, organizations, and even SIGs. Aside from brainstorming, the framing of the issues as well as the purpose and outcomes of the policy will be identified. On the other hand, implementation phase will include information dissemination of the policy through a plan of action. The policy will be adapted and enacted in the different levels of the government. Lastly, the evaluation and modification of the implemented policies will take place to be able to amend and revise policies in accordance with the changing situations and circumstances (Primomo & Björling, 2013). Some analysts consider interest groups as hindrance to development because they tend to overwhelm politicians with their own advocacies and interests. However, it is important to consider the fact that SIGs allow a certain kind of connection between the people and the government. Through this, the interest of the people will be considered especially when dealing with health care policies. Aside from this, SIGs ensure that there is a fair competition amongst everyone. Despite these advantages, the dependence of the politicians on the SIGs can affect their decision making process. In fact, the growing number of SIGs cannot only cause confusion but also paralysis of the whole policy process (Gray, Lowery, & Benz, 2013; Shariff, 2013). On the other hand, PACs which are privately funded provide monetary support to candidates and politicians. It has been revealed that PACs are already changing the landscape of election in the United States due to the unlimited funding provided by these organizations. Since money is necessary during the campaign period, the monetary fund provided by PACs can greatly affect the interests of the politicians. Some analysts consider this as “lobbying” which is unethical because the decisions of politicians can be changed by lobbying, by monetary donations, and even by gifts. This issue is a concern because it has been revealed that the impact of PAC can put the stability and health of the policy process at risk (Broman-Fulks, 2012).
In totality, PACs and SIGs affect the policy process by influencing the interests and causes of politicians. However, PACs show their power through monetary fund while SIGs also show their strength through protests.
References
Broman-Fulks, C. (2012). Experts analyze impact of super PACs on the election landscape. EMORY. Retrieved from http://news.emory.edu/stories/2012/02/upress_election_money_and_politics/campus.html [Accessed on 4 Jul 2016]
Gill, K. (2016). What is Political Action Committee (PAC)?. About News. Retrieved from http://uspolitics.about.com/od/finance/a/what_is_a_PAC.htm [Accessed on 4 Jul 2016]
Gray, V., Lowery, D., and Benz, J.K. (2013). Interest Groups and Health Care Reform Across United States. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press
Grossman, G.M. and Helpman, E. (2000). Special Interest Groups and Economic Policy. The National Bureau of Economic Research. Retrieved from http://www.nber.org/reporter/summer00/grosshelp.html [Accessed on 4 Jul 2016]
Primomo, J. and Björling, E.A. (2013). Changes in Political Astuteness Following Nurse Legislative Day. Policy, Politics, Nursing Practice.
Shariff, N. (2013). Factors that act as facilitators and barriers to nurse leaders’ participation in health policy development. BMC Nursing 13(20).
