The Gun Lobby as an Interest Group - Essay Example

In this case, the principles held by interest groups aim at effecting some government policies by benefiting themselves and to push for their cause. The typical objectives of these groups are to benefit some members of the society or fight for a general cause that affects the boarder citizen population. Lobby groups are common in mature democracies where public opinions matters in governing systems (Theodore and Ginsbergh 247). In this regard, there are numerous interest groups operating within the American population.

All the interest groups found amidst the American social, political and economic systems aims at pushing for recognition by the government (Rosenthal 21). Their principles aim at gaining a result that satisfies some members of the society. Based on the theoretical appraisal of interest groups, gun lobby is one of the interest groups in the US. This group aims at voicing their concerns to the federal and state governing authorities. In addition, these interest groups aim at pushing the government towards addressing the needs of the interested stakeholders.

National Rifle Association or the NRA is the lobby group concerned with gun policies in the US. In this essay, we will evaluate the context of gun regulations with respect to the role played by NRA in influencing gun policies. Based on an informed state of affairs, it is rational to state that NRA hinders the implementation of safe gun policies by the federal and state governing systems (Pilkington 24). From a theoretical perspective, interest groups play a crucial role in a democratic society.

The efforts and principles adopted by lobby groups can present both the positive and the negative effect to the subject society. The process of pushing for recognition of some views by a nation’s citizens is the backbone of democracy and public liberty. Interest groups are one of the tools meant to bring about the aspect of social justice (Theodore and Ginsbergh 261). Division along lines of race and material wealth characterizes the American population. Therefore, the society needs systems meant to address these pronounced inequalities through civilized processes like lobbying.

According to concepts of political science, all interest groups are free to present their opinions without fear. The democratic governing system that characterizes America’s political, social and economic systems aim at achieving a state of compromise in cases of conflicts between any concerned parties (Selway 15). In this regard, the American government presents NRA with an opportunity to communicate their views concerning gun policies in the US. Therefore, NRA is free to push for legislation and enactment of policies that guide gun use within the American population.

However, it would be logical and rational to acknowledge the fact that liberalized gun use within the American society has resulted in a social menace which should be addressed by the government. Incidences of deaths and murder are on the rise and relaxed gun policies are responsible for this deplorable state of affairs. NRA plays a substantial role in influencing the government on structuring policies that govern gun business. The role played by NRA in influencing gun policies presents new challenges to the society.

Some government authorities both at the federal and state level are striving to device mechanisms of curbing the gun menace among the