Research Paper on Trump Administration Pay-to-Play Laws: Interest Groups' Remarkable Campaign

Introduction

One of the most remarkable campaigns by interest groups that I have experienced occurred during Trump's administration aimed at pushing his stance on Pay-to-Play laws. The laws limits enterprises and their owners from engaging in any political contribution which is denoted by the "pay" in cases they have been given any government contract, the "play" (Meehan, 2015). Initially, before taking his office, Trump promised his supporters to separate his enterprises from his administration. However, during first year of presidency, interest groups such as those representing hedge fund operators, oil drillers and miners campaigned for a change of his stance (The Settle Times, 2019). The interest groups held meetings and conferences at some of the most prominent Trump properties such as hotel and golf course and spent on food, rooms, and event space with money which ended at Trump pocket. Although these actions are legal, the role they played was to influence President Trump as a businessperson, to make administrative decisions that favor all businesses, including his enterprises.

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Approaches Used by Interest Groups to Impact Elections

Most interest groups provide support to candidates particularly those who are compassionate with their ideas in anticipation of having access to them when they are elected to office. For instance, the NRA may support candidates who would back the Second Amendments rights. Support may be funds collected by the interest group from various donors. Some interest groups also provide ideas while other promote a party's candidate (Dowling & Miller, 2014). Therefore, with such support, candidates can take their campaign to various places and individuals and gain many supporters who will vote them to office.

Appraising Methods Used by Interest Groups

One of the most significant approaches used in influencing electoral outcomes is financial donations. An interest group in most cases form groups known as political action committees which collect money from donors and distribute such funds to candidates supporting their interests (Dowling & Miller, 2014). This method is effective since it allows respective candidates to cater for expenses such as travel and vehicle costs which are directly related to their campaign. Therefore, with such funds, candidates can reach to a wide population including those located in distant geographical location or pay advertisement to influence them through their manifesto to vote for them during their elections. The effectiveness of fund donations is often enhanced by endorsement of candidates by the interest group which is also another technique used to gain the desired electoral outcomes. Some people rely on such endorsement to make their electoral decision since they believe interest groups act in best interest that also benefit the wide population. Therefore, it can be concluded that funds donations and candidates' endorsements are the best methods since they ultimately influence voters' choice in favor of the supported candidate.

Interest Group as a Hindrance to Modern Political Campaigns

I think interest groups are a hindrance to modern political campaigns. This is because rather than relying on interest groups to help campaign for themselves, candidates can now use the internet to individually influence elections outcomes. They can, for instance, use social media to raise campaign funds unlike in interest group which uses political action committees to raise funds from donors. Therefore, interest groups may act as a hindrance to individuals who wish to support their favorite candidate with small amounts since they rely on huge donations. Candidates can also use social websites such as Facebook that are cost-effective approaches to raise participation and mobilize voters. Thus, the new media has proved to be successful in reaching more population than interest groups which opted for high cost approaches such as conferences which act as a hindrance to modern political campaigns.

Conclusion

Interest group campaign can also occur during a presidential administration not necessarily during elections. This is purposely to influence a candidate support interest group's interests. Some of methods interest group use during elections include funds donation to candidates and endorsing them. However, despite proving to be effective, interest groups are hinderance to modern political campaign due to internet which is cost-effective methods and reaches a bigger population.

References

Dowling, C. M., & Miller, M. G. (2014). Super PAC!: Money, elections, and voters after Citizens United. Routledge.

Meehan, J. C. (2015). The Predominate Goliath: Why Pay-to-Play Daily Fantasy Sports are Games of Skill Under the Dominant Factor Test. Marq. Sports L. Rev., 26, 5.

The Settle Times. (2019). Interest groups book Trump properties to press their case with the president. Retrieved 29 August 2019, from https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/interest-groups-book-trump-properties-to-press-their-case-with-the-president/