How often and in what circumstances do interest groups influence national policy outcomes?

Answer 1

Generally speaking, and in most situations, in the United States, how often interest groups affect national policies is for the most part, not possible to ascertain. The reason for this is that in any given situation, national policy affects opposing interest groups. Also, few office holders will say that a policy was due to the pressure of any interest group. The officials or Congress representatives, or the executive branch will state that any given policy is based on the merits of the issue involved. Aside from the fact that there are opposing views among interest groups, there often can be a wide number of opinions among policy makers. This diversity from all parties mentioned makes it difficult to give an answer to "how often".

There may be opinions concerning whether a particular interest groups lobbying efforts affected new or changes in national policy, however, opinions will also vary on this.

Regarding the circumstances in which interest groups affect national policy also cannot with any provable degree of certainty be stated with certainty. Clearly if an issue develops where there is an interest group, or more than one, this or these groups will make their opinions known. This however does not necessarily translate into policy decisions.

For clarity, an example is proffered. There is a debate within many circles in the US regarding the building of a gas pipeline from Canada to several points within the US. Interest groups representing labor unions want such a pipeline as it will create jobs. Canadian interest groups also have an opinion. Added to this are the views of environmental interest groups. Some environmental may or may not have a stated policy on the issue.

Currently, the decision rests with President Obama. The pipeline has been delayed. It is not certain what will happen.

Here we see a clear example of what this answer has attempted to do regarding "influence".