r policy that would be beneficial. In Madison’s time, “society was viewed ideally as a harmonious whole, its different parts sharing common interests that all wise and honest authorities would dutifully promote” (Kernell 2000, 384). While this is still the basic concept of representation, the founders of the Constitution may be disappointed in the way public policy and factions are handled in American politics. Examples of these situations are found in everyday politics.In the October 4th edition of The New York Times, Texas Republican Larry Combest criticizes the Bush Administration for turning down the Republican farm bill.# Combest, chairman of the Agriculture Committee was upset with Bush’s rejection of the Page 5bill which stops $171 billion from going to commodity subsidies. A portion of the funding is supposed to be spent on conservation efforts, but the Bush administration feels as though not enough would be spent on the environment. After the bill entered the House, the Office of Management and Budget asked the House to edit the bill, taking into account rural America, the environment, and growing markets. This is an example of pluralistic politics. A particular faction, the Agriculture Committee is attempting to acquire government money in order to promote the best interests of their cause. To their misfortune, the Bush Administration and the House are hoping to allocate the proposed $171 billion among different spending areas, not just the Agricultural Committee in Texas. Instances like this are irritating for those that are part of the special interest group, but this will inspire harder work, and more pressure on Congress in the form of lobbying. Founded in the birth of America, pluralism is a large aspect of the United States’ political system. As outlined in our Constitution, special interest groups are an important in maintaining liberty and freedom. With America’s diverse...
