There is wide agreement that the number of interest groups in the United States has grown steadily since the late 1960s. Why is this so? Do you believe the number of interest groups will continue to grow over the next few decades? Why or why not?

What will be an ideal response?

An ideal response will:
1, Discuss the reasons for the steady growth in the number of interest groups in the United States.First, the Constitution facilitates the rise in the number of interests. The First Amendment guarantees the right to speech and assembly.Since power is fragmented in the United States through separate branches of government and federalism, there are numerous access points for groups. Second, society is diverse, and many interests form to reflect that diversity.Third, government has become active in social, economic, and personal life.Fourth, events sometimes occur that threaten interests, resulting in interest group formation and mobilization.
2, Discuss whether or not you believe the number of interest groups will continue to grow over the next few decades.Explain why or why not.For example, if arguing that the number of interests will continue to grow, the answer might discuss how new issues will develop and interest groups will arise to represent those interests.If arguing that interest group numbers will not continue to grow, the answer might indicate that there is some limit to the number of interests that can exist at one time.