⇒ They have a number of positive functions, which can be seen in these notes here
⇒ Some believe pressure groups create a pluralistic level playing field. The government acts as an umpire to ensure all groups have the same influence
⇒ Inequality of groups - competition among groups is often unequal and they operate within a series of competing elites
⇒ Special interest vs the public interest - tend to put the interests of small group before the interests of society as a whole. Can lead to group stereotyping as it seems they are all the same and want one thing (e.g. Clarence Thomas received criticism for being a conservative black judge and received criticism for not following liberal politics)
⇒ Buying political influence - this leads to a disproportionate level of influence (in 2016, $3.15 billion was spent on lobbying alone)
⇒ Using direct action - pressure groups can use unacceptable levels of violence in an attempt to pursure their political agenda (e.g. anti-abortion groups conducting bombings)
⇒ Revolving door syndrone - 50% of lawmakers who left the 113th Congress becmae involved with lobbying groups
⇒ Iron triangle - mutually beneficial relationships between presssure groups and their respective congressional committess and executive departments
⇒ Pressure groups are actually elitist (corporations have too much money and power and, thus, influence) and unions should have more power. Competition is restricted and some interests have disproportionate influence.