Some observers believe that interest groups in the United Statesare slowly eroding democracy—that is, that most groups areinterested only in personal gain, not the national interest.Countries such as Japan and Germany have very few interest groupsand are thus able to make decisions more quickly with a view towardthe public interest. What are some arguments in favor of ourpluralist (interest group–driven) type of government? On the otherhand, what are some ways that interest groups impede democracy?Which system is more preferable: one with many groups or one withfew?
