In this work, he discusses the problems that pluralism causes in groups attempting to gain recognition of their concerns on a national level.5 According to our text, “pluralism is the theory that all interests are and should be free to compete for influence in the government.”6 These interests will compete with each other until the competition of interests leads to a compromise. The Sierra Club contains a board of directors comprised of fifteen members with varying positions such as president, vice president, secretary and director.4Ĭollective action has existed in the United States since our founding with its earliest roots found in James Madison’s Federalist Paper No. The Sierra Club accomplishes this goal through yearly member fees ranging from $15 to $100 upon sign up.3 Thirdly every group must have a leadership structure for decisions. Secondly, groups must build a financial structure. For example, the Sierra Club offers a messenger bag, automatic admittance to a local chapter, exclusive member-only outdoor trips, a one-year subscription to Sierra magazine, and discounts on Sierra Club merchandise.2 Even if a potential member was not anticipating joining, they may donate a small amount simply for the perks of becoming a member. First, they must attract and keep members through various incentives or selective benefits. There are three criteria for groups to meet in order to form a strong coalition. The Sierra Club mission statement explains it’s aims to, “explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources and to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.”1 This group needs people who want to speak out in defense of the environment and climate change in the hopes of saving these resources from destruction. Additionally, collective action is increasingly important to Sierra Club because the environment cannot speak for itself. However, if you have a collective group of citizens flooding that congressman’s office every day with letters, it may urge the congressman to take a particular stance on an upcoming bill. A single person writing a letter to their congressman about their negative views on a specific social issue may not spur an excessive amount of action from their congressman. In reality, this concept is almost inherent. Organizing a large, collective group enhances the likelihood that member’s views will be heard and government will act in their favor. This is of the utmost importance to democracy because it is the most effective manner for citizens to display their attitudes towards current events and social problems. This is extremely prevalent in government where interest groups lobby to have their voices heard and actions taken by legislators in favor of their cause. Collective action is the culmination of actions taken by a group of people wanting a similar outcome in relation to their efforts.
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