The Influence Of Green Groups On The Policy Of The United States :: essays research papers

The Influence of commonality Groups on the Policy of the unify StatesAbstract This research examines the relationship betwixt environmental groupsand the policies of the United States. The United States political system hasbeen historically anthropocen-tric, or human centered. Environmental groups hire been attempting to change this to a biocentric or ecocentric viewpoint,which includes the rights of animals and the environment. These views arenature centered instead of human centered. This study willing suffice the questionof whether these groups have been effective at altering United States policies.This will be done through the study of views offered by both sides. Also, asurvey will be used to determine whether congressmen views are invariable withenvironmentalist views. It will also present whether policy change has takenplace, and if these changes have remained intact through the study of pastcongressional decisions. look Problem1. Research QuestionHave environmental g roups strategies been successful at altering the policiesof the United States?2. Rational for the ResearchThis research will financial aid environmental groups to identify the effectiveness oftheir strategies. This is necessary for these groups to effectively alter thepolicies of the United States, which is one of the largest polluters in theworld. If their strategies are ineffective then it will be necessary for them toreassess their methods. Without the use productive methods these groups willnot be able to protect the environment. Animals, plants and the entireecosystem must have the uniform apology as humans have. An ecocentric viewpointestablishes the right of the environment to have good standing. This givespeople the ability to defend the right of an animal to exist with the samerights as humans. Without this protection, people will be just as negativelyaffected as the environment. The realm must be thought of as a living organism,if one donation is hurt then the total planet will feel the effects. Unfortunately,business and governments take the stance that the earth is more like a machine.That is, at times if a part is hurt it can be repaired, without it effecting thewhole system.Literature ReviewThe lit on environmental groups and their influence and activities isvast. Several themes concerning the groups influence in changing UnitedStates policy exist. The American Psychological Association has done studies onecocentric and anthropocentric attitudes (Thomas, 1994). Ecocentric values havearisen recently as environmental problems have come to the publics attention.Anthropocentric values have existed much longer. They have give wayinstitutionalized into our political and economic system.The movement toward environmental awareness arose in the political activism inthe 60s. Although these values have recently been declining according to