POLI 330N Week 4 Discussion: The Influence of Interest Groups: Balancing Advocacy and State Regulation
Week 4 Discussion: The Influence of Interest Groups: Balancing Advocacy and State Regulation
Special interest groups are entities or coalitions of people with a common or shared interest in a certain policy area and actively want to influence policy choices and decisions that public organizations, especially governments and their departments make. Access to mental health services is essential to reduce adverse events and improve patient outcomes for individuals exposed to risks and suffering from mental health disorders (Modi et al., 2022). Special interest groups like Mental Health America (MHA) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) are large grassroots organizations that advocate for increased access to mental health services for all Americans. For instance, Mental Health America (MHA) helps individuals lead mentally healthier lives through its focus on prevention, early intervention, and enhancing access to mental health services. NAMI’s focus includes advocacy, education, support, and creating public awareness to enhance the lives of those suffering from mental disorders (NAMI, 2025).
Mental health disorders are a public health concern and no specific group seems to be opposing policies to improve access to mental health services. Supporters engaged in this issue want more resources at the grassroots to enhance the training of mental health providers and increase the integration of technology to improve access to critical mental interventions for such cases (MHA, 2025). According to Counts (2022), supporters seek more resources to enhance awareness, fill gaps in access to mental health treatment, and develop policies that target the most vulnerable populations like those from low-income and racial minority backgrounds who lack health insurance and access to health services. These interventions are essential to reducing the percentage of American adults suffering from mental health conditions like depression and anxiety among others.
Special interest groups play a critical role that includes creating awareness, influencing policy development, and seeking resources to improve access to mental health care. These groups work to support federal and state policies to improve access to mental health interventions (MHA, 2025b). As the voice of the affected, these groups influence policies by making recommendations on evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions that health providers and policymakers can integrate to achieve the overall goal of increasing access to mental health services.
References
Counts, N. (2022 September 7). Behavioral Health Care in the United States: How It Works and
Where It Falls Short. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/explainer/2022/sep/behavioral-health-care-us-how-it-works-where-it-falls-short
Mental Health America (MHA) (2025). Shaping the future of mental health.
Home
Mental Health America (MHA) (2025b). Integration of Mental and General Health Care.
Integration of Mental and General Health Care
Modi, H., Orgera, K. & Grover, A. (2022 October 10). Exploring Barriers to Mental Health
Care in the U.S. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). https://doi.org/10.15766/rai_a3ewcf9p
National Alliance on Mental Illnesses (NAMI) (2025). About NAMI.
About NAMI
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The Influence of Interest Groups:
Balancing Advocacy and State Regulation
Discussion
Optional Resources
Please use the interactive map below to access articles for your state. You may also do your own research. Begin by viewing a video from the Chamberlain Library with tips about finding state-specific resourcesLinks to an external site..
Initial Post Instructions
During the Week 4 discussion, you will look at how special interest groups are powerful players in shaping public policy. For example, focused interest groups work to improve outcomes by promoting policies that expand healthcare access, mental health, and child welfare, improve nutrition, protect the environment, and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Special interest groups may also lobby to limit regulatory measures, often emphasizing economic concerns over health priorities.
In this discussion, find an article or information about a specific policy of interest from your state using the interactive map below or search for your own in the CU Library. (NOTE: You will need to log in to the Chamberlain Library before accessing these resources.)
Then, in one (1) short paragraph (i.e., 3-5 complete sentences), briefly address the following:
- Introduce the special interest group(s) that you have chosen. Discuss who is advocating for the policy you have selected.
- Who is opposing it? (If no specific groups are named, feel free to talk about the supporters and/or opponents engaged in this issue).
- Then, analyze the role of these special interest groups and how they are working to support or challenge policies. What impact do they have?
Remember: There are no “right” or “wrong” answers. These are your own personal reflections.
Map of State Sources Transcript
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to one peer or your professor.
Writing Requirements
- An Initial Post discussing one of the options provided or a topic of your choice.
- Use two scholarly sources for your Initial Post. All material within the course room can be cited and referenced as needed.
- One follow-up response post to a peer or your professor.
- Follow appropriate APA citation guidelines. Here are two excellent resources: Crediting Sources Made SimpleLinks to an external site. and the Writing CenterLinks to an external site..
Grading
This activity will be graded using the Discussion Grading Rubric. Please review the following link:
- Discussion GuidelinesOpen this document with ReadSpeaker docReader
Course Outcomes
- CO 2: Critically assess current events through the lens of constitutional principles, forming well-reasoned arguments regarding their implications for democracy and justice based on American values.
- CO 3: Assess different governmental policies and laws concerning their impacts on individual freedoms and societal order.
- CO 5: Formulate original policy solutions that harmonize diverse stakeholder interests.
- CO 7: Evaluate and apply various methods of political analysis, including quantitative and qualitative techniques, to distinguish and demonstrate the ability to analyze data.
Due Date
Due Date for Initial Post: By 11:59 p.m. MT Recommended by Wednesday
Due Date for Follow-Up Posts: By 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday
Posts must be on two separate days.
Reply
Discussion Grading Rubric_Gen Ed_25 pts MAR25
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeInitial Post Content | 8 ptsOutstandingAddresses ALL aspects of the initial discussion question(s).
6 ptsVery GoodAddresses MOST aspects of the initial discussion question(s). 4 ptsCompetentAddresses SOME aspects of the initial discussion question(s). 0 ptsPoorMinimally addresses the initial discussion question(s). |
8 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeInitial Post Sources | 2 ptsOutstandingThe initial post is enriched with insights from assigned readings/online lessons and includes at least one outside scholarly source.
1 ptsVery GoodThe initial post is enriched with insights by either assigned readings/online lessons, or at least one outside scholarly source, but not both. 0 ptsPoorThe initial post does not provide evidence of assigned readings, online lessons, or at least one outside scholarly source. |
2 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFollow-up Post | 8 ptsOutstandingFollow-up to another student or instructor. Furthers the dialogue by adding depth and information to the discussion. Directly engages with the original post.
6 ptsVery GoodFollow-up to another student or instructor. Furthers the dialogue by adding some depth and information to the discussion. 4 ptsCompetentFollow-up to another student or instructor. Does not further the dialogue significantly; adds little depth to the discussion. 0 ptsPoorDoes not respond to another student or instructor. This point value will also be given if follow-up to another student or instructor is a low effort post that does not add any new information on the theme with the discussion. |
8 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeProfessional Communication | 4 ptsOutstandingPresents information in an organized manner (minimal errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation). Respect and professionalism are demonstrated.
3 ptsVery GoodPresents information in an organized manner (Significant errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation that impact the ability of the reader to understand what is being said). Respect and professionalism are demonstrated. 2 ptsCompetentPresents information using understandable language but is somewhat disorganized (Significant errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation that impact the ability of the reader to understand what is being said). Respect and professionalism are demonstrated. 0 ptsPoorInappropriate, disrespectful, or inflammatory language is used. Respect, care, and/or professionalism are not demonstrated. |
4 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Formatting of Sources | 2 ptsOutstandingThe initial post includes in-text citations, and a complete reference list of all sources used at the end of the discussion, with minor errors in APA formatting in the in-text citations, reference list, or both.
1 ptsVery GoodThe initial post includes in-text citations, and a complete reference list of all sources used at the end of the discussion, with significant errors in APA formatting in the in-text citations, reference list, or both. 0 ptsPoorThere is no evidence of citations and/or references within the initial discussion post. |
2 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFrequency of Responses | 1 ptsOutstandingPosts in the discussion on two different days.
0 ptsPoorPosts fewer than two different days OR does not participate at all. |
1 pts |
Total Points: 25
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