preview

Gun Control Policies Applied To Rational And Group Theory Models

Decent Essays

Short Analysis of Gun Control Policies Applied to Rational and Group Theory Models In 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School was victim of a terrible mass shooting that prompted several states and cities to pass strict gun control measures. This sparked a widely debated and controversial issue for “gun friendly” states in the South and West, who responded with bills that would strengthen Stand Your Ground laws and allow weapons in most public places. The nation continues to be divided on gun control policies, as it is very controversial and continues to be a very hot topic in society today. There has been a rise in gun violence throughout the years, and it has been widely been debated that guns are too easily accessible and there is a continued push for stricter gun laws that can reduce the risk of gun violence. This paper will focus on the implementation of two models of public policy; Group Model and Rational Model. Group Theory begins with, “the proposition that interaction among groups is the central fact of politics. Group Theory is “when individuals with common interests band together formally or informally to press their demands upon government, a shared –attitude group that makes certain claims upon other groups in society” (Dye, p. 26). Additionally, this paper will apply the rational model to gun control policies. Rational policy, as defined by Dye, is a policy that gives the majority of society what they want. It has emphasis on achieving maximum social gain (Dye, p.30)
Group Theory Model The group theory model, as defined by Dye, reflects that “there is power in numbers and that the influence of a group can be determined by numbers, wealth, organizational strength, access to decision makers and internal cohesion” (Dye, p.27). As the federal government moves to make strict gun control laws and policies one extremely influential group has had overwhelming success in slowing the process of these policies. That powerful group is known as the National Rifle Association, a group founded in 1871 that has a focus on promoting and encouraging rifle shooting. The NRA, already a large mass of like-minded people, has been influencing policy makers for decades via sending letters and eventually developing a

Get Access