Special interest groups get a bad rap from the media and hillbillies who try to blame someone, but truth be told, interest groups are a necessary evil. Whether you think interest groups are good or bad, these special interest groups are a natural part of our political system. Interest groups are any organization of people with political goals who work within the political process to advance those goals. An interest group hires lobbyists whose job is to encourage or prevent changes in public policy without even attempting to be elected to office. These groups attempt to influence politics in many ways, for example by lobbying government officials, engaging in electoral activities, educating and mobilizing various audiences (Interest Groups: Organizing to Influence). Some of these powerful groups in California include the California Teachers Association, the American Civil Liberties Union, AT&T Inc., NRA, or the California State Council of Service Employees. In California, interest groups have a lot of power and influence on every aspect of the political spectrum. In its simplest definition, special interest groups serve many purposes in the political ring, but the way they are free to roam today, with little regulation, is not feasible for democratic government. In this article I will discuss the competing arguments for and against interest groups, whether they are good or bad for the political system in California, and what reforms can be implemented to curb the influence of these lobbyists. Interest groups are an essential part of the political system. “Lobbyists see themselves as professional, selfless gladiators/under enormous pressure from clients to get results” (Michael, Walters 4). Members of Congress aren't experts on anything... middle of the paper... they probably shouldn't be making that kind of transaction. Businesses and unions should be able to have a say in what becomes law, just like everyone else, as it could affect them too, but due to the amount of money they pour into the political system, it would be better if there were better disclosure laws in place to end secrecy. The blame doesn't just fall on corporations and unions, but also on the people who take their money. I would improve the California Fair Political Practices Commission, or FPPC, and increase fines and penalties for anyone caught committing illegal acts. We must prevent individual companies and unions from investing all their money in the policies they want. Ultimately, this does not mean an improvement in democracy and transparency. These would be my solutions to reduce special interest influences on California's political system.