How Do Extra-Constitutional Actors Influence Candidates?

Running for office is difficult task. Candidates have to deal with tasks such as finding money to run their campaign, convincing the public they will be able to make a difference, and incorporating the public’s views into their campaigns. Throughout their campaign, candidates are influenced by extra-constitutional actors, such as the media, public opinion, interest groups, and political parties. In the election of governor in Massachusetts this year, it can be seen that all of these extra-constitutional actors have influenced the candidates. All of the extra-constitutional actors exist to inform, motivate, and educate voters, but each one has its own individual goal. Without these, the people would have no say in what happens in political races. They help keep people involved and engaged.
One extra-constitutional actor is political parties, which are “organizations that nominate and support candidates for elected offices” (Smith, 178). They exist to get their beliefs into law through getting their candidates in office. The party will “give candidates money or help them raise it” and “offer logistical and strategic assistance” (Smith, 179). In the United …show more content…
They back specific candidates who will support their issue so the interest group can ensure it gets into law or stays in law. Interest groups “are the vehicle for people who are not policy makers, but who are effected by policy, to influence the political process” (Smith, 210). Candidates also get money and volunteers from interest groups. Interest groups hope to gain a person in government who will support their cause or interest and keep it in mind. Once a person gets elected, interest groups continue to have an effect on them through