Abstract
Interest
groups form a large segment of stakeholders in the policy arena. Their
influence is based on their ability to move policy decisions in their favor.
The actions that interest groups take can range from letters written to
policy-makers to marches or protests that draw media coverage and command the
attention of the public and the policy-makers alike. Such was the case with the
May 2006 marches organized by Mexican American interest groups. Among these
highly influential interest groups is the Mexican American Political
Association (MAPA) which has had a forty-year history of affecting policy in
favor of the Mexican American and Latino communities in the United States. The
following paper is a summary and review of an article that documents these
historical protests against what many in the Mexican American and Latino
community termed unfair, unconstitutional and outrageous legislation. The
summary also contains information on the relevant issues and key initiatives
associated with MAPA´s May 2006 protest actions as well as information on the
opposing viewpoints concerning this group’s goals and ideals. The effectiveness
of the marches is gauged by citing the outcome of MAPA´s efforts against the
legislation in question.
