<P> There are counterarguments that the system is working as it should, despite being rather messy . According to this line of argument, the Madisonian view of politics--in which factions were supposed to compete with other factions--is working exactly as it should . Competing factions, or in this case, competing interest groups, square off . Battling happens within the federal government, but instead of by settling arguments by elections, arguments are settled by powerful interest groups fighting each other, often financially . And it might appear to members of groups which lost in a lobbying battle that the reason for their loss was that the other side lobbied unfairly using more money . There are numerous instances in which opposed lobbies stalemate, and instances in which these stalemates have been seen as a positive result . And sometimes powerful financial interests lose the battle . </P> <P> Lobbying brings valuable information to policymakers, according to another argument in favor of lobbying . Since lobbyists often become highly knowledgeable about a specific issue by studying it in depth over years, they can bring considerable expertise to help legislators avoid errors as well as grasp the nuances of complex issues . This information can also help Congress oversee numerous federal agencies which often regulate complex industries and issue highly detailed and specific rulings . Accordingly, it is difficult for Congress to keep track of what these agencies do . It has been argued that lobbyists can help Congress monitor this activity by possibly raising "red flags" about proposed administrative rulings . Further, congresspersons can quickly gauge where they stand about a proposed administrative ruling simply by seeing which lobbying groups support the proposal, and which oppose it . </P> <P> Another argument in support of lobbying is that different interest groups and lobbyists, while trying to build coalitions and win support, often amend or soften or change their positions in this process, and that interest groups and lobbyists regulate each other, in a sense . </P> <P> But a more general sentiment supporting the lobbying arrangement is that every citizen can be construed as being "represented" by dozens of special interests: </P>

What does it mean when the united states is described as an interest group state