First, DESCRIBE/EXPLAIN the FUNCTIONS/ROLES interest groups play in our American political system, specifically in advancing democracy, with examples. Second, EVALUATE the ways in which the interest group system falls short of the democratic ideal.

An Interest Group is a group of people who influences public policies to their own Interest

Explanation:

The role of an Interest group  an association of people or individuals who tends to  influence policies either from the public or Government notably during the time of no campaign or elections, to their own interest.

An interest group is not a group that work outside the confines of the political system of the United States rather, they are accepted  by people, political parties or affiliation.

These Groups support things or find causes they believe would be achievable and be beneficial to everyone.

An example of  an interest groups is Mercy for Animals right organization that fights for the elimination of animal in the society.

Interest groups has some demerits in a democratic ideal in the following  ways

it is a part of john locke's natural rights popular during the age of enlightenment that people had inalienable rights to life, liberty and property. this was reflected by thomas jefferson in his declaration of independence as rights to life,liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

another line in the declaration of independence is that people have certain rights just because they are human. humans are capable of obeying the three natural rights john locke mentioned making them governable by these laws and therefore entitled to these rights as well.

muslims have taken his goods and products to different parts of asia an indonesia. sometimes just traveled and trade, but in other occasions, stayed in the place and made a living.

trade was the key for muslims economies to prosper. their commerce routes reached far places like malaysia and java in the 11th century.

another important factor for prosperity was that muslim states served as the middle point for european traders.

they used to travel by land but sailing the seas -the indian ocean- really increase the exportation of products.