15.1 Acting Collectively

Theories of Interest Group Formation

• Theory of participatory democracy - citizens impact policymaking
• Civil society - groups outside of government that advocate for policy
• Citizens impact policymaking through interest groups
• Under pluralist theory, distribution of political power keeps them in check

Challenges against interest groups

• Collective action - individuals contributing their time & energy
• collective good - a benefit people can enjoy even if they didn’t help get it
• Free riders - people who reap the benefits but didn’t help
• Selective benefits - benefits to only group members

15.2 Interest group tactics

• Economic interest groups - advocate to gain economical gain
• Public interest groups - act on behalf of the collect interests
• Single issue groups - only focuses on one issue
• Government interest groups - act on behalf of local/state/foreign governments

Lobbying by Interest Groups

• They use lobbying
• Revolving door - movement of people from positions in gov’t & lobbying positions

Influencing Legislation