Special Interest Groups Lobbyists and PACs

Characteristics Linkage groups Dissemination of a viewpoint Persuading policymakers Use of lobbyists and political action committees Specialized membership or affiliation Different from political parties

Group Theory Pluralist Competing groups are healthy Clarifies information and positions Prevents one group from dominating Elitist Power is concentrated in largest and richest organizations More money will lead to more influence in politics Defeats the purpose of representative democrracy

Historical Background Madison’s Federalist 10 – formation of factions was inevitable in a democracy A “multiplicity of factions” would be healthy and prevent abuses of power First Amendment protections – speech, assembly, press – support the idea of interest groups

Modes of Operation Economic and occupational – labor groups, trade associations, professional associations Energy and environmental Religious, racial, gender, and ethnic Political, professional, and ideological