The Case(s) Against Interest Groups

Schattschneider How is his terminology different than Truman’s? How does he define his universe differently than Truman? Why, for him, is there a difference between public interests and special interests? What is that difference? What does he say about unorganized groups? What is the bias of the pressure system? What does his argument imply about political parties?

Lowi How does he characterize “Interest Group Liberalism”? In what three ways is pluralism wrongheaded? What are the negative consequences of this wrongheaded support for groups for the political system?

Lowi Pluralist theory itself responsible for costly problems with modern government The atrophy of institutions of democratic control The creation and maintenance of privilege Conservatism

In what specific ways are parties and interest groups competitors for influence in the American system of government and politics? Which is better (or perhaps less worse!) for American democracy? Are there particular reforms that might minimize the harms from one or the other of these institutions?