1. Special Interest Groups
Lobbyists and PACs

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

3. 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

4. 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

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