The "gold standard" on interest group politics has been updated for the first time in over a decade. With the help of a new co-author and premier scholar - Clyde Wilcox of Georgetown University - this long awaited revision offers up-to-date coverage on the explosion of business lobbyists, the closer relationship between parties and interest groups, the appearance and impact of 527s, and more. The Interest Group Society analyzes the increasing importance of interest groups and the consequences of their growing numbers in American politics today. Within a framework of traditional democratic theory, the text examines the origins, maintenance, and marketing of interest groups, as well as their relationship to the party system. Comprehensive coverage includes not only the traditional farm, labor, and trade associations, but also citizen groups, public interest organizations, corporations, and public interest firms. Emphasis is placed on the lobbying of all three branches of government, as well as on grassroots support and the lobbying of public opinion.

Table of Contents

Preface Chapter 1 Madison's Dilemma Curing the Mischiefs of Faction Interest Groups and Their Functions The Rise and Fall of Pluralism Pluralism as a Goal Conclusion Chapter 2 The Advocacy Explosion The Interest Group Spiral The Rise of Citizen Groups Business Fights Back Conclusion Chapter 3 The Party Connection The Advantages of Interest Groups Working Together Parties and PACs Keeping Parties Straight and True Conclusion Chapter 4 Mobilization and Organization Competing Theories Supply of Benefits Marketing Interest Groups: Direct Mail Maintaining the Organization Who Governs? Making Decisions Conclusion Chapter 5 Lobbyists A Day in the Life of a Lobbyist Effective Lobbying Lobbying as a Career Lobbyists for Hire Conclusion Chapter 6 Public Opinion and Grassroots Lobbying Lobbying for Values Educating the Public Think Tanks Demonstrations and Histrionics Direct Citizen Lobbying High-Tech Lobbying Conclusion Chapter 7 Political Action Committees Movement for Reform PACs and Political Finance Does Money Matter? Targeting and Cooperation Conclusion Chapter 8 Washington Lobbying Congress Executive Branch The Courts Strategic Decision Making Conclusion Chapter 9 The Rise of Issue Networks Coalitions: EverdayPolitics From Subgovernments to Issue Networks The Qualities of Issue Networks The Telecommunications Network Conclusion Chapter 10 Bias and Representation Corporate Wealth and Political Advocacy A Special Relationship Beyond Business Reform Bibliography Index