Political Science 4233

Interest Groups in U.S. Politics

Study guide for first exam:

            Madison’s dilemma

                        checking the mischiefs of faction

Pluralism and interest groups
                  readings on social capital democracy

            Interest group proliferation

                        competing theories
                            readings on disturbance, leadership theories, etc.

                        impact on governmental process

            Interest group activity

                        marketing

                        maintaining

                        governing

                        decision making
                            readings on membership problems, i.e. NRA example

            Political parties and interest groups

                        advantages to the political parties

                        electoral concerns

                        responsible vs. weak party systems

                        citizen groups

                        PACs
                            readings on interest groups and gridlock