POLS 206 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Social Exchange Theory, Direct Lobbying In The United States, Amicus Curiae
19 Oct 2016
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The general nature of interest groups: definition. Share common attitudes (or interest) on some matter and. Make demands on other in society to promote or protect that matter. Interest group goals: pursue new benefits to promote group interests, defend existing benefits to protect group interests, more effective on #2- conservative force. Policy change requires access at multiple decision points. Interest group formation and membership: why are there interest groups. First amendment freedoms of association and speech. Most americans belong to or are closely associated with some interest group: why do people form and join interest groups. Based on a theoretical assumption that people engage in collective action because it is rational to do so: what is rational, public goods and the free rider problem (mancur olson 1965) Each individuals share is a trivial contribution to the total cost. One persons enjoyment does not prevent others from benefitting.
