GVPT 170 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Free Rider Problem, Advocacy Group, Direct Democracy
12 Mar 2018
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Definition: an organization that engages in politics on behalf of its members and seeks to influence government policy. Key difference between interest groups and parties is. Interest groups do not run candidates for office. Overwhelming majority of americans belong to at least on interest group. Economic groups (ex: corporations, trade associations, professional groups) A lot more economic groups than any other. Distinction is often made based on how resource rich interest groups are. Important to remember that there are different kinds of resources. Money (to be used in campaigns, lobbying, etc. ) This is called the logic of collective action (olson) or the free rider problem. This is especially a problem for public goods (or goods that people can not be excluded from using) Solidary (social benefit from belong to group) How do interest groups try to influence government policy. Influencing the actions taken by those in government in ways that favor the preferences of the interest group.
