ABSTRACT
Another means of exercising control over administration without resorting to formal conflicts between institutions is through pressure group activity and public opinion. We have already discussed some aspects of the relationship between pressure groups and the bureaucracy, with the conclusion that pressure groups may frequently be the source of administrative failure to operate in the ‘‘public interest.’’65 Can these same pressure groups also function as a check on administration? First, although pressure groups may not, in fact, serve the public interest broadly defined, they do certainly serve their clientele, and it is frequently that clientele that is most affected by agency activities. Thus, by informing their members of the activities of the agency, they can exercise some effective popular control. Of course, the end result of this process is frequently legislation or administrative action favoring the special interest, but even this constitutes some responsiveness by the agency.
