ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that the explanation for the success of under-represented groups is to be found in a somewhat unlikely place: the type of organization they choose to form. It also argues that activists in under-represented groups want to maximize their policy influence, and can use different types of organizations in order to do so. The book shows that activists' organizational choices are consistent with the assumption that they are strategically seeking policy influence. It suggests that despite the effort of Jonathan Porritt and others, interest groups are a better path to influence in the UK than are niche parties like the Green Party. The book deals with the question of how policy outcomes are affected by political institutions. It also suggests that the debate needs to take more account of non-electoral paths to democratic influence.
