ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the interest group system in America, the types of groups that form, the resources they bring to the political fight, and the tactics they employ to get their way. It discusses the role of political parties, both major parties, Republicans and Democrats, and minor or third parties, in our politics. The chapter assesses the relative strengths and weaknesses of interest groups, minor parties, and major parties in representing citizen opinions and interests. It begins from the simple observation that every society has insiders and outsiders. Social change and economic development alter the environments in which people live, work, and govern. Groups representing the economic interests of their members are the oldest as well as the most numerous members of the interest group system. Most private sector and some public sector occupation groups have economic or professional assets, money, expertise, and sometimes numbers to trade for government attention and assistance.
