ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author explores the intersection of the government and interest groups as he begin to unpack the complexities of the ways representation works in the United States. Representation is a concept that appears to be straightforward, but on closer examination is actually quite complicated. The distinction is relevant to understanding why millionaires can be elected and subsequently presumed to provide appropriate representation to hundreds of thousands (or, in the case of most US senators, millions) of individuals who struggle economically. Through substantive representation by elected leaders, potentially counter-majoritarian courts, and through the work of organized interests, ordinary Americans can affect government and politics in meaningful ways. Capitalism assumes a certain amount of inequality with respect to wealth, but democracy promises each citizen some degree of control over his or her life. Activists and public officials from across the ideological spectrum and from both parties have recognized systemic inadequacies that give tremendous advantages to some Americans.
