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The question of interest group influence
[collection article]
Corporate Editor
Universität Mannheim, Mannheimer Zentrum für Europäische Sozialforschung (MZES)
Abstract "Interest groups are a major channel through which citizens can express their opinions to decision-makers. Their participation in policymaking may improve decision-making processes by supporting policies that are in line with citizen preferences and blocking policies that solely reflect the interest... view more
"Interest groups are a major channel through which citizens can express their opinions to decision-makers. Their participation in policymaking may improve decision-making processes by supporting policies that are in line with citizen preferences and blocking policies that solely reflect the interests of the governing elite. At the same time, however, intense interest group pressures may make it difficult for policy-makers to implement the most efficient policies since such policies often impose costs on parts of the public.Competition among interest groups over the distribution of economic gains may also slow down the rate of economic growth (Olson 1982). Finally, if some groups constantly win, interest group politics may undermine the legitimacy of electorally accountable decision making in a democracy.
A normative assessment of the role of interest groups in democracies thus crucially depends upon how much power interest groups have, and how power is distributed among different groups. Moreover, an understanding of the role of interest groups in the policymaking process is essential for explanations of policy outcomes. Finally, analysts trying to advise government on policies also have to be aware of the power of interest groups, as this factor determines the political feasibility of different suggestions. In short, research into variations in influence across groups and political systems is important for a series of reasons. Recognising this fact, political scientists have long engaged in theoretical debates on this issue." (excerpt)... view less
Keywords
democracy; EU; pressure group; politics; corporatism; decision making
Classification
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Collection Title
Opening EU-governance to civil society: gains and challenges
Editor
Kohler-Koch, Beate; Bièvre, Dirk de; Maloney, William
Document language
English
Publication Year
2008
City
Mannheim
Page/Pages
p. 25-43
Series
CONNEX Report Series, 05
Licence
Deposit Licence - No Redistribution, No Modifications
Data providerThis metadata entry was indexed by the Special Subject Collection Social Sciences, USB Cologne