Table of Contents
Foreword 9
Introduction 12
Chapter 1 Are Special Interest Groups Beneficial to Democracy?
Overview: Interest Groups Are Multidimensional Green Garage 17
Yes: Special Interest Groups Are Beneficial to Democracy
Strong Backing Often Equals Efficacy Michelle Leach 21
Unions Are Among the Few Croups Representing the Middle Class David Madland Danielle Corley 27
No: Special Interest Groups Are Not Beneficial to Democracy
Special Interest Groups Do Influence Policy Stephane Wolton 32
Lobbying Has the Potential to Undermine Democratic George Rennie 36
Chapter 2 Are Widespread Perceptions of the Political Elite Fair?
Overview: The Concept Elitism Is Nuanced and Complicated K. Arjun 42
Yes: Widespread Perceptions of the Political Elite Are Fair
Political Elites Control Power Resources over the Masses Luis Garrido Vergara 46
Elites Are a Class, Not a Belief Natalie Schmidt 51
No: Widespread Perceptions of the Political Elite Are Not Fair
The Caricature of the Liberal Metropolitan Elite Is Inaccurate Ryan Shorthouse 55
"Metropolitan Elite" Is a Lazy Misnomer Michael Rundell 58
Chapter 3 Do Special interest Groups Keep the Political Elite in Check?
Overview: Interest Groups and Elite Theories Explain the Driving Forces in Politics: The University of Toledo 62
Yes: The Special Interest Groups Keep the Political Elite in Check
Several Categories of Special Interest Groups Contribute to the Shape of American Politics R. Allen Hays 65
The Policy Preferences of Special Interests Must Align with Those of the General Public James Swift 77
No: Special Interest Croups Do Not Keep the Political Elite in Check
The Interests of the Wealthy Dominate the Political System Douglas J. Amy 84
Money Is the Most Influential Factor in Elections Rachel Alexander 102
Chapter 4 Do Average Americans Have an Opportunity to Be Heard?
Overview: The Average American vs. the Political Elites Martin Maximino 107
Yes: Average Americans Have an Opportunity to Be Heard
Efforts to Foster Change, However Small, Can Make a Difference Jennifer Earl 111
Protest Can Rejuvenate Democracy Jeremy David Bendik-Keymer 115
No: Average Americans Don't Have an Opportunity to Be Heard
Corporations Have Tremendous Global Influence Ryan Cristián 118
Conservative Lawmakers Strive to limit Protesters' Rights Laura Graham 123
Organizations to Contact 126
Bibliography 130
Index 132
