Lobbying + Elitism vs. Pluralism

Lobbying

Influencing political decisions by providing information, expertise, or pressure

Where does Lobbying Stem from

lobby spaces where interest groups met lawmakers

interest group (actor)

represent business sectors, advocacy causes, or unions

Lobbyists (actor)

professionals who influence officials, may be in-house or hired

policymakers (actor)

government actors targeted by lobbying efforts

media/public opinion (actor)

indirect influences on policymaking

insider strategy

closed door meetings, testimony, relationship building

outsider strategy

public campaigns, protests, grassroots mobilizaiton

coalitions (strategy)

Alliances to boost lobbying power

venues

legislative bodies, executive agencies, courts, international forums

Elite theory

a small privileged group dominates politics

robert michels

elitist

iron law of oligarchy

robert michels, organizations invevitably become oligarchic

gaetano mosca

elitist, all societies have a political class

C. Wright Mills

Elitist, The power elite in the U.S. consists of political, business, and military leaders

Pluralist Theory

Power is widely distributed among various groups

robert dahl

pluralist, studied new haven, found multiple groups influenced decision

polyarchy

Competitive democracy with broad participation and civil liberties