Chapter 12 Objectives for Student Learning

After reading this chapter, students should be able to:

• Explain why some interest groups are more influential in politics than others.
• Identify the chief characteristics of the competing theoretical perspectives on interest groups.
• List and discuss the resources, in addition to money, that may translate into political influence for both economic and non-economic interest groups.
• Discuss the various ingredients that can help an interest group succeed in its goals.
• Discuss the impact of federalism on the organization and strategies of interest groups.
• List some of the reasons why an interest group might use the courts to influence policy.