Lobbying, Pluralism and Democracy

Lobbying, Pluralism and Democracy investigates lobbying on three levels. It describes how lobbying is being practised in Washington, D.C. and focuses on its techniques, personnel and also its forms of regulation. Although a recent phenomenon, lobbying also raises older dilemmas which are discussed in Part II with particular reference to the work of Montesquieu, Madison, Tocqueville, and contemporary pluralists. The study also analyses 'private' representation in the light of the special/public interests dichotomy, and the extent to which 'public interest groups' may effectively secure a broader coverage of societal needs.

Autorentext
LUIGI GRAZIANO is Professor of Political Science at the University of Torino, Italy.

Inhalt
List of Figures List of Tables Foreword by Robert H. Salisbury Foreword by David Cohen Preface Introduction PART I: LOBBYING AS POLITICAL ACTION The Arenas and the Actors: Lobbying Communities and Policy Communities The Legislative Arena Lobbying and the Executive: the Budget Process The Techniques: Coalitions, Grasssroots Lobbying and Political Action Committees The Constraints PART II: ON LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PLURALISM: THEORY AND HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT On Pluralism Liberal Democratic Pluralism: the Forerunners, de Tocqueville, Montesquieu and Madison Contemporary Pluralism: Bentley, Truman and Laski PART III: ORGANIZED INTERESTS AND UNEQUAL REPRESENTATION (1960-90) Organized Interests and the system of Representation The Weak Link: Public-interest Groups CONCLUSION: LOBBYING AND DEMOCRACY Notes and References Bibliography Index of Names Index