Lobbying, Pluralism and Democracy

by L. Graziano

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780333920565
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	04/17/2001
Series:	Advances in Political Science
Edition description:	2001
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.03(d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

Graziano employed case studies of two major American associations of universities and two public-interest groups<-->Handgun Control, Inc. and the National Rifle Association<-->as the basis for this intriguing study on the social politics of lobbying. He expands the context by placing the process of lobbying today in relative terms with the history of political thought, including the work of Montesquieu, de Tocqueville, Madison, Bentley, Truman and Laske. The concluding section considers the special/public interest distinction and the possible role of lobbying to affect society and its needs. Graziano teaches political science in Turin, Italy; his research was carried out during extensive stays in the US. The work was translated by Maggie Greenhorn. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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