The Not-So-Special Interests: Interest Groups, Public Representation, and American Governance

"Lobbyist" tends to be used as a dirty word in politics. Indeed, during the 2008 presidential primary campaign, Hillary Clinton was derided for even suggesting that some lobbyists represent "real Americans." But although many popular commentators position interest groups as representatives of special—not "public"—interests, much organized advocacy is designed to advance public interests and ideas.

Advocacy organizations—more than 1,600 of them—are now an important component of national poli...