Includes bibliographical references (pages 254-258) and index.
Contents:
Introduction: Pressure Groups and Government -- pt. I. Pressure Group Theory. 1. The Process of Government / A.F. Bentley. 2. The Logic of Collective Action / Mancur Olson. 3. Interest Groups and the Fallacy of the Liberal Fallacy / Richard Kimber. 4. The Pluralism of Pluralism: An Anti-theory? / Grant Jordan -- pt. II. Pressure Groups in Practice. 5. Democratization and the Growth of Pressure Groups in Soviet and Post-Soviet Politics / Terry Cox. 6. Interest Group Behaviour in Britain: Continuity and Change / Jeremy J. Richardson. 7. Interest Groups in Denmark / Jacob B. Buksti. 8. Interest Groups in Italy: From Pressure Activity to Policy Networks / Luca Lanzalaco. 9. American Interest Groups / Graham K. Wilson. 10. Canadian Pressure Groups: Talking Chameleons / A. Paul Pross. 11. Pluralism and Pressure Politics in France / Peter A. Hall. 12. Pressure Group Politics in West Germany / Lewis J. Edinger. 13. Interest Groups in the European Community / Sonia P. Mazey and Jeremy J. Richardson. 14. Three Faces of Associational Politics: Interest Groups in Politics in Israel / Yael Yishai. 15. Australian Interest Groups / Trevor Matthews. 16. Pressure Groups in Japan / Karel van Wolferen.
Summary:
"The readings in this series are chosen from a variety of journals and other sources to cover major areas or issues in the study of politics, government, and political theory. Each volume contains an introductory essay by the editor and a select guide to further reading." "Since the early 1950s pressure groups have been recognized as playing a key role in the policy process in western democracies. As legislatures and political parties have declined in influence, the relationship between pressure groups and government has become highly developed. This has presented both problems and opportunities for the participation of ordinary citizens in the governmental process. This book reviews some of the key theoretical concepts developed in the study of pressure groups and presents a series of up-to-date studies of their role in particular countries, including the UK, USA, France, and the former Soviet Union. It is an authoritative collection, edited by one of Britain's leading pressure group analysts, and will be invaluable for both students and practitioners who want to understand current developments in the lobbying process."--Jacket.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.