The political elite and special interests

Cover -- Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- Foreword -- Introduction -- Chapter 1: Are Special Interest Groups Beneficial to Democracy? -- Overview: Interest Groups Are Multidimensional -- Strong Backing Often Equals Efficacy -- Unions Are Among the Few Groups Representing the Middle Class -- Special Interest Groups Do Influence Policy -- Lobbying Has the Potential to Undermine Democratic Ideals -- Chatper 2: Are Widespread Perceptions of the Political Elite Fair? -- Overview: The Concept of Elitism Is Nuanced and Complicated -- Political Elites Control Power Resources over the Masses -- Elites Are a Class, Not a Belief -- The Caricature of the Liberal Metropolitan Elite Is Inaccurate -- "Metropolitan Elite" Is a Lazy Misnomer -- Chapter 3: Do Special Interest Groups Keep the Political Elite in Check? -- Overview: Interest Groups and Elite Theories Explain the Driving Forces in Politics -- Several Categories of Special Interest Groups Contribute to the Shape of American Politics -- The Policy Preferences of Special Interests Must Align with Those of the General Public -- The Interests of the Wealthy Dominate the Political System -- Money Is the Most Influential Factor in Elections -- Chapter 4: Do Average Americans Have an Opportunityto Be Heard? -- Overview: The Average American vs. the Political Elites -- Efforts to Foster Change, However Small, Can Make a Difference -- Protest Can Rejuvenate Democracy -- Corporations Have Tremendous Global Influence -- Conservative Lawmakers Strive to Limit Protesters' Rights -- Organizations to Contact -- Bibliography -- Index -- Back Cover.