After reading this chapter, you will be able to do the following:

9.1 Understand how interest group members try to wield the levers of political power to shape policy.
9.2 Summarize the challenges associated with interest group activity.
9.3 Discuss the types of interest groups in the American political landscape and the different tactics that they use.
9.4 Explore the challenges individuals face and the strategies they employ to overcome problems of collective action as members of social movements.
9.5 Analyze the tactics social movements use to advocate on their members’ behalf, and contrast them with those of interest groups.