Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the role that parties play in making government policy.
  2. Outline the evolution of the party system in the United States.
  3. Identify four types of interest groups and the kinds of interests they represent.
  4. Describe how interest groups use lobbying and campaign activities to get the public policy they want.
  5. Identify specific resources that interest groups bring to bear when attempting to influence public policy.
  6. Summarize the ways in which citizens interact with their government through membership in parties and interest groups.