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Analyzing Elite Influence: Groups, Power, and Policy Control

This analysis explores the dynamics between elitism, hyperpluralism, and iron triangles in shaping policy decisions. It critiques the notion of pluralism, highlighting how a few powerful corporations can control decision-making despite numerous interest groups. The discussion delves into the interplay of interest groups, government agencies, and congressional committees. It also addresses the phenomenon of free-riding in larger groups compared to smaller ones, questioning the effectiveness of group size in promoting change and the implications for group membership.

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Analyzing Elite Influence: Groups, Power, and Policy Control

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  1. Elitists, Hyperluralists and Iron Triangles…Oh my!

  2. Its an Elite World • Dismiss the view of pluralism • Numerous groups meaningless when few hold great power • Largest power is held by corporations • Powerful few hold positions in multiple organizations • Interlocking directorates • Small groups win minor victories, but large corporations win decisive ones. • Essentially, regardless of the number of groups, the elite of them will control policy

  3. Hyperpluralist Criticisms • State that the interest group system is out of control • As a result: • Interest groups view their concerns as legitimate and the gov’t job is to fulfill their requests • This creates a high-cost relationships • Environmentalists want clean air, new regulations • Businesses complain about regulation, tax breaks created for the implementation of regulations

  4. Criticisms cont. • Groups have become too powerful in the political process as government tries to appease every conceivable interest. • Interest group liberalism is aggravated by numerous iron triangles • Try to please every group results in contradictory and confusing policy power.

  5. Iron Triangles • Interest groups interested in something, talk to a governmental agency in charge of that thing, who talk with congressman committees in charge of handling that policy. • Turn to page 459 in your books

  6. Who’s more powerful?? • Which is more effective at creating change, larger groups or smaller groups? • Smaller! • Potential Group: people who could possibly be interest group members • Actual Group: people with the potential to join who have joined. • Consumer groups actual group number is tiny compared to their potential group

  7. Cause I’m free, free-riding! • Free-riding: When individuals that don’t belong to a group, gain the benefits of that group. • Example: Not helping with dinner but eating that dinner. • For small groups, the harder an individual works, the greater the reward • If you’re in a larger group however, less rewards for an individual. • What does this do to group membership

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