Includes bibliographical references and index.

Are special interest groups beneficial to democracyOverview: Interest groups are multidimensional / Green Garage ; Strong backing often equals efficacy / Michelle Leach ; Unions are among the few groups representing the middle class / David Madland and Danielle Corley ; Special interest groups do influence policy / Stephane Wolton ; Lobbying has the potential to undermine democratic ideals / George Rennie -- Are widespread perceptions of the political elite fairOverview: The concept of elitism is nuanced and complicated / K. Arjun ; Political elites control power resources over the masses / Luis Garrido Vergara ; Elites are a class, not a belief / Natalie Schmidt ; The caricature of the liberal metropolitan elite is inaccurate / Ryan Shorthouse ; "Metropolitan elite" is a lazy misnomer / Michael Rundell -- Do special interest groups keep the political elite in checkOverview: Interest groups and elite theories explain the driving forces in politics / The University of Toledo ; Several categories of special interest groups contribute to the shape of American politics / R. Allen Hays ; The policy preferences of special interests must align with those of the general public / James Swift ; The interests of the wealthy dominate the political system / Douglas J. Amy ; Money is the most influential factor in elections / Rachel Alexander -- Do average Americans have an opportunity to be heardOverview: The average American vs. the political elites ; Efforts to foster change, however small, can make a difference / Jennifer Earl ; Protest can rejuvenate democracy / Jeremy David Bendik-Keymer ; Corporations have tremendous global influence / Ryan Cristian ; Conservative lawmakers strive to limit protesters' rights / Laura Graham -- Organizations to contact.