Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens

Introduction

• Authors: Martin Gilens and Benjamin I. Page
• Published in: Perspectives on Politics, Vol. 12, No. 3 (September 2014)
• Pages: 564-581
• Publisher: American Political Science Association
• Main Topic: Examines the influence of different actors on American public policy.

Theoretical Framework

• Four Theoretical Traditions:
  1. Majoritarian Electoral Democracy
  2. Economic-Elite Domination
  3. Majoritarian Pluralism
  4. Biased Pluralism
• Each theory predicts different levels of influence over public policy by:
  • Average citizens
  • Economic elites
  • Organized interest groups (mass-based or business-oriented)

Research Methodology

• Data Set: 1,779 policy issues analyzed
• Analysis Type: Multivariate statistical model
• Objective: Test theoretical predictions against empirical data

Findings

• Key Results:
  • Economic elites and business-oriented interest groups have substantial independent influence on U.S. government policy.
  • Average citizens and mass-based interest groups have little or no independent influence.
• Theories Supported:
  • Economic-Elite Domination
  • Biased Pluralism
• Theories Not Supported:
  • Majoritarian Electoral Democracy
  • Majoritarian Pluralism

Journal Information

• Purpose: Provides political insight on important problems through rigorous research and integrative thought.
• Audience: Members of different subfields and knowledgeable individuals outside the discipline.

Publisher Information

• Founded: 1903
• Major Professional Society: For political science scholars and practitioners
• APSA Members: Include academics and individuals in government, research, organizations, consulting, media, and private enterprise.

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