POLI317

Parties and interest groups are the primary forms of political organization in democratic polities. Since individuals must coordinate to mobilize electorates or press their claims to governments, parties and interest groups—as the major form of this coordination—are important for election outcomes and for public policy. Both groups also act as the key intermediaries between government and American society. The course covers similarities and differences between parties and interest groups, and how these groups work together to achieve common goals including preferred election outcomes, legislation, government policies and coalitions building. In addition, the course addresses how political parties and interest groups come into conflict, both across and within party and ideological boundaries.

Arts, Humanities and Education

MJ-AMER- Amer Thought & Value (AMR9), MJ-AMER-Advanced Cat Elective (AMRB), MJ-AMER-Amer Politics & Soc. (AM11)