The evolution of theorizing by political scientists about the role of interest groups in US. politics is explored in this article. Critiques of pluralism and the problems of measuring power are described. The dynamics of mobilization and refinements to incentive theory are outlined. The changing conceptions of how influence is structured through subgovernments, issue networks, and advocacy coalitions are examined. Models of lobbying and changing conceptions of group-state engagement are discussed. The article concludes with a discussion of the need to reframe conceptions of interest and influence to reflect new economic, political, and social contexts that are better captured by postpluralist and social movement theory.
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