13 - Organized Interests, Policymaking, and Congressional Accountability

Summary

In Chapter 13, Lee Drutman asks more generally whether the contemporary Congress can serve the general public interest or merely narrow, particularistic ones. The chapter examines the effects of crucial changes in the contemporary Congress vis-à-vis earlier periods, including increased efforts by incumbents to raise money through campaign donations, a growth in advocacy and lobbying by private special interests, and intense party polarization. Moreover, the chapter considers whether the recent developments invalidate earlier understandings of congressional representation and policymaking. In Drutman’s view, much remains unchanged. Taken together, however, the changes strengthen the hands of special interests and lessen the probability that Congress can rise above the preferences of organized groups to pursue policies that serve the general interests of inattentive citizens.