Interest group conflict, alliances, and opposition: Evidence from three states

Abstract

Despite a recent surge in attention to the role of private interests in American public policy-making, there is little systematic empirical research on the nature of interest group systems. This article analyzes a new set of survey data in an attempt to illuminate patterns of interaction among groups and between groups and other actors in the American states. The results indicate the following: (1) Conflict is common in many state policy domains. (2) Most state interest groups do not operate in relative isolation. (3) Citizen groups have injected uncertainty and conflict into the state policy process. (4) Many state policy fights are characterized by pitched conflict among citizen groups. Ultimately, the data shed light on a number of questions concerning the scope and nature of interest group conflict and cooperation in the states.