The Population Ecology of Gucci Gulch, or the Natural Regulation of Interest Group Numbers in the American States

Abstract

Theory: The theory of population ecology (in contrast to economic theories of groups) is used to predict the number of interest groups in the United States. Hypotheses: Interest-group density is a function of potential constituents, potential government goods and services, the stability of the political system, government age, and government size. Methods: Regression analysis of U.S. state data for interest groups in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, welfare, the environment, and local governments. Results: Interest group density conforms to the predictions based on population ecology (constituents, government goods and services, and political stability), but not those based on economic theories of group mobilization.