Interest Groups and Lobbying shows how political organizations and their lobbyists play a crucial role in how policy is made in the United States. It cuts through the myths and misconceptions about interest groups and lobbyists with an accessible and comprehensive text supported by real world examples and the latest research.

New to the Second Edition

* Fully updates and expands the discussion of social media and other online activity engaged in by interest groups, showing that they have become more sophisticated in their use of the internet - especially social media - for keeping current members informed and for their advocacy work.

* New case studies on more recent advocacy efforts.

* Updated data used in the book, including:

* Total number and types of interest groups lobbying in Washington, DC

* Total number and types of interest groups lobbying in the fifty states

* Data on campaign contributions

* Data on amicus briefs and case sponsorship

* Data on stages of the lawmaking process where interest groups appear to lobby the most

* New data on revolving-door lobbyists