Why do political parties pay attention to interest groups? This article examines how German parties respond to lobbying influence versus voter concerns across eleven issue areas and seven elections from 1987-2009.

Information Advantage

Interest groups provide valuable information, campaign contributions, electoral support, and personal rewards that shape party agendas.

Electoral Alignment

Parties adjust their policy positions based on interest group mobilization but only when these priorities match those of voters.

Longitudinal Evidence

This innovative study demonstrates how effective interest groups are in influencing political parties, with findings showing significantly higher success rates during election periods.

Conclusion & Significance

The results suggest that while interest groups can sway party agendas, their influence is substantially amplified when aligned with public opinion.