Luba Lukova
Martin Gilens
Politicians listen to money rather than to the public’s preferences.
What can make them stop?
Responses
Larry M. Bartels
Should we follow public opinion when it is shallow, confused, or misinformed?
Matthew Yglesias
The purpose of a political system is to resolve political questions in a satisfactory way, not to reflect wider views.
Kay Lehman Schlozman
Don’t overlook interest groups: not one of the politically active occupational associations represents unskilled workers.
Mark Schmitt
Having lost the South, the Democrats’ new coalition is more dependent on affluent voters.
Nancy L. Rosenblum
Why not argue for strong progressive majorities?
John Ferejohn
Let’s not reduce policymaking to class warfare.
Barbara Sinclair
Poling data shows us preferences, but interests matter, too, and they tell a different story.
Russ Feingold
The soft money era was bad, but the influence of wealthy interests is now potentially far greater.
Archon Fung
Discovering effective ways for 21st century civic engagement is our most urgent task.
Michael Gecan
People generate change regardless of federal policy.
Martin Gilens replies
A democracy that ignores most of the public most of the time has a tenuous claim to legitimacy.
