While special interest groups are one source of government failure and public sector inefficiency, they are also an inherent part of any society. People have different likes and dislikes, different interests, and different concerns. Special interest groups then represent these interests and concerns in the political arena. Whatever the interest, there's bound to be a special interest group represented. Want to protect gun ownership rights? The National Rifle Association is there for you. Interested in promoting public education funding? The National Education Association supports your concerns.

Concentrated Interests

The NAPSS membership includes 57,290 people who share an interest in pedestrian activities. As such, they have more to gain or lose from any government decisions that might affect their interests. A new walking path, for example, is bound to benefit NAPSS members more than others. Alternatively, a tax on shoes is likely to harm the NAPSS folks more than the rest of society.

The NAPSS is a special interest group. Because an interest group has more to gain or lose from particular government actions, it is also likely to be more involved in the political process. It is more likely to vote in elections that affect the interests of its members. It is more likely to actively campaign for candidates and issues. And it is more likely to provide financial support (both legal and illegal).

Utility Maximizers

However, for others the benefits exceed the costs. They rationally choose TO be informed and TO participate. They choose information and participation. The members of NAPSS, for example, are likely to be quite involved when the Shady Valley city government looks into the construction of a new walking path. They will vote for candidates who support the path. They will campaign for the walking path. They will seek more information and pass that information along to others.

Groups Enough for All

• George Grumpinkston, an economics professor at the Ambling Institute of Technology, is extremely interested in state government higher education funding, an interest shared by students Alicia Hyfield and Chip Merthington.


• Mona Mallard, the founder and president of Mona Mallard Duct Tape Industries, is extremely interested in federal government worker safety regulations, an interest shared from the other side by Mona Mallard employees Lilith Quirkenstone and Blaine Claytonberg.


• Hector Hamilton, a farmer on the outskirts of Shady Valley, is extremely interested in federal government agricultural subsidies, an interest shared by neighboring farmers Herb Haberstone and Harold Hoover.

Disrupting Efficiency

Suppose, for example, that Hector Hamilton and his fellow farmers are each likely to receive $10,000 a year from agricultural subsidies. However, this program only costs each of the citizens in the country, including consumer Pollyanna Pumpernickel, $1 year. Hector has more to gain from the program and thus is motivated to make political leaders aware of his preferences. Pollyanna, however, has very little to lose from the program and thus is NOT motivated to make political leaders aware of her preferences.