This course focuses on the linkage institutions of political parties and interest groups. Linkage institutions are organizations which connect citizens and their preferences to the government and mediate their participation in politics. That is, political parties and interest groups convey citizens' interests to governmental institutions. Linkage institutions also help structure more direct participation of citizens through the nominations process and electoral campaigns.

These institutions are necessary in large nations like the United States in order to provide meaningful democratic control for citizens. Simply being necessary is not enough, however. Political parties and interest groups should perform their tasks in ways which enhance citizens' control of politics and ensure adequate representation of their interest. This will be the larger question of the course--To what extent do political parties and interest groups promote democracy in America?

Course requirements include a midterm exam, a research paper, and participation in class discussions and simulations.