Patterns of Influence among Committees, Agencies, and Interest Groups

Abstract

This essay reviews the research ascertaining the patterns of influence among legislative committees, executive agencies, and interest groups. The literature review is organized around six major topics. First, the classificatory criteria utilized to identify subgovernment phenomena are examined. Second, the impact which similar perspectives or similar interests have is determined. Third, interaction patterns among the relevant participants are analyzed. Fourth, the nature, extent, and consequence of different exchange relationships are explored. Fifth, the impacts which the three sets of actors have on policy are summarized. Sixth, the relevant studies dealing with appropriations politics are summarized. Suggestions for future research are contained in the conclusion.