Chapters 2-5 end with a Summary. Preface Chapter 1. Introduction: Interest Groups and American Politics A Brief History of Interest Groups in Elections Diverse Groups, Diverse Goals The One, the Few, or the Many? Interest Groups and American Politics Interest Groups and the American Political System Characteristics of American Government Characteristics of American Parties Characteristics of American Elections Regulations, Goals, and Resources Strategies and Tactics How this Book is Organized Chapter 2. Interest Groups and Political Parties The Strategic Context: Regulations, Goals, and Resources Recruiting and Training Candidates Approaches to Recruitment Training Methods The Presidential Nomination Process Delegate Selection The National Conventions Influencing Party Platforms State Party Conventions Financing Convention Activities Chapter 3. Interest Groups and Candidates The Strategic Context: Regulations, Goals, and Resources The Evolution of Campaign Finance Regulation Goals and Resources PACs: An Overview Who Forms PACs and Why PAC Resources PAC Contribution Strategies Influences on Strategic Selection Influences on PAC Decision Making Giving Beyond the Limit Bundling and Coordinated Contributing Giving to Affiliated Organizations Contributions to Parties Contributions of Goods and Services Chapter 4. Interest Groups and Voters The Strategic Context: Regulations, Goals, and Resources Endorsements The Endorsement Decision Contested Endorsements Endorsements and Voting Decisions Hit Lists Ratings, Scorecards, and Voters' Guides Voter Mobilization Independent Expenditures s Issue Advocacy and Electioneering Communications The 2010 Elections in Context Referenda and Initiatives Chapter 5. Evaluating the Role of Interest Groups in Elections Positive and Negative Aspects of Interest Group Involvement Interest Groups and Political Parties Interest Groups and Candidates Interest Groups and Voters Reforming the System Interest Groups and Parties Interest Groups, Candidates, and Voters Directions for Campaign Finance Reform Underlying Assumptions Goals of Reform Summary Keywords, phrases, and concepts References Index.