Title: 
Headings: Groups and Interests
Groups and Interests
Principles of Politics Exercise
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Content: all politics is collective action and, whereas all cooperation through collective action is difficult, the difficulty mounts as the number of people grows. According to Mancur Olson’s The Logic of Collective Action, the main impediment to collective action in interest groups is the fact that every individual has an incentive to be a “free rider,” reaping the common benefits that result from the contributions of others. Of course, if this is everyone’s incentive, then the puzzle is: Why does anyone contribute to the common good? It is also important to note that the collective-action problem falls disproportionately on some groups. Large and heterogeneous groups, for example, have a more difficult time overcoming the collective-action problem than do small groups based on narrow, specific interests. Selective Benefits
The collective-action problem can be overcome through the provision of selective benefits; that is, benefits that are conferred only on those who join the group and contribute to the collective good. Types of selective benefits include: Informational benefits: