Actors:
* Interest Groups: Organizations that advocate for specific policy positions. They try to influence government by lobbying, mobilizing members, and engaging in public education campaigns. Examples: The American Medical Association (AMA), the Sierra Club, the National Rifle Association (NRA).
* Political Parties: Organizations that seek to gain power in government by nominating candidates, developing platforms, and mobilizing voters. Examples: Democratic Party, Republican Party, Green Party.
* Media Organizations: News outlets that report on political events, shape public opinion, and hold politicians accountable. Examples: The New York Times, CNN, Fox News.
* Social Movements: Groups of individuals who organize around shared political goals and engage in collective action to achieve them. Examples: Black Lives Matter, the Women's Suffrage Movement, the Civil Rights Movement.
Influences:
* Public Opinion: The collective attitudes and beliefs of citizens on political issues. This can influence policymaking through elections and pressure on elected officials.
* Money and Campaign Finance: Financial contributions to political campaigns can influence the positions of candidates and the agenda of elected officials.
* Elections: Regular elections provide a means for citizens to express their political preferences and hold elected officials accountable.
* Lobbying: Direct efforts by individuals or organizations to influence the actions of policymakers. This can involve meetings, phone calls, and the provision of information.
Why these are "Linkage-Level"
These actors and influences are considered "linkage-level" because they act as bridges between the general public and the institutions of government. They:
* Aggregate Interests: They gather and represent the opinions and interests of various groups within society.
* Communicate Information: They provide information about political events and policies to the public and to government officials.
* Mobilize Action: They encourage citizens to participate in the political process, whether through voting, protesting, or donating to campaigns.
By performing these roles, linkage-level actors and influences help ensure that the government is responsive to the needs and wishes of the people it represents.