Ambiguities in Attitudes towards Interest Group Influence*

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Abstract
Scandinavian countries are characterized by high electoral participation and high enrollment in interest organizations. Consequently, most citizens are represented in politics by both parties and organizations, and the problem is which kind of representation citizens prefer. Danish survey data show that members appreciate their interest organizations. Furthermore, the public wants government to stay out of industrial relations and to consult interest organizations. However, there are limits to the influence which the public permits organizations. Thus organizations should only have a say on policies in fields related to their narrowly defined interest and they should not be allowed to become too strong. The political problem is to balance the principle of parliamentary supremacy and the principle of taking due regard to all interests concerned.