Alexis de Tocqueville observed in 1834 that "no country of the world has the principles of association been more successfully used or applied to a greater multitude of objectives than in America." The degree to which Americans form groups to solve civic problems and lobby for their economic or political interests is unique among the nations of the world. The structure of government, particularly at the local level, invites public participation. The system has many points of access or places in the decision-making process where interest groups, including big business, may make their opinion known.
