The interest group theory in politics: genesis, development, sub-theories and schools

The article considers the aspects of scientific genesis of the interest groups theory, its development in the political science, compares the main sub-theories and scientific schools. The author briefly gives examples of the first mentions of the theory in T. Hobbes's, J.-J. Rousseau's and J. Locke's philosophical works. Also the author analyzes the fundamental contribution of J. Madison, the main theses, ideas and conclusions given by A. Bentley and D. Truman in their scientific works. The paper compares the two main sub-theories: political pluralism and corporatism (neo-corporatism).