Women are making successful bids for the power of public office. Their success at the polls is a result of the political groups and coalitions they formed as they attempted to get the Equal Rights Amendment ratified. The article concludes with a discussion of the impact of women on politics. (Author/RM)

Addresses questions related to whether the U.S. interest-group system is biased toward the wealthy and privileged and, if so, how they obtain influence. Finds that privileged groups such as business have more influence than groups representing minorities, women, and the poor, but do not have better access to policymakers. (DSK)