Pluralist theory asserts that policies are made by conflict and bargaining among organizations that represent affected groups. We have seen that this is an accurate description of interest group policies such as the loans for shares auctions. But the theory also overestimates the extent to which interest groups will form and be active. In client politics, the large number of persons who must bear the widely distributed costs of program have no incentive to organize and must rely instead on policy entrepreneurs. In majoritarian politics, such as defense policy and many social welfare issues, decisions can be made directly as the result of presidential leadership or action by the Federal Assembly.
Interest groups play only a minor role.
From the evidence summarized in this article, no single description of the Russian political system seems adequate, as different policies arise out of different processes, with proponents and opponents trying to mobilize on their behalf different personalities, processes and institutions in a fragmented government.