The author analyzes the key factors that determine the effective functioning of pressure groups in democratic societies. The starting point for the research into the mechanism of the division and redistribution of public goods is the "political influence market" paradigm whereby consumers, taxpayers and organized pressure groups represent the demand side, and elected politicians and appointed officials are the supply side. The asymmetry of political information leads to a greater bargaining power of pressure groups, which secure specific economic benefits at the expense of the rest of society. Law makers tolerate lobbying because they are motivated by private political gains. The author extensively discusses the collective action model of Mancur Olson, showing the logic of group choices. The theoretical considerations presented in the article are based on the research achievements of the “school of public choice.”