---
title: "Linkage Institutions — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Linkage institutions connect citizens to government through parties, elections, interest groups, and media. Learn how pluralism vs. corporatism shapes them in AP Comp Gov."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/linkage-institutions"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Comparative Government"
---

# Linkage Institutions — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Linkage institutions are channels through which citizens' concerns become political issues on the government's agenda, such as political parties, interest groups, and the media.

## Related Study Guides

- [4.6 Pluralist and Corporatist Interests in Government](/ap-comp-gov/unit-4/pluralist-corporatist-interests-government/study-guide/owFAqgIxC1nn111KM8x1)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Interest Groups](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/interest-groups): Organizations that advocate for specific policy interests or social causes.
- Media Bias: The tendency for media outlets to present news stories with a particular slant or perspective.
- [Electoral Systems](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/electoral-systems): The rules governing how elections are conducted and how votes are translated into seats in government.