5.2.4 Interest Groups

Question 1

What is an interest group?

Answer 1

An organised body with similar beliefs who actively try and influence the government?

Question 2

What is an access point?

Answer 2

Places or instituions that interest groups can go to exert influence

Question 3

What are the two types of interest groups in the USA?

Answer 3

Sectional and casual groups

Question 4

What are sectional groups?

Answer 4

Interest groups that seek to represent their own group within society

Question 5

What is a casual group?

Answer 5

Groups that campaign for a particular cause.

Question 6

What are the 4 basic functions of pressure groups?

Answer 6

1) representation
2) citizen participation
3) agenda building
4) programme monitoring

Question 7

Explain the representation function of interest groups?

Answer 7

They are an organisations that can be useful to represent citizens and provide an important link between politician and general public.

Question 8

Explain the citizen participation function of interest groups?

Answer 8

Interest groups increase the opportunities for ordinary citizens to participate in the decision making process. Offer a useful chance to participate in a general policy area

Question 9

Explain the agenda building function of interest groups?

Answer 9

Interest groups may attempt to influence the agendas of political parties. They can bring together parts of American society to pursue a political policy for a political party

Question 10

Explain the programme monitoring function of interest groups?

Answer 10

Can hold and scrutinise the government and ensure their policies are fulfilled.

Question 11

What is the single most important resource that an interest group has in the USA?

Answer 11

Money