Ch 12: Interest Groups Flashcards
What is an Interest Group?
An organized collection of individuals with shared attitudes or concerns who place demands on political institutions to achieve goals they cannot achieve on their own.
What is a Lobby?
Similar to an interest group, but focused on influencing elected officials.
What is a Lobbyist?
A hired representative of an interest group whose primary goal is to gain access to decision-makers and policymakers.
What is a Public Affairs Committee?
Fundraising organizations that try to influence elections.
What are Political Action Committees (PACs)?
Fundraising organizations that try to influence elections.
What is the Iron Triangle?
The close relationship between interest groups, legislators, and government agencies.
What is the Revolving Door?
The movement of individuals from government positions to lobbying positions and vice versa.
What is a Free Rider?
Someone who benefits from the work of an interest group without making a contribution.
What are Selective Benefits?
Benefits that are only available to members of an interest group, used to overcome the free rider problem.
What are Informational Benefits?
Publications, websites, meetings, training, conferences, legal help, collective bargaining.
What are Material Benefits?
Travel discounts, consumer discounts, insurance.
What are Solidary Benefits?
Community and connectedness, networking, friendships.
What are Purposive Benefits?
Personal satisfaction, actual advocacy.
What is Tort Reform?
Legislation aimed at limiting the amount of damages that can be awarded in lawsuits.
One prominent example in Texas is the 2003 law that capped noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases at $250,000.
What are Top Interest Group Resources?
Size, money, information, credibility.
