Chapter 10: Interest Groups

Question 1

Interest Groups

Answer 1

Organized people with similar goals trying to influence political process

• may support candidates but do not run in campaigns
• use lobbyists and look for access to candidates

Question 2

Pluralist

Answer 2

Interest group activity brings representation to all

Question 3

Elite

Answer 3

Few groups, mainly wealthy, have most influence

Question 4

Hyperpluralist

Answer 4

Too many groups, lack of government direction

Gridlock

Question 5

Iron Triangles

Answer 5

A) Interest Groups
B) Federal Agency
C) Legislative Committee
Give interest groups too much access to government
All serving self-interests

Question 6

Successful Group Traits

Answer 6

• size (smaller = clearer goals)
• Single-Issue groups (deeper, narrower focus and commitment = more intensity)
• finances (PACs, more money = more influence)

Question 7

Collective Good

Answer 7

Something if value offered to members of interest groups

Question 8

Selective benefits

Answer 8

Given in larger groups to ease free-rider problem

Question 9

3 strategies of shaping/influencing Policy

Answer 9

1) Lobbying
2) Electioneering
3) Litigation

Question 10

Lobbying

Answer 10

Political persuaders, paid for by corporation/union/association

Provide info, strategies, innovations

Question 11

Electioneering

Answer 11

Aiding candidates financially (PACs), member support

Question 12

Litigation

Answer 12

If group fails in Congress, take it to the courts

Question 13

Amicus Curiae Briefs

Answer 13

Written arguments submitted to courts in support of one side of a case

Question 14

Class-action lawsuits

Answer 14

Allowing similar grievances to band together

Question 15

Types of Interest Groups

Answer 15

• Economic
• Labor
• Business
• Environmental
• Consumer

Question 16

Economic Groups

Answer 16

Concerned with wages, prices, and profits

Question 17

Labor groups

Answer 17

Concerned with hours and conditions
Taft-Hartley act allows right to work laws (no union)
AFL-CIO

Question 18

Business Groups

Answer 18

Concerned with regulations and taxes
Largest interest group presence (in Washington DC)
- Chamber of Commerce

Question 19

Environmental Groups

Answer 19

Concerned with energy’s harmful effects

• Audubon
• Sierra Club

Question 20

Consumer Groups

Answer 20

Concerned with public interest
Collective good
Spurred by Ralph Nader
- created 1973 Consumer Product Safety Commission

Question 21

What is a public interest lobby/group?

Answer 21

A group that works to gain benefits for society as a whole

Question 22

The right of interest groups is…

Answer 22

Protected in the bill of rights