Chapter 11: Interest Groups

Question 1

Political action committee (pac)

Answer 1

A committee set up by a corporation, labor union, or interest group that raises and spends campaign money from voluntary donations.

Question 2

Lobbyist

Answer 2

A person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of an interest group.

Question 3

Incentive

Answer 3

Something of value one cannot get without joining an organization.

Question 4

Solidary incentives

Answer 4

The social rewards (sense of pleasure, status, or companionship) that lead people to join political organizations.

Question 5

Material incentives

Answer 5

Money or things valued in monetary terms.

Question 6

Purposive incentive

Answer 6

A benefit that comes from serving a cause or principle.

Question 7

Ideological interest groups

Answer 7

Political organizations that attract members by appealing to their political convictions or principles.

Question 8

Public-interest lobby

Answer 8

A political organization whose goals will principally benefit nonmembers.

Question 9

Social movement

Answer 9

A widely shared demand for change in some aspect of the social or political order.

Question 10

Political cue

Answer 10

A signal telling a legislator what values are at stake in a vote, and how that issue fits into his or her own political views on party agenda.

Question 11

Ratings

Answer 11

Assessments of a representative’s voting record on issues important to an interest group.

Question 12

Earmark

Answer 12

A provision in a law that provides a direct benefit to a client without the benefit having been reviewed on the merits by all of Congress.

Question 13

Interest group

Answer 13

An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence public policy.