Chapter 11: Interest Groups Flashcards
Political action committee (pac)
A committee set up by a corporation, labor union, or interest group that raises and spends campaign money form voluntary donations
Lobbyist
A person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of an interest group
Incentive
Something of value one cannot get without joining an organization
Solidarity incentives
The social rewards (sense of pleasure, status, or companionship) that lead people to join political organizations
Material incentives
Money or things valued monetary terms
Purposive incentive
A benefit that comes from serving a cause or principle
Political cue
A signal telling a legislator what values are at stake in the vote, and how that issue fits into his or her own political views on party agenda
Ratings
Assessments of a representatives voting record on issues important to an interest group
Earmark
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
Interest group
An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence public policy