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 (pleasure, status, 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

Political cue

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Ratings

Answer 8

Assessments of a representatives voting record on issues important to an interest group

Question 9

Earmark

Answer 9

A provision in law that provides a direct benefit having been reviewed on the merits by all of Congress

Question 10

Interest group

Answer 10

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