Chapter 11: Vocabulary

Question 1

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Interest Groups

Answer 1

an organization of people with shared policy goals entering the policy process at several points to try to achieve those goals

Question 2

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Pluralist Theory

Answer 2

a theory of government and politics emphasizing that politics is mainly competition among groups, each one pressing for its own preferred policies

Question 3

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Elite Theory

Answer 3

a theory of government and politics contending that societies are divided along class lines and that an upper-class elite will rule, regardless of the formals niceties of governmental organization

Question 4

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Hyperpluralist Theory

Answer 4

a theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened

Question 5

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Subgovernments (Iron Triangles)

Answer 5

a network of groups within the American political system that exercise a great deal of control over specific policy areas. Also known as iron triangles, they are composed of interest group leaders interested in a particular policy

Question 6

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Free-Rider Problem

Answer 6

the problem faced by unions and other groups when people do not join because they can benefit from the group’s activities without officially joining. The bigger the group, the more serious the problem.

Question 7

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Olson’s Law of Large Groups

Answer 7

Advanced by Mancur Olson, a principle stating that “the large the group, the further it will fall short of providing an optimal amount of collective good”

Question 8

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Selective Benefits

Answer 8

Goods (such as information, publications, travel discounts, and group insurance rates) that a group can restrict to those who pay their annual dues

Question 9

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Single-issue Groups

Answer 9

groups that have a narrow interest, tend ot dislike compromise, and often draw membership from people new to politics. These features distinguish them from traditional interest groups

Question 10

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Lobbying

Answer 10

according to Lester Millbrath, a “communication, by someone other than a citizen acting on his own behalf, directed to a governmental decision marker with the hope of influencing his decision”

Question 11

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Electioneering

Answer 11

direct group involvement in the electoral process. Groups can help fund campaigns, provide testimony, and get members to work for the candidates, and some form political action committees

Question 12

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Answer 12

Political funding vehicles created by the 1974 political campaign finance reforms. A corporation, union, or some other interest group can create this and Federal Election Commission, which will meticulously monitor the groups expenditures

Question 13

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Amicus Curiae Briefs

Answer 13

legal briefs submitted by a “friend of the court” for the purpose of raising additional points of view and presenting information not contained in the briefs and the formal parties. these briefs attempt to influence a court’s decision

Question 14

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Class Action Suits

Answer 14

lawsuits permitting a small number of people to sue on behalf of all other people similarly situated

Question 15

Chepter 11: Vocabulary

Cohesiveness

Answer 15

A unified sense of purpose among all of the members; the single most important goal for any interest group.