Chapter 17: Interest Groups

Question 1

pluralism

Answer 1

a multitude of views that ultimately results in a consensus on some issues

Question 2

lobbying

Answer 2

applying pressure to influence government

Question 3

Free-Rider Problem

Answer 3

limits the groups potential because not all those benefiting help pay the bills.

Question 4

iron triangles

Answer 4

the bonds among an agency. A congressional committee, and an interest group the three entities establish relationships that benefit them all.

Question 5

issue networks

Answer 5

collectives with similar goals, but they have come together to support a specific issue and usually do not have the long term relationships of iron triangles.

Question 6

direct lobbying

Answer 6

the most common technique to exert influence, directly lobbying lawmakers.

Question 7

lobbyists

Answer 7

work to develop relationships through their contacts who have access to government officials

Question 8

Rule of Law

Answer 8

the law applies evenly to everyone

Question 9

limited government

Answer 9

the government doesn’t have infinite powers, it is controlled by the people.

Question 10

Give and Take

Answer 10

politicians are influenced but are also given some valuable information

Question 11

insider strategies

Answer 11

quietly persuading government decision makers through exclusive access.

Question 12

outsider strategies

Answer 12

public efforts to influence policy with such things as lawsuits or get-out-the vote drives.

Question 13

client interaction

Answer 13

informing clients, discussing strategy

Question 14

legislative activity

Answer 14

providing information/researching bills/ drafting bills

Question 15

social media

Answer 15

monitoring congressional activity, targeting outreach

Question 16

implementation

Answer 16

testifying on bills/filing amicus curiae briefs

Question 17

other activity

Answer 17

meetings, business development/media commentary, etc.

Question 17

electoral activity

Answer 17

advertising, making PAC donations

Question 18

501 (c)(3)/ 501(c)(4) groups

Answer 18

(certain social welfare organizations) can lobby and campaign, but they can’t spend more than half their expenditures on political issues.

Question 19

endorsement

Answer 19

a public expression of support

Question 20

grassroots lobbying

Answer 20

generally an outsider technique, mobilizing opposition or support to legislation, could be a goal of a grassroots campaign

Question 21

“Grasstops”

Answer 21

rather than mobilizing large numbers of people, interest groups and their lobbyists will narrowly target opinion leaders and individuals who know and have connections with lawmakers.

Question 22

Growth of Interest Groups

Answer 22

arose as the U.S. changed from a mainly agrarian economy to a manufacturing nation. The masses pushed to have their voices heard.

Question 22

Growth of Labor Unions

Answer 22

Reached new levels in the 1950s. The AFL-CIO became the leading voice for the working class. Union membership peaked in 1954.

Question 23

trade associations

Answer 23

interest groups made of businesses within a specific industry.

Question 24

Progressive Era Amendments

Answer 24

three amendments (16th, 17th, and 19th) contributed to interest group growth and activity.

Question 25

Women’s movement

Answer 25

women drew attention to urban decay, child labor, alcoholism, and other humanitarian concerns after getting the right to vote. The Feminine, Mystique, and Title IX.

Question 26

Environmental movement

Answer 26

generated a consciousness about the misuse of our environment- the Sierra Club, Wilderness Society, and the Audubon Society.

Question 27

Consumer movement

Answer 27

began to demand that manufacturers take responsibility for making products safe. President Kennedy put forth a consumer’s Bill of Rights.

Question 28

Intergovernmental Lobby

Answer 28

was created from people with a keen interest in government rules and regulations that affect their job- National Governor’s Association, National League of Cities, and U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Question 29

Professional associations

Answer 29

typically represent white-collar professions.

Question 30

Think Tanks

Answer 30

research institutions, often with specific idealogical goals.

Question 31

Purposive incentives

Answer 31

give the joiner some philosophical satisfaction

Question 32

Solidary incentives

Answer 32

those that allow people of like mind to gather on occasion

Question 33

Material incentives

Answer 33

travel discounts, subscriptions to magazines or newspapers, or items such as bags, caps, or jackets.

Question 34

Upper-class bias

Answer 34

the average group member’s annual income is $17,000 higher than the national average and 43% of interest groups members have advanced degrees. Must have disposable income.

Question 35

Public interest groups

Answer 35

geared to improve lives or government for the masses rather than the few. Some newer groups that are founded tend to be public interest groups. Ralph Nader

Question 36

Single interest groups

Answer 36

focus on just one topic NRA or AARP

Question 37

Ideological groups

Answer 37

interest groups formed around a political ideology NAACP or the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Question 38

Republican Party’s Pull to the Right

Answer 38

equal rights and abortion pushed them more right

Question 39

Democratic Party’s Push to the Left

Answer 39

The Equal Rights Amendment, the Creation of NOW, and the NAACP caused a push to protect minorities

Question 40

Ethics and Reform

Answer 40

increased number of firms that have influenced Congress and increased the role of PAC money lobbyists can triple their salaries if they leave Capitol Hill and join lobbying groups.

Question 41

Congressional Acts on Lobbying

Answer 41

Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act (1946)
Lobbying Disclosure Act (1955)
Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (2007)

Question 42

Bundling

Answer 42

Raising large sums from multiple donors for a candidate

Question 43

Revolving Door

Answer 43

A criticism of interest groups. Government officials quit their jobs or don’t get re-elected then they take government jobs for a certain lobbying agency. Some fear that private interests by businesses have an unfair influence on government decisions.