chapter 6

Question 1

Lobbyist

Answer 1

is an individual engaged in attempts to influence governmental decision-making on behalf of an interest group

Question 2

Interest group

Answer 2

is a group of people that share certain preferences regarding the outcomes of governmental decision-making and organize in order to influence those outcomes, without seeking elected office.

examples:
- Firms
- Business associations
- Governmental organization
- Citizen groups
- Non –profit organizations

Question 3

Corporatism

Answer 3

a system of interest representation in which a limited number of interest groups has privileged access to governmental decision-making –> some groups have special rights. Interest group have become part of the government, they cooperate. (Germany, NL, Scandinavia)

Question 4

Pluralism

Answer 4

a system of interest representation in which large numbers of interest groups compete with each other for access to governmental decision-making –> none of the groups has a privileged position
in policy-making. Relations among interest groups and between interest groups and the government tend to be more antagonistic than they are in a corporatist system

Question 5

Inside lobbying

Answer 5

a strategy in which interest groups seek to influence policies through direct contact
with policy-makers.

Question 6

Outside lobbying

Answer 6

a strategy in which interest groups seek to put pressure on policy-makers by
mobilizing public opinion.

Question 7

Political opportunity structure

Answer 7

is the institutional and political context within an interest group operates and that determines the receptiveness of decision-makers to the claims of that group

Question 8

the impact of interest groups in policy making depends on

Answer 8

1. recources and characteristics of interest groups
2. characteristics of political system
3. importance of issues