Comparative Analysis of UK and US Interest Groups Flashcards
What does the rational approach examine?
The behavior of interest groups to maximize their influence based on incentives and constraints within each system.
How do interest groups in the U.S. exert financial influence?
Through campaign donations and lobbying due to the high cost of elections.
Name three organizations that provide funding and endorsements to candidates supporting civil rights.
- NAACP
- ACLU
- Human Rights Campaign
What role do Super PACs and dark money donations play in U.S. politics?
They amplify the financial influence of interest groups.
What significant ruling did the Human Rights Campaign’s support contribute to in 2015?
Obergefell v. Hodges ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.
How do interest groups use litigation as a tool for advancing civil rights?
By utilizing the American legal system to enable judicial review.
What pivotal role did the NAACP Legal Defense Fund play in 1954?
It was crucial in the Brown v. Board of Education case, leading to the desegregation of schools.
Why do politicians respond to tactics used by interest groups?
They require funding and voter mobilization.
In what type of elections can interest groups sway outcomes significantly?
Primary elections, particularly in competitive districts.
What does the rational approach examine?
It examines how interest groups behave strategically to maximize their influence, based on incentives and constraints within each system.
How do UK interest groups differ from U.S. interest groups in their strategies?
UK interest groups prioritize engagement with policymakers rather than court-based strategies.
Why do UK interest groups focus on engagement over legal action?
Due to the lack of judicial review in the same manner as the U.S. Supreme Court.
What was the role of Stonewall in UK politics?
Stonewall worked with MPs to push for the Civil Partnership Act (2004) and later same-sex marriage.
What limits do UK elections impose on interest groups?
UK elections have spending limits and political donations are regulated.
What strategies do UK interest groups rely on instead of financial leverage?
They rely on advocacy, research, and public campaigns.
What was the Campaign Against Racial Discrimination (CARD) known for?
It was involved in lobbying for the Race Relations Act 1965.
Fill in the blank: UK interest groups do not have the same _______ over politicians as their U.S. counterparts.
[financial leverage]
True or False: UK interest groups commonly use large financial contributions to influence MPs.
False
What is a consequence of greater access in the U.S. political system?
Financial influence and litigation lead to greater access
This access can create an imbalance where wealthier entities have more influence over political decisions.
What is a risk associated with greater access in the U.S. political system?
Greater risk of regulatory capture
Regulatory capture occurs when regulatory agencies are dominated by the industries they are supposed to regulate.
How does the UK system differ from the U.S. regarding financial influence?
The UK system reduces the role of money
This reduction may help limit the influence of wealth on political processes.
What does the UK system limit in terms of political influence?
Limits direct influence over individual lawmakers
This can lead to a more equitable representation in the legislative process.
What does the cultural approach examine?
How historical traditions, political norms, and public attitudes shape interest group strategies.
What is a key characteristic of the rights-based culture in the United States?
A deeply embedded culture of individual rights, reinforced by the Bill of Rights and the Civil Rights Movement.