GOV: Ch 9, 11 Flashcards
1
Q
interest group
A
an organization of people that share a common goal/interest that seeks to influence public policy
-often achieved through lobbyists
2
Q
proliferation
A
there is an increase in the number of interest groups because of it
- more cleavages: more groups with opinions
- interest groups are able to gain access in government because we have a divided system, which is easier to influence
- we have weak political parties that are not specific enough and are hard to make change through
- we have broad economic developments
- government policies have gotten larger
- we have strong leaders that develop from social movements
3
Q
public interest groups
A
- a group that seeks to inspire public policy that will benefit many/all people no matter if they are in/out of the organization
- ie league of women voters
4
Q
role of interest groups
A
- to stimulate interest in public affairs
- represent members’ common interests
- provide government with useful information, they rely on the research and arguments
- means for political participation
- check and balance gov, people challenge their decisions
5
Q
kinds of interest groups
A
- institutional: individuals or organizations representing other organizations
- membership interests: anyone can join
6
Q
incentives to join an interest group
A
- solidarity: join to feel companionship with people ie AA
- material: money/value/discounts ie AARP
- purposive: for the mission, strongly believe in cause, and will work hard to achieve goal
- ideological interest groups: attract members by appealing to their interest in a coherent set of controversial principles
7
Q
funds for interest groups
A
- foundation grants: work with a similar foundation and ask for money
- fed grants and contracts: give money or hire them to do research
- direct mail: mail and ask for donations
- membership fees: may/may not ask for
8
Q
activities of interest groups
A
- information to provide: through political cues/flyers, ratings of current members of congress based on what they vote for
- lobbying: going to congress and discussing to get/adopt a bill, earmark: saying they will give money to a certain group and attach it to the bill to get it passed
- grassroots mobilization: coming from the people, civil disobedience ie marches
- litigation: filing lawsuits to change laws once they are passed
- money and political action committees: raise money for candidates running
- revolving door: once gov official leaves office, they are promised a job to an interest group and would be more likely to pass laws for that group
9
Q
lobbying
A
groups pressure legislators and the legislative process
- extends beyond legislative branch into agencies in the executive branch and courts
- work in each of the state capitals
10
Q
lobbyists at work
A
- provide officeholders with reports, articles, and other info supporting their cause
- testify before legis committees
- use “grass roots” pressure-means of or from the people and voters
- publish rating of members of congress by votes on cast members
- contribute to campaigns
- write speeches
- draft legislation and try to get member of congres to adopt/introduce it
11
Q
lobby regulation
A
- false/misleading testimony, bribery, and unethical pressures do occur
- fed regulation of lobbying act of 1946: required lobbyists to register w clerk of the house and the secretary of senate
- lobbying disclose act of 1995: broader definition of lobbying and tightened reporting requirements
- 2007 reforms: no gifts, no reimbursement for travel, removed tax exempt status for some profits, and limit PAC conditions
- indiv states also have their own laws
12
Q
criticism of lobbyists
A
- some groups have too much influence
- hard to tell who or how many people a group represent
- dont always represent the view of all members
- some use dishonest tactics
13
Q
political parties
A
- decentralization: not as important to us as other nations
- labels in the minds of voters: more independents, more split ticket voting
- organization: recruiting and campaigning weaker
- set of leaders to control legislature and executive is still somewhat strong
- decentralized political power making state and parties more decentralized
- regulated by laws
- candidates chosen through primaries
- pres elected separately from congress
14
Q
party realignments
A
- major party disappears and new ones emerge
- voters shift their loyalty
- 5 total in history: 1800: jefferson rep defeats feds, 1828: jacksonian dems, 1860: whigs collapse, reps emerge (slavery), 1896: reps defeat william jennings bryan, 1932: dems under FDR (great depression)
15
Q
national conventions
A
- reps and dems come together
- usually ratify choices made in primaries
- dems rules: super delegates: member of congress gets to choose which candidate they like best, bans winner reward system, proportional representation, penalizes states who break rules with loss of delegates
