Interest Groups Flashcards
What is an interest group?
Private organizations whose members act together in order to inlfluence politics
What is a self-interest group?
Similar to an interest group, but instead on intends to benefit their own organization and their profits and gains
What is a public interest group?
A group that seeks to achieve goals for the good of the community as a whole, rather than solely group members. Also known as NGO’s or nonproft
What are the main functions of a interest group?
Articulation: groups act as channels between government & ‘special publics’
Legitimation: governments seek advice from groups to minimize opposition & gain endorsement
Policy Design and Implementation: groups can participate in the design of public policy, as well as implementation and administration
What is pluralism?
Pluralism: a balance of power is achieved through competitive struggle amongst groups; pluralist competition = the ‘public good’
Neo-pluralism: the interest group system is not open and competitive for everyone; dominated by the well-organized and well-funded; groups may have influence over political agenda-setting & ‘non-decisions’
What are some methods of political influence for interest groups?
Direct contact with government officials, advisory committees, interlocking memberships,
intermediaries, public relations, legal action, business domination for the interest groups (especially in the US)
