INTEREST GROUPS

Question 1

What did James Madison argue in Federalist #10?

Answer 1

He argued that a proliferation of interest groups is necessary so that no one group carries the most power.

Question 2

What is the purpose of interest groups?

Answer 2

gives a voice to groups of people who are under/unrepresented in government

Question 3

What are the direct techniques of interest groups?

Answer 3

lobbying:
1. testifying before Congress/state legislatures, committee meetings
2. reading/drafting/summarizing legislation
3. provide political information through networking with other politicians
4. suggest nominees

Question 4

What are the indirect techniques of interest groups?

Answer 4

1. mobilizing their constituents to put pressure on Congress (main reason why the NRA is so powerful)
2. build alliances with other groups. especially utilized by smaller interest groups to gain more power and influence.

Question 5

What are the factors of successful interest groups?

Answer 5

1. leadership. charisma, appeals to Congress members
2. funding. more funding allows interest groups to contribute more to campaigns. smaller interest groups usually fund incumbent candidates. larger interest groups with more funding fund both parties.
3. membership. high membership of people who are more likely to vote.

Question 6

What is the largest interest group in the United States?

Answer 6

AARP, American Association of Retired Persons