intrest groups

Question 1

interest group

Answer 1

any formal association of individuals or organizations that attempt to influence government decision-making and/or the making of public policy

differs from Political parties = groups of people with similar interests who work together to create and implement policies by winning elections

Question 2

“Threats” for interest groups

Answer 2

Policies adverse to their interests
Competing groups

Question 3

Multiple access points to government

Answer 3

Different levels of government

•Separation of the branches

•Influence on the electoral process

•Congress is the most vulnerable branch
Bicameral organization
Elaborate committee structure

Question 4

Revolving Door

Answer 4

when former federal employees become lobbyists or consultants while consultants become federal employees

Question 5

Political engineering

Answer 5

distribute projects throughout many district to ensure support from many members of Congress.

Question 6

Increase in interest group activity since 1960s

Answer 6

•Public interest groups and “New Right” groups after 1970s
•Growth of the federal government (Civil Rights Act, Medicare, Medicaid)

Question 7

Over-representation of the wealthy in interest groups

Answer 7

The well-off, older, and educated are more likely to join and be represented by groups.

Question 8

Collective goods

Answer 8

something of value that cannot be denied to any person who shares a given interest

Question 9

free-riders

Answer 9

someone who wants others to pay for a public good but plans to use the good themselves;