Pressure groups Flashcards
What is the primary aim of interest groups?
To influence government
How do political parties differ from interest groups?
Political parties aim to form a government, while interest groups consider only their major issue
Who is associated with the pluralist theory and what is a key concept from their work?
Robert Dahl; power is distributed among various interest groups
What role do elected officials play according to pluralist theorists?
Act as mediators between competing interests
What does David Truman argue about interest groups?
They serve as vital intermediaries between the public and the government
Which theorist critiqued pluralism and what was their main argument?
Professor Schattschneider; pressure groups fail to represent lower income groups
According to C. Wright Mills, which groups have the most influence?
The richest interest groups (elites)
What is a sectional interest group? Give an example.
Groups that represent specific sections of society; example: AARP
What is the primary aim of the NAACP?
To challenge systemic racism and advocate for equality
What significant legal victory did the NAACP achieve in 1917?
Won Buchanan v Warley, which struck down racial segregation in housing
What does the NRA advocate for?
Pro-gun legislation and influences political candidates
How many members does the NRA have?
4.2 million members
What is the main focus of the Sierra Club?
Policies to reduce pollution and protect wildlife
What social movement advocates for racial equality and justice?
Black Lives Matter (BLM)
What is the goal of the Pro-Life movement?
To influence legislation in favor of protecting unborn children
What does the Brookings Institute focus on?
Economic inequality and policy discussions
What is the purpose of the Heritage Foundation?
To promote conservative policies and values
What significant legislative act did the Heritage Foundation help craft?
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017
What are some tactics used by the Heritage Foundation?
Reports, studies, and policy recommendations
What is a disadvantage of corporate interest groups according to critics?
They support corporate interests, which may not enhance democracy
What is one function of interest groups?
Agenda building
What is a disadvantage of interest groups related to representation?
Wealthy groups can concentrate power and create inequality
According to pluralist theorists, how do interest groups enhance democracy?
By representing smaller groups that may be overlooked
True or False: Interest groups can challenge government corruption.
True
Fill in the blank: Interest groups allow for increased __________ of the people.
participation
Who do the AARP represent?
Americans aged 50 and older
It advocates for their interests in areas such as healthcare, Social Security, Medicare, financial security, and consumer protection
What was a success of the AARP?
Successfully campaigned for a 3.2% increase in Social Security benefits
provided enhanced financial support for millions of retirees across the United States
Who do the AMA represent?
epresents physicians, medical students, and healthcare professionals across the US
policies that support doctors, improve patient care, and shape healthcare legislation
What is the largest defeat of the AMA?
5 years in a row, congress has cut medicaid despite the AMAs disapproval
How much did the NRA spend in 2020 on lobbying govt?
$3.5 million
What are Amicus Briefs?
legal documents filed by people or groups who aren’t part of a case but want to share their expertise or opinions to help the court make a decision.
