Pressure Groups Enhancing Democracy Flashcards
do pressure groups enhance democracy
no
who do pressure groups disproportionately represent
a few wealthy donors
what theory talks about this disproportionality
the elite theory
what is the elite theory
the idea that privileged wealthy PGs co-operate with decision-makers to advance their own interests rather than to benefit the public interest
who has been accused of elitism
Hilary Clinton
what did Hilary Clinton do
she was accused of being of special interest to financial institutions and some of the groups traditionally aligned with the democrats (EMILY’s list, TUs, lawyers)
what PG is able to influence bills
American Legislative Exchange Council
how many members do the ALEC have
2000
what did Beckel say
this great nation and its government belong to all of the people, and not to a handful of billionaires, their super PACs and lobbyists
what do IG successfully represent
specific groups to promote their ideas and priorities
what is an IG who represents an ethnic minority
NAACP promotes civil rights, doing so against the decision made in Shelby County v Holder
what do IGs contribute to
healthy pluralist democracy by representing diverse, minority interests to provide representation between elections
who came up with the pluralist theory
Robert Dahl
what do groups often encourage
violent actions
what violent actions have there been
the ALF riot in May 1984 caused $60,000 worth of damage to a university in Pennsylvania
