Unit 3 - Interest Groups Flashcards
Civic Virtue
The tendency to form small-scale associations for the public good which creates a good place for improved political and economic development
Interest Group
An organized group that tries to influence public policy (political party without candidates)
Pluralist Theory
The theory that political power is distributed around a wide array of diverse and competing interest groups
Disturbance Theory
The theory that interest groups form in part to counteract the efforts of other groups
Transitions Theory
The theory that public policies are the result of narrowly defined expanded among political actors
Population Ecology Theory
The theory that the life of a political organization is conditional on the density and diversity of the interest group population in a given area
Public Interest Groups
An organization that seeks a collective good that will not selectively and materially benefit group members
Economic Interest Groups
A group with the primary purpose of promoting the financial interests of its members
Social Capital
The myriad relationships that individuals enjoy that facilitate the resolution of community problems through collective action
Federal Earmarks
Funds that an appropriation bill designated for a particular purposive within a state or confessional distinct (roads/ schools/ enhancing parks or waterways/ public works projects)
Lobbyist
Interest group representative who seeks to influence legislation that will benefit his or her organization or client through political persuasion
Trade Orgnaizations
A group that represents a specific industry
Lobbying
The activities of a group or organization that seeks to influence legislation/ persuade political leaders to support the group’s position
Political Action Committees (PACs)
Federally regulations, official registered fund-raising committee that represents interest groups in the political process
