Chapter 10

Groups of individuals who organize to influence government policy on issues they care about.

Political parties aim to elect candidates and control government, while interest groups focus on specific policy issues and don't necessarily seek to run the government.

Interest groups can represent a wide range of concerns, from environmental protection to business interests.

Public interest groups advocate for the common good, while private interest groups promote the interests of their members.

James Madison argued that limiting factions (like groups of like-minded individuals) would violate individual freedoms.

Any formal association of individuals or organizations that attempt to influence government decision-making or the making of public policy.

A person who represents an interest group before a government, is usually compensated, and is required to register.

The act of communicating with government officials to influence policy.

Groups that are formed to represent companies, corporate organizations, or governments. They have no individual members and are established as offshoots of these entities.

Groups consisting of individuals who voluntarily join and pay dues, often united by common issues or concerns.

A person or group working to influence government policy on behalf of a specific organization, often an institution like a university or business.

Directly communicating with government officials, like lawmakers, to advocate for a cause, including testimony in hearings and drafting legislation.

Indirectly influencing public opinion and policymakers by using media and public outreach, like press releases, articles, and mobilizing supporters.

Groups of individuals or organizations with similar interests, banding together to achieve a shared policy goal through collective lobbying.

Interest groups like the Sierra Club use both direct and indirect tactics, tailoring their approach to the specific policy issue and context.

Goods that benefit everyone in society, regardless of individual contribution or membership, and are often under-produced without government intervention. Examples include public health, education, and clean air.

Goods that are individually owned and provide benefits only to the owner, such as a car or a piece of property.

A situation where individuals lack motivation to contribute to a collective good, even though they would benefit from it, because their individual contribution seems insignificant.

When individuals enjoy the benefits of a collective good without contributing to its cost, often because their individual contribution is negligible.

Groups that are better equipped to overcome collective action problems because they have stronger incentives for members to contribute.

A way for interest groups to overcome collective action problems by receiving financial support from outside the group.

The benefit of a collective good that remains accessible to everyone, even as more people use it, unless limited by regulations.

Groups often mobilize in response to events that disrupt or threaten the status quo, highlighting the importance of external factors in motivating collective action.

Tangible benefits that individuals receive for joining a group, such as discounts or financial incentives.

The satisfaction and sense of belonging that comes from associating with others who share similar beliefs or goals.

Individuals join a group based on their support for the group's cause or mission, even if it's personally challenging.

When a group's activities or goals are so beneficial to everyone, even non-members can enjoy the benefits without contributing, leading to an unfair advantage.

The idea that people will naturally come together in groups when facing a disruption or problem.

Interest groups can be powerful forces in influencing political discussions and decisions.

Groups that form organically from the bottom up, often driven by local concerns or issues.

Groups or organizations that appear to be grassroots but are actually funded and controlled by wealthy individuals or entities.

Students are often a driving force behind social and political change on college campuses.

Groups that can overcome the collective action problem, often due to incentives for members to contribute. They may have strong leadership, shared values, clear goals, or external support.

The use of social media platforms like Twitter to raise awareness and garner attention around a specific issue, often through the use of hashtags to unify messages and engage a broader audience.