Questions and Answers
Which of the following would be considered an interest group?
The percentage of Americans who belong to a voluntary group or organization is ________ percent.
80
What is a basic reason for the existence of so many interest groups in the United States?
The wide diversity of interests that exist in American society.
Interest groups serve to _________.
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People who criticize interest groups often argue that they ________ the government.
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What attribute is most closely associated with high levels of interest group participation?
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Inducements to join an interest group, such as hotel or retail discounts, are considered _________.
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An interest group is more likely to be successful if it is small.
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The United Auto Workers is an example of a(n) ________ interest group.
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The Center for Science in the Public Interest is an example of a(n) ________ interest group.
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Interest groups advocate for specific issues by ________.
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Asking interest group members to write to their representatives in Congress about an issue is an example of ________.
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When an interest group pays for a television advertisement that supports a political candidate, it is called ________.
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Campaign contributions by interest groups often provide ________ to the policymaker.
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One of the functions served by interest groups in American politics is ________.
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Which interest group theory is illustrated by successful efforts to stop the building of new coal plants in Texas?
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The belief that groups representing wealthy corporations have a large influence on political decisions arises from ________.
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Pluralist theory ignores the social classifications of ________.
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Policymakers rely on interest groups for ________.
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Voters can rely on interest groups for ________.
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Which of the following occupations tend to organize into interest groups?
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College students are _______ as likely to participate in an interest group as 19-23 year-olds who do not attend college.
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Study Notes
Interest Groups Overview
- Interest groups aim to influence government decision-making to achieve specific goals.
- Example: The National Rifle Association (NRA) is a prominent interest group.
Membership and Participation
- 80 percent of Americans belong to a voluntary group or organization.
- A key reason for the high number of interest groups in the U.S. is the diverse interests within American society.
- Higher education correlates with higher levels of interest group participation.
Functions of Interest Groups
- Interest groups perform electoral functions such as endorsing candidates and educating the public on policy issues.
- They provide citizens a means of participation in the political process.
Criticism and Influence
- Critics argue that interest groups may corrupt or appear to corrupt government operations.
- Larger interest groups tend to be more successful in their endeavors.
Types of Interest Groups
- Economic interest groups represent specific economic interests, e.g., the United Auto Workers.
- Public interest groups focus on issues benefitting the public, e.g., the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Advocacy and Lobbying
- Interest groups advocate for issues by initiating litigation, working with Congress, and lobbying bureaucrats.
- Grassroots lobbying involves mobilizing members to contact their representatives about specific issues.
- Electioneering refers to interest groups funding advertisements supporting political candidates.
Influence on Policymaking
- Campaign contributions from interest groups can grant access to policymakers for lobbyists.
- One key function of interest groups is to monitor and check the actions of policymakers.
Theories of Interest Group Influence
- Pluralist theory suggests policy-making involves competition among diverse interest groups, illustrated by successful environmental advocacy in Texas.
- Elite theory posits that wealthy corporations wield significant influence over political decisions.
- Pluralist theory fails to consider social classifications among interest group members and policymakers.
Information and Resources
- Policymakers rely on interest groups for expertise on various issues.
- Voters can utilize interest groups for candidate ratings, support direction, and issue education.
Organization of Occupations
- Various occupations, including veterans, blue-collar workers, and professionals (e.g., doctors and lawyers), are known to organize into interest groups.
Student Engagement
- College students are twice as likely to participate in interest groups compared to their non-college peers aged 19-23.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chapter 7 of Political Science with these flashcards. This chapter focuses on interest groups and their influence on government decision-making. Understand key concepts and statistics related to civic participation and organizations.
