Political Science Interest Groups Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is an interest group best defined as?

An organization that tries to influence public policy for a group of people with common interests.

How do interest groups and political parties influence government policy?

  • Political parties have indirect influence
  • Interest groups have indirect influence (correct)
  • Political parties have direct influence (correct)
  • Interest groups have direct influence

According to the Energy-Stability-Area model, which state is most likely to have more interest groups?

A state which has lots of government programs and a large wealthy population.

What method is used to eliminate non-participation or free riding among potential group members?

<p>Coercion</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are benefits that motivate participation in a group effort available only to those offered by interest groups?

<p>Selective incentives</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of benefits are derived from working toward a desired policy goal?

<p>Purposive benefits</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits derived from working with like-minded people called?

<p>Solidary benefits</p> Signup and view all the answers

There is a high correlation between the amount of money spent on lobbying and a group's success at achieving its policy goals.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Interest groups are most influential when issues are ____ and ______.

<p>low salience, and non-conflictual</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Sierra Club is an example of a(n):

<p>mass association</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Hall and Wayman's main finding indicate about interest groups?

<p>Interest groups can use campaign contributions to mobilize supporters in congressional committees and demobilize opponents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pickel Packers International is an example of a __________, whereas the Major League Baseball Players Association is an example of a ___________.

<p>Pickel Packers International = trade association Major League Baseball Players Association = labor organization</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are interest groups?

Organizations that try to influence government policies on behalf of people with shared interests.

How do interest groups differ from political parties?

Interest groups focus on indirect influence on government policies, while political parties directly aim to win elections and control government.

What influences the number of interest groups in a state?

The Energy-Stability-Area model suggests that states with more government programs and wealthier populations tend to have more interest groups.

What is coercion in interest group participation?

Coercion is when organizations, like labor unions, force members to participate to prevent non-participation or free riding.

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What are selective incentives for interest group membership?

Benefits that only go to those who participate in a group's efforts, like discounts or special access, motivate participation.

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What is a purposive benefit of interest group membership?

The satisfaction gained from working towards a specific policy goal, even if it doesn't succeed, is a purposive benefit.

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What are solidary benefits of interest group membership?

Solidary benefits arise from the social connections and shared experiences with like-minded individuals, even if the group's efforts fail.

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How does money influence interest group effectiveness?

There's a strong correlation between money spent on lobbying and group success in achieving policy goals, but it's not a guarantee.

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When are interest groups most influential?

Interest groups are usually most influential when issues aren't widely discussed or controversial.

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What is an example of a mass association interest group?

The Sierra Club is a mass membership association with over 750,000 members who pay annual dues.

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How can interest groups use campaign contributions strategically?

Hall and Wayman's research showed that interest groups use campaign contributions to mobilize supporters and discourage opponents in congressional committees.

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What are trade associations and labor organizations in interest group examples?

Pickel Packers International is a trade association representing a specific industry, while the Major League Baseball Players Association represents workers.

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Study Notes

Interest Groups and Their Influence

  • An interest group is defined as an organization that seeks to influence public policy for individuals sharing common interests.
  • Interest groups exert indirect influence on government policies, while political parties have a direct influence.

Factors Impacting Interest Group Presence

  • States with extensive government programs and wealthy populations tend to have a higher number of interest groups, according to the Energy-Stability-Area model.

Participation Mechanisms

  • Coercion refers to methods used by organizations, such as labor unions, to eliminate non-participation or free riding by requiring participation.

Benefits of Interest Group Membership

  • Selective incentives are benefits available only to those who participate in group efforts, motivating involvement.
  • Purposive benefits arise from working toward a desired policy goal, providing satisfaction regardless of the goal's achievement.
  • Solidary benefits are derived from experiences shared with like-minded individuals, offering satisfaction even if the group's initiatives fail to produce the expected results.

Interest Group Effectiveness

  • A high correlation exists between the amount of money spent on lobbying and a group's success in achieving policy objectives, with the exception that it is not always a guaranteed outcome.
  • Interest groups tend to be most influential when issues are characterized by low salience and non-conflictual dynamics.

Examples of Interest Groups

  • The Sierra Club serves as an example of a mass association, having over 750,000 members each paying annual dues of around $30.
  • Hall and Wayman's 1990 findings highlight that interest groups can leverage campaign contributions to mobilize supporters in congressional committees while using the same funds to demobilize opponents.
  • Pickel Packers International represents a trade association, whereas the Major League Baseball Players Association exemplifies a labor organization.

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