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Questions and Answers
The iron triangle is a relationship that is established through repeated litigation of class-action suits.
The iron triangle is a relationship that is established through repeated litigation of class-action suits.
False
What eternal dilemma in American politics is reflected by the fact that interest groups favor the wealthy and well-educated?
What eternal dilemma in American politics is reflected by the fact that interest groups favor the wealthy and well-educated?
liberty is often inconsistent with equality
What constitutes an iron triangle?
What constitutes an iron triangle?
a legislative committee, an interest group, and an executive agency
Interest groups are concerned with the ______ of government, while political parties are concerned with the ______ of government.
Interest groups are concerned with the ______ of government, while political parties are concerned with the ______ of government.
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The theory of pluralism states that all interests should be free to compete for influence and the result will be compromise and moderation.
The theory of pluralism states that all interests should be free to compete for influence and the result will be compromise and moderation.
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What do you call someone who enjoys the benefits of a group's collective efforts but did not contribute to those efforts?
What do you call someone who enjoys the benefits of a group's collective efforts but did not contribute to those efforts?
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What is a loose, informal relationship of public officials, interest groups, and activists who are all concerned with the same policies called?
What is a loose, informal relationship of public officials, interest groups, and activists who are all concerned with the same policies called?
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The American Bar Association is a good example of a labor group.
The American Bar Association is a good example of a labor group.
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Which statement about PACs is most accurate?
Which statement about PACs is most accurate?
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Why does the free-rider problem occur?
Why does the free-rider problem occur?
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Over the past forty years, how has the number of interest groups in the United States changed?
Over the past forty years, how has the number of interest groups in the United States changed?
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Lobbyists are often likely to be who?
Lobbyists are often likely to be who?
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What is true about the so-called New Politics movement?
What is true about the so-called New Politics movement?
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Expanded ____________ regulation in the 1970s in areas such as automobile safety and health care led to the growth in interest groups.
Expanded ____________ regulation in the 1970s in areas such as automobile safety and health care led to the growth in interest groups.
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In grassroots lobbying, interest groups attempt to do what?
In grassroots lobbying, interest groups attempt to do what?
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In recent Michigan affirmative action cases, what interest group tactic was used?
In recent Michigan affirmative action cases, what interest group tactic was used?
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What are the requisite parts of a so-called iron triangle?
What are the requisite parts of a so-called iron triangle?
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According to textbook authors, what has caused the explosion of interest group activity in the United States?
According to textbook authors, what has caused the explosion of interest group activity in the United States?
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The massive increase in the number of interest groups can be traced to which decade?
The massive increase in the number of interest groups can be traced to which decade?
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What is the term for communication with lawmakers and members of the government to influence the passage of legislation?
What is the term for communication with lawmakers and members of the government to influence the passage of legislation?
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Interest groups tend to proliferate at times when government is shrinking.
Interest groups tend to proliferate at times when government is shrinking.
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The New Politics movement led to the proliferation of public interest groups in the 1970s.
The New Politics movement led to the proliferation of public interest groups in the 1970s.
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People who benefit from the work of an interest group but who do not themselves contribute any effort or money are called free riders.
People who benefit from the work of an interest group but who do not themselves contribute any effort or money are called free riders.
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Interest groups are prohibited by federal law from lobbying administrative agencies.
Interest groups are prohibited by federal law from lobbying administrative agencies.
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Study Notes
Iron Triangle and Issue Networks
- An iron triangle consists of a legislative committee, an interest group, and an executive agency forming an alliance.
- An issue network is a loose relationship between public officials, interest groups, and activists centered on shared policy concerns.
Interest Groups vs. Political Parties
- Interest groups focus on influencing government policies, whereas political parties are concerned with personnel in government.
- The rise of interest groups is related to the growing role of government since the 1970s.
Free Riders and Collective Efforts
- Free riders benefit from a group's efforts without contributing, as group benefits often cannot be denied to nonmembers.
PACs and Interest Group Dynamics
- Since 1980, ideological and public interest PACs have significantly increased, while labor PACs have remained stable.
- Lobbyists are often former government employees leveraging their connections for advocacy.
New Politics Movement
- The New Politics movement consists of upper-middle-class professionals and intellectuals influenced by civil rights and antiwar movements, leading to more public interest groups in the 1970s.
Role of Federal Regulation
- Expanded federal regulation during the 1970s, particularly in areas like automobile safety and health care, contributed to the growth of interest groups.
Lobbying Practices
- Grassroots lobbying involves engaging the general public and voters in advocacy efforts.
- Interest groups utilize litigation as a tactic, evident in their involvement in cases like affirmative action, where they sponsor lawsuits and file amicus curiae briefs.
Proliferation of Interest Groups
- The number of interest groups in the U.S. has increased dramatically over the past four decades.
- This trend is particularly notable since the 1970s, linked to the expanding government role that motivated more organized advocacy efforts.
- Interest groups typically do not proliferate during periods of government contraction.
Misconceptions and Legal Framework
- Misconception exists that interest groups are prohibited from lobbying administrative agencies; they are indeed allowed to engage in such activities.
- The theory of pluralism advocates for free competition among interests, suggesting that compromise and moderation emerge from this competition.
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Description
Explore key concepts from Chapter 8 of Political Science. This quiz features important terms and definitions that will help you understand the dynamics of policy-making and interest groups in American politics. Test your knowledge on the iron triangle and the dilemmas between liberty and equality.
