Interest Groups

Which of the following is the best definition of pluralism?

• A multitude of groups compete for and share power at any given time
• a multitude of interest groups have the ability to form and survive
• several small single issue groups tend to hold power
• the number of groups continues to increase as society becomes more complicated

Elite theorists believe that the power of interest groups...?

• is held by only a few wealthy groups.
• comes mostly from public support.
• is evenly distributed among them.
• reinforces a more democratic government. 

The hyperpluralist  theory holds that...?

• interest group intensity places pressure on members of congress.
• the large number of groups slows down the policy making process.
• it is common for one group to rapidly split up into other groups.
• many groups compete for and share power. 

Lawmakers often rely on lobbyists for all of the following reasons EXCEPT...?

• to come up with the new policy ideas that they can introduce in congress.
• for money that would allow them to travel to their constituencies. 
• to encourage group members to vote for them during their reelection. 
• for expertise on a certain issue. 

Iron triangles are composed of...? 

• an interest group, a legislative committee, and a federal agency.
• a PAC, an interest group, and a congressional candidate. 
• a cabinet department, a legislative committee, and a federal judge. 
• a local civic group, a state legislator, and a federal department. 

Proponents of the plualist theory argue that, for the most part, power is evenly distributed among interest groups because...?

• the public participants equally in different types of interest groups.
• all interest groups receive the same amount of federal funds. 
• competition prevents any one group from becoming more influential. 
• each policy area is assigned a limited number of related interest groups. 

Which of the following statements accurately describes methods interest groups employ to influence policymaking? 
I: Class action lawsuits allow interest groups to sue in the name of a larger section of the public.
II: Interest groups meet with judges about their cases that affect their policy area.
III: Interest groups make almost all of their PAC contributions to incumbents rather than challengers.
IV: Lobbyists use their policy experience to make themselves indispensable to politicians.
V: Interest groups pay committee members to review proposed legislation from a legislative point of view.

• III only
• I and IV only
• II and V only
• I, III, and IV only

Interest groups do all of the following EXCEPT...?

• link the public to the political process.
• nominate candidates for elective office.
• try to shape specific policy goals.
• play a part in political campaigns. 

Which of the following interest groups is know to be the largest in membership size?

• National Rifle Association (NRA)
• League of Conservation Voters
• American Association of Retired Persons. (AARP)
• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. (NAACP)

Which of the following groups has primarily used litigation to advance its issues? 

• National Rifle Association (NRA) 
• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
• National Association of Retired Persons. (AARP) 
• Christian Coalition