Interest Groups

How does the American constitutional system encourage interest group participation?

• Because there are so many state and federal officials and political canidates, there are many opportunities for interest groups to influence the government
• Interest groups have little power due to their lack of influence on the public
• Only one branch of government, Congress provides opportunities for interest groups to influence government

Which of the following theories offers the most positive interpretation of the effect of interest groups on American Democracy?

• elite theory
• free market theory
• pluralism
• hyperpluralism

Which of the following is not a criticism of a interest group?

• Ignoring the wider interest of society

• Producing confusing and deadlock in Congress

• Generating so much emotion that they make reasoned discussion difficult

• They have too little influence

What is the purpose of lobbying?

• to increase interest group membership

• to influence the policy making process

• to select the best candidates for office

• to raise money for political campaigns

How are political parties and interest groups different?

• Political parties give money to the public, while interest groups charge the public for membership.

• Political parties nominate candidates in elections to help gain and exercise power. Interest groups bring together citizens around a central issue or concern.

• Interest groups do not interact with elected officials or attempt to change public policy. They are only concerned with social events.

bias

• favoring one view or another
• attention paid to something
• to promote or support
• collection of opinions or attitudes

public opinion 

• favoring one view or another
• attention paid to something
• to promote or support
• collection of opinions or attitudes

political action committee

• represent interest groups and communicate with official
• how money is earned to pay for political campaigns
• organizations that help interest groups raise money for campaigns
• a group of people who work to influence government about a set of issues

interest groups

• represent interest groups and communicate with official
• how money is earned to pay for political campaigns
• organizations that help interest groups raise money for campaigns
• a group of people who work to influence government about a set of issues

lobbyist

• represent interest groups and communicate with official
• how money is earned to pay for political campaigns
• organizations that help interest groups raise money for campaigns
• a group of people who work to influence government about a set of issues