Topic 8: Interest groups

What is an important difference between interest groups and political parties?

• Interest groups have more members than political parties.

• Interest groups have platforms addressing all issues of public concern.

• Interest groups are organized to elect their candidates to political office.

• Interest groups attempt to influence government directly on particular issues.

Which group on the table would be most likely to support a ban on deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico?

• Interest Group 1

• Interest Group 2

• Interest Group 3

• Interest Group 4

Which best describes the main objective of a lobbyist?

• To raise campaign funds for political parties.

• To influence public decision-making for the common good.

• to influence state legislators or members of congress on issues

• to advise political candidates on how to manager their election campaigns

Which activity is used by interest groups to influence public policy?

• bribing legislators to support their proposals

• impeaching their opponents in the legislature

• sponsoring news programs on major television networks

• giving legislators the benefit of their subject-area expertise

Interest groups which represent farmers

• Labor groups
• Professional groups
• Agricultural groups
• Government Interest groups

Groups which seek goals they believe will benefit all of American society

• Public-Interest groups
• Foreign-Interest groups
• Business groups
• Environmental groups

Paid representatives of interest groups who make direct contact with senators and representatives

• Lobbyists
• Con artist
• Salesmen
• Shady characters

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

What is the role of political action committees (PACs)?

• They arrange exhibits and forums to inform citizens about interest groups.

• They fact-check the information given out by the government.

• They run the primaries that parties use to select their nominees.

• They raise money and advertise in support of political candidates.

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.