Interest Groups

What is an interest group?

• A group of people who share common goals and organize to influence government and policy

• A group of people who work for the government

• A group of people who oppose government policies

• A group of people who are elected officials

Which of the following is an example of an interest group?

(a)  

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving
• The United Nations

• The Supreme Court

• The Federal Reserve

Which of the following is NOT an example of an interest group?

(a)  

• Habitat for Humanity International

• The Interfaith Alliance

• The League of Women Voters

• The Department of Defense

Why do people join interest groups?

• To increase political efficacy

• • To be represented according to their economic, social, or occupational interests

• To have nothing to do with governmental policies

• To be pressured into belonging to a group

• To have greater impact on government policy

What is a civil society?

• A network of government associations

• A complex network of voluntary associations that exist outside of government

• A group of private citizens who run for office

• A collection of businesses and corporations

What role do private citizens play in interest groups?

(a)  

• They create laws for the government

• They organize and run these groups
• They manage government budgets

• They enforce laws and regulations

How do interest groups influence government?

• By creating new laws

• By putting pressure on all levels of government to meet their goals

• By managing government agencies

• By funding political campaigns

What is one of the primary functions of political parties?

(a)  

• To create laws

• To nominate candidates for office
• To manage businesses

• To enforce laws

Which of the following is a goal of political parties?

(a)  

• To gain control of government
• To provide healthcare

• To build infrastructure

• To manage education

Political parties must consider issues that affect:

(a)  

• Only their members

• Only the wealthy

• American citizens
• Only the poor