Critical Thinking Questions

What does group participation provide to citizens?

Why don't lower-income groups participate more in the interest group system?

What are some barriers to participation?

Which of the following is an aspect of iron triangles?

• fluid participation among interests

• a great deal of competition for access to decision-makers

• a symbiotic relationship among Congressional committees, executive agencies, and interest groups

• three interest groups that have formed a coalition

Which of the following is true of spending in politics?

• The Supreme Court has yet to address issue of money in politics.

• The Supreme Court has restricted spending on politics.

• The Supreme Court has opposed restrictions on spending on politics.

• The Supreme Court has ruled that corporations may spend unlimited amounts money but unions may not.

In what ways are lobbyists regulated?

• Certain activities are prohibited.

• Contributions must be disclosed.

What is a difference between a PAC and a super PAC?

• PACs can contribute directly to candidates, but super PACS cannot.

• Conservative interests favor PACs over super PACS.

• Contributions to PACS are unlimited, but restrictions have been placed on how much money can be contributed to super PACS.

• Super PACS are much more likely to support incumbent candidates than are PACS.

How do interest groups lobby the judicial branch?

How do interest groups and their lobbyists decide which lawmakers to lobby? And where do they do so?

Revolving door laws are designed to do which of the following?

• prevent lawmakers from utilizing their legislative relationships by becoming lobbyists immediately after leaving office

• help lawmakers find work after they leave office

• restrict lobbyists from running for public office

• all the above