Interest Groups and Political Influence

What is the primary definition of an interest group?

• A group of people who put money in banks to gain interest.

• An organized group of individuals that make policy-related appeals to the government.

• A political party that tries to get candidates elected.

• A group of experts who run for re-election.

What are two main ways interest groups interact with the government?

• Mobilizing voters and running for political office.

• Shaping policies and gathering information for elected officials.

• Punching eagles and advising the President.

• Collecting taxes and enforcing laws.

Which three entities form an "Iron Triangle" in politics?

• The Supreme Court, the Executive Branch, and interest groups.

• Interest groups, Congress, and the Bureaucracy.

• Political parties, voters, and elected officials.

• State legislatures, local governments, and the President.

What is the main difference between an interest group and a political party?

• Interest groups focus on getting candidates elected, while political parties influence policy.

• Interest groups are always wealthy, while political parties are not.

• Political parties aim to get candidates elected, while interest groups aim to influence policy.

• Political parties operate only at the state level, while interest groups operate at all levels.

What is the primary function of a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

• To organize political rallies and protests.

• To collect and distribute campaign funds and information.

• To directly elect candidates to office.

• To create new laws and policies.

What concept suggests that many different interest groups competing for influence will balance each other out, preventing any single group from gaining too much power?

• Monarchy

• Oligarchy

• Pluralism

• Authoritarianism

How do interest groups provide more opportunities for political participation compared to elections?

• They only focus on local issues, which are easier to influence.

• They allow individuals to push for policies they care about continuously, not just during election times.

• They require less commitment from their members.

• They guarantee that all members' opinions will become law.

What is a significant criticism of interest groups in American democracy?

• They often promote policies that benefit all citizens equally.

• They tend to give more power to the wealthy, whose voices can drown out others.

• They are too small to have any real impact on policy.

• They only operate during election cycles, limiting their influence.