Interest Group Formation CC: Gov't

According to the Pluralist theory, every group with a particular interest should be able to do what?

• choose candidates to run for office

• address the people in public forums such as radio and television

• monitor congressmen to make sure they are doing what they pledged they would do when running for office

• form an organization that will pursue policies to further that interest

How does the video define "free riding"?

• When people who stand to get a big benefit from a project either don't pay a big enough share, or they don't pay at all

• someone who rides the subway or bus without paying for it

• attaching a piece of legislation to an already existing bill, in a manner that no one knows its there

Is the "free rider problem" worse in larger groups or smaller groups?

• larger groups

• smaller groups

How do interest groups like labor unions build their numbers?

• by providing selective benefits to their members

• by requiring that if you work in a certain industry, you must be a member of that labor union

• by requiring that if you work at a certain company, you must be a member of a particular labor union

• by guaranteeing higher wages and better working conditions to all workers in that field

The host suggests that one of the main reasons people might join professional groups is for what purpose?

• because they have been required to by their employer

• networking (building personal relationships)

• because they know that the group can help get them better wages and working conditions

• because they don't want to be excluded from their industry

What is "lobbying"?

• taking opinion polls by questioning people as they walk through the lobby of various businesses

• a hobby in which people sit around and lobbies and take free food and drinks provided by the business

• holding important meetings in the lobby, rather than an office, so that the public may participate in the process

• attempting to influence policy by persuading a government policy making official

Lobbyists are limited to giving Congressmen gifts which can cost no more than?

• $100

• $50

• They are not allowed to give congressmen gifts at all.

• $500

Which of the following are ways that special interest groups use the courts to further their cause? (Select ALL that apply)

• Filing direct lawsuits

• Filing "Friends of the Court" briefs

• Finding plaintiffs and funding their lawsuits

When an interest group "goes public", they will do which of the following (select ALL that apply). 

• organize advertising campaigns

• sell their stock to the public for the first time

• organize protests

• engage in grassroots efforts to lobby officials

What methods do interest groups encourage their supporters to use when contacting elected officials? (select ALL that are mentioned)

• telephone calls

• shouting at them in person

• letter writing

• emails