Interest Groups

What is the primary function of an interest group?

• To elect candidates to political office.

• To make policy-related appeals to the government.

• To provide financial services to its members.

• To organize social events for community engagement.

Which of the following are the two main activities interest groups engage in when interacting with the government?

• Mobilizing voters and organizing protests.

• Shaping policies and gathering information for officials.

• Funding political campaigns and holding public debates.

• Appointing judges and enforcing laws.

What three entities form the "Iron Triangle" in American politics?

• The Supreme Court, the President, and the Media.

• Political Parties, Voters, and Lobbyists.

• Interest Groups, Congress, and the Bureaucracy.

• State Legislatures, Local Governments, and Federal Agencies.

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

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

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

• Interest groups are always larger than political parties.

• Political parties are always wealthier than interest groups.

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

• To directly elect candidates to office.

• To collect and distribute campaign funds and information.

• To organize protests and rallies for political causes.

• To provide legal advice to political parties.

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

• They allow individuals to vote on policies directly.

• They provide continuous avenues for individuals to advocate for policies they care about.

• They fund political campaigns, increasing voter turnout.

• They organize debates between candidates outside of election cycles.

What did Martin Gilens' book "Affluence & Influence" conclude about Congress's responsiveness to different groups?

• Congress is equally likely to enact laws that respond to the interests of both the wealthy and the poor.

• Congress is more likely to enact laws that respond to the interests of the poor.

• Congress is much more likely to enact laws that respond to the interests of the wealthy.

• The book found no significant correlation between wealth and congressional policy outcomes.