THE INTEREST GROUP UNIVERSE
E Defi ne interest groups and describe the characteristics of diff erent types of groups. Pages 231–39
SUMMARY
Interest groups are organizations that seek to infl uence
government policy by helping elect candidates who support
their policy goals, and by lobbying elected offi cials and
bureaucrats. Though they are generally viewed with disdain,
interest groups are ubiquitous—most organizations have
lobbyists working on their behalf—and under the theory of
pluralism, are regarded as fundamental actors in American
politics.
KEY TERMS
interest group (p. 231)
lobbying (p. 231)
centralized groups (p. 232)
confederations (p. 232)
mass associations (p. 233)
peak associations (p. 233)
solidary benefi ts (p. 234)
purposive benefi ts (p. 234)
coercion (p. 234)
selective incentives (p. 234)
revolving door (p. 235)
trade association (p. 238)
PRACTICE QUIZ QUESTIONS
- In contrast to political parties, interest groups can
__.
a) run candidates for offi ce and coordinate activities
b) coordinate the activities of elected offi cials
c) guarantee positions on electoral ballots
d) directly infl uence government activity
e) indirectly infl uence government activity
STUDY GUIDE
- Why is the number of lobbyists increasing?
a) The federal government is growing in size and
infl uence.
b) Lobbying is not closely regulated.
c) Citizens are now more supportive of special interests.
d) Politicians can concurrently serve their terms and
work as lobbyists.
e) Interest groups have more money to spend. - In contrast to a confederation, a centralized interest
group __.
a) maintains a number of independent chapters
b) often has local chapters competing over resources
c) deploys the group’s resources more effi ciently
d) is able to fi nd out what their members want
e) has no weaknesses - The practice of moving from government positions to
working for interest groups is called __ .
a) interest group capture
b) the revolving door
c) an iron triangle
d) escalator politics
e) the spoils system - Purposive benefi ts come from __; solidary
benefi ts come from __.
a) working with like-minded people; working to
achieve a desired policy goal
b) receiving material goods; working with like-minded
people
c) receiving material goods; working to achieve a
desired policy goal
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Diagnostic Quiz & Key Term Flashcards for This Chapter
STUDY GUIDE|^251