What are interest groups?
Define interest groups and describe the characteristics
of different types of groups. (Pages 342–352)Summary
Interest groups are organizations that seek to influence
government policy by helping elect candidates who support their
policy goals and by lobbying elected officials and bureaucrats.
Although 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.Practice Quiz Questions
- In contrast to political parties, interest groups.
a run candidates for office
b coordinate the activities of elected officials
c guarantee that certain candidates appear on electoral ballots
d directly influence government activity
e indirectly influence government activity - Why is the number of lobbyists increasing?
a The federal government is growing in size and influence.
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. - One of the main advantages of a centralized interest group
is that it.
a maintains lots of independent chapters
b often has local chapters competing over resources
c deploys the group’s resources more efficiently
d is able to easily find out what its members want
e has no weaknesses
Key terms
interest group (p. 342)
lobbying (p. 342)
interest group state (p. 343)
centralized groups (p. 347)confederations (p. 347)
revolving door (p. 348)
mass associations (p. 350)
peak associations (p. 350)- 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
Getting organized
Explain how successful interest groups overcome collective
action problems. (Pages 352–354)Summary
A primary challenge in operating an interest group is getting members
to coordinate with one another. Interest groups have a number of
different ways of overcoming the problem of collective action, with
varying degrees of success.Practice Quiz Questions
- The logic of collective action says that even when people
on policy priorities and the costs are ,
cooperation is not easy.
a agree; high
b agree; covered by one person
c agree; low
d disagree; high
e disagree; low - Purposive benefits come from , while solidary
benefits 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
d working to achieve a desired policy goal; receiving material goods
e working to achieve a desired policy goal; working with like-minded
people - Labor unions are generally able to overcome the collective
action problem through the use of.
a solidary benefits
b purposive benefits
c coercion
d selective incentives
e recruitment
Key terms
collective action
problem (p. 352)
free riding (p. 353)
selective incentives (p. 353)solidary benefits (p. 353)
purposive benefits (p. 353)
coercion (p. 353)
material benefits (p. 354)Study Guide
Study guide 371Full_11_APT_64431_ch10_340-373.indd 371 16/11/18 10:26 AM