Am. Gov. Chapter 9

the united states provides a favorable environment for interest groups because

of the tradition of free speech and association means there are few legal barriers to the activities of interest groups. the tradition of people joining together encourages them to look to interest groups as a way of influencing policymakers. the separation of powers and federalism provide numerous points of access for interest groups to try to influence policymakers.

one of the positive contributions that interest groups make is

providing a form of representation for organized groups.

outside lobbying is aimed at bringing _____________ pressure to bear on policymakers

public

which type of interest group is classified as an economic type?

agriculture

which of the following are considered reasons for americans' broad participation in groups, such as volunteer organizations?

the prominence of public education. the importance of religion. a tradition a of free association.

which of the following statements are true concerning interest groups?

they can support controversial issues that lawmakers often avoid. they broaden the range of issues that lawmakers address.

which type of interest group represents business firms of a particular kind, such as insurance companies?

trade association

what is a super PAC?

an independent expenditure only committee

interest groups tend to rely on the courts to advance their policy goals when they have

faced legislative hurdles. a low chance of achieving their goals through elected officials.

A person known as __________ rider derives a benefit without contributing to its achievement.

free

which of the following would be considered outside lobbying activities used by interest groups?

having group members send letters to their legislators. organizing a protest on the steps of congress. creating public service announcements to be aired on television.

rather than using threats, interest groups tend to influence lawmakers by providing them with

information that supports the group's policy positions

the interest group strategy that included face-to-face meetings with legislators and providing policy information to policymakers is known as

inside lobbying

an organization that seeks to influence government decision making is referred to as a(n) _______________ ____________

interest group

An ______________ ___________ is an informal group of persons from congress, executive agencies, and interest groups with a mutual interest in a particular police area.

iron triangle

which type of interest group is not classified as an economic interest group

consumer

a group that raises and spends money for the purpose of influencing the outcome of an election is known as

a political action committee.

the primary purpose of ____________ interest groups is to secure material benefits for their members.

economic

who typically benefits the most from interest group resources and activism?

incumbents

capture theory argues that __________ sometimes focus more on the needs of industries than on the public interest

regulatory agencies

which group represents the largest agricultural interest group in the united states today?

the american farm bureau

citizens united v. federal election commission involved which issue affecting interest groups?

the limit on corporate and union spending in federal elections

which of the following is a consequence of the effort of the writers of the constitution to devise a governing system that would guard against tyranny of the majority?

america's system of divided power provides abundant opportunities for interest groups to achieve their policy goals.

why do many interest groups form political action committees (PACs)?

because contributing to candidates' campaigns can help gain access for interest group lobbyists

the type of interest group that addresses the issues of concern to the general public and not just the group's members is called a ______________ interest group.

citizens

the interest-group system tends to work primarily in favor of

corporate interests

which of the following is an advantage that economic groups have over citizens groups?

economic groups can provide material benefits (such as jobs) to those who are part of the group

lobbying elected officials includes which of the following activities?

face-to-face meetings with members of congress.

True or false: Retired lawmakers cannot become lobbyists because they are forbidden by law to take a lobbying job.

false

true or false: both pluralists and their critics agree that interest groups have little influence over the government.

false

which type of workers make up an increasing share of union workers?

government workers

an example of an environmental interest group is.

greenpeace

A(n) ____________ ____________ is comprised of various actors that all have interest and expertise in a particular policy issue even though they may disagree on what the outcome should be.

issue network

compared with the percentage of united states workers who were union members in the 1950s and 1960s the perentage today is

lower

compared with europeans, americans are _________ likely to belong to a voluntary group or association.

more