Chapter 11. Groups and Interests GOVT2306

Lobbying Congress mostly involves what two activities?

-Meeting with legislators and staffs -Testifying at legislative hearings

Different interest groups make use of lobbying more than others. Place the interest groups in order from those that spend the most on lobbying to those that spend the least.

1. Corporate groups and trade associations 2. Citizen groups 3. Labor groups

As the size of an interest group increases, its potential political influence (1); at the same time, the free-rider problem it faces (2). As groups get smaller, the free-rider problem they face (3).

1. Increases 2. Increases 3. Decreases

PACs play an important role in congressional elections. In House elections, PACs are particularly beneficial to (1), who receive about half of their campaign funds from PACs, whereas (2), only receive about 15 percent of their campaign funds from PACs. Senate candidates overall are (3), reliant on PAC contributions than candidates for the House of Representatives. However, in Senate elections, (4) still have the advantage in terms of PAC donations.

1. Incumbents 2. Challengers 3. Less 4. Incumbents

Interest groups provide different sorts of benefits to attract members. (1) benefits are provided in the form of emails, conferences, training events, and other communications from a group. (2) benefits include meeting like-minded people, developing friendships, and the networking opportunities individuals gain from being a member of an organization.

1. Informational 2. Solidary

Attempts to reduce the influence of organized interests, particularly corporate and business interests, have been mostly (1). This is because overt corruption, which many reforms have been designed to stop, is (2). Instead, the influence of organized and corporate interests on policy is a result of inequalities of resources and information. One source of information inequality stems from the fact that lobbyists can focus on (3) policies, whereas policy makers must focus on (4) policy areas.

1. Unsuccessful 2. Infrequent 3. Specific 4. Broad

In which of the following ways does an issue network differ from an iron triangle?

An issue network includes interested individuals and activist who would not be part of a strict iron triangle.

Which of the following represent actual restrictions or conditions imposed by the government on lobbying practices?

Correct: -Lobbyists are required to disclose the amounts of small campaign contributions they "bundle" into large contributions. -Trade associations must disclose the proportion of dues that go toward lobbying. Incorrect: -Lobbyists are not allowed to "bundle" small campaign contributions from multiple clients into large contributions.

Which of the following are examples of material benefits?

Correct: -Mug or tote bag that you receive for donating. -Travel discounts for being a member of the AARP. Incorrect: -Meeting new friends who share you interests. -The good feelings you get for helping a cause you believe in.

What do interest groups do when they "go public"?

Correct: -Share public opinion -Mobilize supporters Incorrect: -Meet with members of congress -Testify at committee meetings

What are the three parts of an iron triangle?

Correct: A supportive interest group A congressional committee An administrative agency

One of the more famous quotes in political science (yes, there are famous quotes among political scientists) is Schattschneider's "[t]he flaw in the pluralist heaven is that the heavenly chorus sings with a strong upper-class accent.″ What did he mean by this?

Interest-group politics tends to favor business and corporate interests.

Ballot measures sponsored by businesses or business groups are much more likely to pass than those initiatives sponsored by citizen groups.

False

Because of reforms put in place in the 1970s, the amount of electoral spending by interest groups has remained about the same since then.

False

Coordination and accountability are more easily achieved in bigger groups with lots of members.

False

Lobbying refers to direct contact by an interest group specifically with a member of Congress.

False

Which kind of structure for interest groups have some studies shown may be more engaging for members and more influential on policy at multiple levels?

Federated

Why are free riders a problem for interest groups trying to secure collective goods?

Free riders can enjoy collective goods even without helping, so they do not provide support for interest groups.

You've just been assigned a group project. There is one person in your group who does none of the work but is happy to take the "A" you all earn for the final product. This person's behavior is an example of what concept?

Free riding

Identify a primary reason interest groups make PAC donations to politicians' campaigns.

Gain access to the lawmaker.

Sort the following into whether they are insider or outsider strategies.

Insider: -Filing a brief in a court case -Lobbying a member of Congress Outsider: -Using electoral politics -Going public

Why does the notice and comment process matter to interest groups?

It allows interest groups an opportunity to influence the implementation of laws by federal agencies.

When an interest group submits an amicus curiae brief, it is engaging in lobbying which branch of the government?

Judicial

PAC vs. Super PAC

PAC can contribute up to $5,000 to a federal candidate for office, & started in the 1970s. Super PAC may raise unlimited sums from corporations, unions, and individuals, & cannot contribute directly to candidates.

What kind of benefit is derived from the experience of working with like-minded people?

Solidary

Incumbent

The holder of an office or post

Recent presidential administrations have introduced rules attempting to reduce the influence of lobbyists on government.

True

When are groups more likely to encourage less conventional methods of political participation, such as participation in protests or demonstrations?

When the group lacks resources.