Question 1

Often an issue will gain significant support from across the spectrum of interest groups to the point that it becomes known as a movement. Which of the following would NOT be considered a social movement in American history?

Accepted Answer

Upgrading of the military is not considered a social movement; it is more of a policy or strategic initiative rather than a grassroots movement driven by widespread public support and activism.

Question 2

A general characteristic of an interest group that may have a significant bearing on how powerful that group will be is

Accepted Answer

The size of the group, the wealth of the members, and the dedication of members to the goals of the group are all important factors in determining the power of an interest group. A larger group may have more resources and a greater ability to mobilize voters, while wealthy members can contribute substantial amounts of money to support the group's agenda. Additionally, the dedication of members to the group's goals can determine their willingness to engage in activism and lobbying efforts. Therefore, all three factors are significant in determining the power of an interest group.

Question 3

Which of the following interest groups boasts extremely high number of members?

Accepted Answer

The Christian Coalition of America (CCA) and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) both boast extremely high numbers of members.

Question 4

Throughout American history, the most significant influences on the formation of public policy have been

Accepted Answer

Private special interest groups have had a significant influence in shaping public policy in American history. These groups represent various interests such as business, labor, environmental, and social issues. They lobby and advocate for policies that align with their interests and often have the resources to influence lawmakers and the public opinion.

Question 5

The AFL-CIO, one of the largest labor unions in America and a major interest group, was instrumental in pushing for creation of a new cabinet-level agency to advocate for its interests. This agency is the

Accepted Answer

The AFL-CIO, being a labor union, would naturally advocate for worker's rights and interests, and so would push for a Department of Labor to address these issues on a federal level. The Department of Labor is responsible for promoting and improving working conditions, protecting the rights of workers, and facilitating fair labor standards throughout the country.

Question 6

The satisfaction that a group member receives from interacting with like-minded individuals for a particular cause is referred to as a(n)

Accepted Answer

The satisfaction that a group member receives from interacting with like-minded individuals for a particular cause is referred to as a solidary benefit. This benefit includes the sense of belonging, identity, and attachment to the group and its members.

Question 7

In the post-Civil War economic boom, Samuel Gompers helped to create and lead the American Federation of Labor (AFL). What was the impact of this interest group on labor relations?

Accepted Answer

The AFL brought together many smaller worker trade unions, which gave them increased political clout and ultimately won support in Congress for dozens of worker benefits. The AFL fought for better wages, shorter workweeks, and better working conditions for industrial workers. While there were setbacks and opposition from some corporate interests, the AFL helped to lay the foundation for stronger labor protections and worker rights in the United States.

Question 8

During periods of rapid growth in federal spending, such as the New Deal of the 1930s and the Great Society of the 1960s, what has been the corresponding response of interest groups?

Accepted Answer

During periods of rapid growth in federal spending, interest groups tend to increase in number and become more active in advocating for or opposing government policies. This is because such spending usually involves the creation or expansion of programs that can affect the interests of various groups, such as businesses, labor unions, and advocacy organizations. As a result, these groups may seek to influence policy decisions through lobbying, public relations campaigns, or other means of political persuasion.

Question 9

Between 1960 and 2000, the number of official associations (interest groups) increased by about

Accepted Answer

The answer of Between 1960 and 2000, the number of...

Question 10

Though they have created some controversies, many interest groups have a political arm that acts as an extension of their organization, referred to as a

Accepted Answer

Political action committees (PACs) are specifically designed to channel campaign contributions from interest groups, corporations, and individuals to support specific candidates or parties. This enables interest groups to have a greater impact on the political process, making it more likely that their goals will be achieved. However, critics argue that PACs give undue influence to wealthy or powerful interest groups, and some have been involved in illegal or unethical behavior.

Question 11

Three sets of actors interact to produce policy: congressional committees, executive agencies of government, and private interest groups. This grouping of actors and interests is referred to as the

Accepted Answer

The term "iron triangle" refers to the three sets of actors (congressional committees, executive agencies, and interest groups) and their close relationships that develop over time to influence policy decisions in a specific area. The term suggests that these relationships are very difficult to break or penetrate by outside actors.

Question 12

Throughout the first half of the twentieth century, the concept of labor unions as interest groups continued to grow. What was the relationship between these groups and the goals of the business owners?

Accepted Answer

Labor unions aimed to improve working conditions and increase wages for workers, while business owners sought to maximize profits. These goals often came into conflict, leading to strikes and other forms of labor unrest.

Question 13

One reason why interest groups are appealing is that they offer purposive benefits of membership, which are the rewards that benefit society as a whole rather than the individual directly. Which of the following is an example of a group largely driven by purposive benefits?

Accepted Answer

The Sierra Club is a group focused on protecting the environment for the benefit of society as a whole, making it an example of a group driven by purposive benefits. The AMA, NEA, NRA, and AFL-CIO all offer some individual benefits to their members, such as lobbying for specific policies that benefit their members' professions or industries.

Question 14

Though the United States Chamber of Commerce sounds like a government agency, it is in fact a private interest group. Which group does the U.S. Chamber of Commerce represent in lobbying for preferential legislation and funding?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce represents more than three million businesses in lobbying for preferential legislation and funding.

Question 15

The number of interest groups is large. How many Americans are estimated as belonging to at least one group?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 80 percent of Americans are estimated to belong to at least one interest group, showing the significance of interest groups in American politics.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the relationship of interest groups to political candidates and elections?

Accepted Answer

Interest groups do not field candidates but aim to influence policy development and electoral outcomes. Political parties, on the other hand, are created to field candidates for elective office and to influence policy development. While interest groups may support or endorse candidates, they are not the primary funding mechanism for political parties nor are they de facto political parties themselves. Additionally, interest groups are subject to regulation under lobbying laws while political parties have their own set of regulations.

Question 17

Beyond an iron triangle, a broader set of actors who all have a vested interest in an area of public policy and try to collectively influence their policy area is generally referred to as

Accepted Answer

An issue network is a broader set of actors who have a stake in a particular public policy domain and try to collectively influence their policy area. These networks are composed of individuals, interest groups, think tanks, media outlets, academics, and other stakeholders who share a common interest in the issue. The idea of issue networks recognizes that policy-making is a complex and often dynamic process that involves multiple actors with diverse perspectives and interests.

Question 18

Often an individual will join and support a certain interest group to receive tangible advantages from that membership. An example is a teacher who joins the National Education Association with the expectation of salary increases. These advantages are referred to as

Accepted Answer

Material benefits are tangible advantages that members of an interest group may receive from their membership, such as salary increases, discounts on products or services, or access to specific resources.

Question 19

Which of the following was organized for the purpose of advancing the interests of the manufacturing businesses?

Accepted Answer

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) was organized for the purpose of advancing the interests of the manufacturing businesses. The AFL, CIO, and IWW were organized for the purpose of advocating for workers' rights and improving their working conditions. ATT is a telecommunications company and not a labor organization.

Question 20

Which of the following interest groups boasts a lower number of members but has an excess amount of wealth?

Accepted Answer

The American Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA) is known for having a relatively small membership but significant financial resources due to the donations and fees paid by its wealthy members. The other interest groups listed have larger memberships and do not have the same reputation for vast financial resources.

Quiz 11: Interest Groups