Question 1

The constitutional rules of the political game in the United States discourage the formation of interest groups.

Accepted Answer

The constitutional rules of the political game in the United States protect and facilitate the formation of interest groups, including the First Amendment's protection of the freedom of assembly and petition. However, there are some limits and regulations on the activities of interest groups, such as disclosure requirements and restrictions on lobbying activities.

Question 2

Interest groups are prohibited from lobbying the executive branch of the federal government.

Accepted Answer

Interest groups are not prohibited from lobbying the executive branch of the federal government. They can lobby the President, Vice President, and other executive officials in order to influence policy making. However, there are certain restrictions and disclosure requirements for such lobbying activities.

Question 3

As described in the "Using the Framework" box about Medicare, the Medicare prescription drug benefit was created under the George W. Bush administration.

Accepted Answer

The Medicare prescription drug benefit, also known as Medicare Part D, was indeed created under the George W. Bush administration in 2003.

Question 4

Tea Party Caucus Republicans in Congress in 2011 made the elimination of __________ an important element in their effort to reduce government deficits.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Tea Party Caucus Republicans in Congress in...

Question 5

In __________, James Madison expressed concerns about the harmful effects of factions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In __________, James Madison expressed concerns about...

Question 6

__________ refers to communicating with government officials to persuade them to support a particular policy decision.

Accepted Answer

The answer of __________ refers to communicating with government officials...

Question 7

A pluralist would view the presence and activities of lobbyists in Washington, D.C., as harmful to the functioning of our political system.

Accepted Answer

Pluralists believe in the idea of multiple groups with varying interests having equal access and influence within the political system. Therefore, they would not necessarily view the presence and activities of lobbyists as harmful, as they see this as a natural part of the competition of ideas within a pluralistic system.

Question 8

The formation of interest groups seems to happen only when interests are threatened by a change in the social and economic environment or in government policy.

Accepted Answer

The formation of interest groups is typically driven by a perceived need to protect or advance certain interests, which may be threatened by various factors such as changes in government policy, economic trends, or social attitudes. When these interests are perceived to be at risk, individuals or organizations may come together to form an interest group in order to advocate for their positions and influence decision-making processes. However, interest groups can also form proactively, in order to advance particular causes or promote certain interests even in the absence of a perceived threat.

Question 9

Because of federalism, checks and balances, and the separation of powers, access to public officials is relatively easy in the United States.

Accepted Answer

Federalism, checks and balances, and the separation of powers create a system of government in which power is divided among different branches and levels of government. This makes it relatively easy for citizens to access public officials, as they can contact their local, state, or federal representatives.

Question 10

Once a bill becomes law, lobbyists typically leave the implementation up to the executive branch.

Accepted Answer

Lobbyists often remain involved after a bill becomes law to influence the specifics of how it is implemented by the executive branch, including regulations and enforcement practices.

Question 11

Most scholars believe that sub-governments/iron triangles are becoming more important in American government.

Accepted Answer

Most scholars argue that sub-governments or iron triangles are becoming less dominant in the policy-making process, being replaced or supplemented by more fluid and diverse networks of actors, known as issue networks.

Question 12

In recent years, political action committees (PACs) have declined as vehicles for campaign contributions.

Accepted Answer

According to data from the Federal Election Commission and the Center for Responsive Politics, PACs have actually increased in their political spending in recent years, with record-breaking amounts of money being donated to candidates and causes. While there has been some discussion about reforms to the campaign finance system and questions about the influence of money on politics, PACs continue to be a significant force in American elections.

Question 13

If James Madison were alive today, he would most likely view the rapid growth of interest groups over the past several decades as a positive development.

Accepted Answer

James Madison warned about the dangers of factions (what we might call interest groups today) in Federalist No. 10, arguing that they could lead to instability and tyranny if they were not properly managed.

Question 14

Most politically active organizations use lobbying to make their interests known to government officials.

Accepted Answer

Lobbying is a common tool used by politically active organizations to influence government officials and make their interests known.

Question 15

Membership in labor unions has increased over the last several decades.

Accepted Answer

Membership in labor unions has actually decreased over the last several decades.

Question 16

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest and most influential interest groups in the United States, and it is a staunch foe of the minimum wage.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has argued against raising the minimum wage, citing concerns over job loss, increased costs for businesses, and potential negative effects on the economy.

Question 17

__________ are organizations that seek to influence public policy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of __________ are organizations that seek to influence...

Question 18

As discussed in Madison's Federalist No. 10, a(n) __________ is a group of individuals concerned more with their self-interest than with the rights of individuals outside the group or with the needs of society as a whole.

Accepted Answer

The answer of As discussed in Madison's Federalist No. 10,...

Question 19

Pluralism has been challenged on the basis of the fact that political resources and power are unequally distributed within society.

Accepted Answer

Pluralism argues that power is dispersed among various groups and individuals within society. However, critics note that some groups have more political resources and power than others, leading to unequal representation and influence in the political system. Therefore, pluralism has been challenged on the basis of unequal distribution of political resources and power.

Question 20

An iron triangle customarily includes an interest group, an executive agency, and a Congressional __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of An iron triangle customarily includes an interest...

Quiz 7: Interest Groups and Business Organizations