Deck 12: Structured Conflict: Interest Groups and Politics

Question 1

Most democracies, especially the United States, are true representatives of the pluralist system in action.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

What is the name for an interest group that is organized to promote a focused idea or view usually in strident and consistent terms? ___________________

Answer 2

promotional group

Question 3

The relationship between members of Congress and lobbyists is mutually beneficial because:

A) both members of Congress and lobbyists are generalists
B) both members of Congress and lobbyists are specialists
C) members of Congress are specialists and lobbyists are generalists
D) members of Congress are generalists and lobbyists are specialists
E) members of Congress and lobbyists are neither generalists nor specialists

Answer 3

D

Question 4

If the design of the political system gives primary "voice" and access to business interests, the system is said to be "neo-corporatist."

Question 5

The system of pluralism is associated with the concept of choice, while the system of neo-corporatism is associated with the concept of _____________________.

Question 6

When the relationship between government and interest groups becomes entangled and tight with some groups having formal government sponsorship and/or special access, the system is labeled _____________________________.

Question 7

In discussing pluralism and corporatism, France is used as an example of an interest group system that is _____________________.

Question 8

These are likely the most important way in most countries for public opinion to be brought into the political process to affect government authorities:

A) political parties
B) interest groups
C) traditional media
D) Internet
E) elections

Question 9

Interest groups may have trouble maintaining membership because if they are successful in their political lobbying efforts, the policies made are actually public ___________ and as such are available to everyone.

Question 10

The interest group is an important part of political advocacy.

Question 11

In many western countries, interest groups in this sector have far more influence relative to the size of their memberships than other interest groups do:

A) environment
B) labor
C) business
D) poor people
E) recreation

Question 12

Interest groups are found only in democracies.

Question 13

What is the name for an interest group that was established for reasons other than promoting political positions, has a regular standing in society, and engages in political activity very selectively? ____________________

Question 14

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was able to end segregated schools in the United States primarily through the use of this tactic:

A) litigation
B) coalition
C) campaign contributions
D) lobbying
E) electoral activity

Question 15

Interest groups are, on the whole, democratically organized.

Question 16

Interest groups may be formed around political activity, but membership may be a function of other things. If the group provides its members with side benefits called _____________________, membership will continue in spite of modest lobbying performance.

Question 17

What is the name for an interest group that promotes the interests of a segment of the economic life of the society? _________________

Question 18

This interest group tactic involves having large numbers of group members contact legislators:

A) outside lobbying
B) electoral activity
C) coalition formation
D) campaign contributions
E) litigation

Question 19

There is no way to validate the claims of interest groups that they "represent" the general public.

Question 20

Most interest groups lack structures that ensure that leaders will remain responsive to their members' wishes.

Question 21

The text describes eleven different tactics of interest groups. Identify all eleven and give a one-to two sentence description of each.

Question 22

The primary difference between a pluralist and a neo-corporatist system of interest groups is the degree to which the "interests" are able to compete for government's "ear on an equal basis or in a setting with equitable rules". In some systems, the government officially sanctions or recognizes and interfaces with particular groups to the detriment (disadvantage) of others.

Question 23

According to your text, neo-corporatism is the more fragile of the two systems.

Question 24

What is the free rider problem? How can interest groups minimize the effects of this problem?

Question 25

Interest groups are a crucial avenue for political participation. However, they do not function in an optimal manner. Write an essay about the four barriers to optimal functioning of interest groups. Include analysis of whether or not important sectors of society are fairly represented through interest groups.

Question 26

In what sense is the system of interest groups in society about "structured conflict?"

Question 27

Critical Thinking
Interest groups represent the voice of some of the people. Is it better to have some voices than all voices? Is it better to force equality on all voices? Would public policy serve ALL the people more effectively if interest groups and their "louder" voices were eliminated?