Deck 9: Interest Groups

Question 1

The authors suggest that some interest groups have taken control of certain public policy areas. What interest groups and policies might fall into this category?

Answer 1

Some interest groups that may have taken control of certain public policy areas include the National Rifle Association (NRA) in the area of gun control, pharmaceutical companies in the area of healthcare policy, and fossil fuel companies in the area of environmental regulations. These interest groups often have significant financial resources and lobbying power, allowing them to influence and shape public policy in their favor. This can lead to policies that prioritize the interests of these groups over the broader public good.

Question 2

Why might the American Medical Association have historically opposed any form of national health insurance in the United States? How did this organization work with other interest groups to effectively block universal national health insurance?

Answer 2

The American Medical Association (AMA) has historically opposed any form of national health insurance in the United States for a few reasons. First, the AMA has traditionally advocated for a free-market approach to healthcare, believing that competition and individual choice are essential for maintaining high-quality medical care. They have also expressed concerns about government interference in medical decision-making and the potential for decreased physician autonomy under a national health insurance system.

In the past, the AMA has worked with other interest groups, such as insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies, to effectively block universal national health insurance. These groups have lobbied policymakers, funded advertising campaigns, and used their influence to shape public opinion against government-run healthcare. Additionally, the AMA has used its strong political connections and financial resources to oppose any legislation that would establish a national health insurance program.

Overall, the AMA's opposition to national health insurance has been rooted in their belief in a free-market healthcare system and concerns about government involvement in medical care. Their collaboration with other interest groups has allowed them to effectively block universal national health insurance in the United States.

Question 3

What methods do interest groups use to overcome the problem of "free riders"? Why might some interest groups be more successful in overcoming this problem than others?

Answer 3

Interest groups use a variety of methods to overcome the problem of "free riders," which refers to individuals who benefit from the group's efforts without contributing to its cause. One common method is to offer selective incentives, such as exclusive benefits or rewards, to members who actively participate and contribute to the group's goals. This can motivate individuals to join and support the group, knowing that they will receive something in return for their efforts.

Another method is to engage in lobbying and advocacy efforts to influence policymakers and public opinion. By actively working to shape policies and public discourse, interest groups can create a sense of urgency and importance around their cause, making it more difficult for individuals to free ride without feeling guilty or facing social pressure.

Some interest groups may be more successful in overcoming the problem of free riders than others for several reasons. One factor is the level of organization and resources available to the group. Groups with strong leadership, clear goals, and sufficient funding are better equipped to implement effective strategies for combating free ridership.

Additionally, the nature of the group's cause and the potential benefits it offers to members can also impact its success in overcoming free riders. Groups advocating for highly personal or immediate issues, such as healthcare or economic interests, may find it easier to mobilize and motivate members to actively participate. On the other hand, groups advocating for more abstract or long-term issues may struggle to overcome free ridership due to the lack of immediate and tangible benefits for members.

Overall, the success of interest groups in overcoming the problem of free riders depends on their ability to offer selective incentives, engage in effective advocacy, and mobilize members around a compelling and relevant cause.

Question 4

People assume that lobbyists often bribe members of Congress, but evidence suggests that this practice, although once normal, is now very rare. What might account for the decline in overt corruption in the lobbying process? Have campaign contributions taken the place of bribery?

Question 5

What accounts for the resilience of the myth that interest groups are a corrupting influence in politics?

Question 6

It is generally agreed that the American Association of Retired People (AARP) is one of the most powerful interest groups in the United States. What accounts for the power of the AARP? What resources can it call upon to advance its policy goals?

Question 7

Are single-issue groups generally more successful in advancing their policy goals than interest groups with multiple goals?

Question 8

A PAC is a(n):

A) Agency established by the government to regulate interest group activity
B) Institution to distribute political jobs and contracts among interest groups
C) Organization that plans and directs lobbying activities for interest groups
D) Organization established to make contributions to political candidates

Question 9

According to the Federal Election Campaign Act, a PAC:

A) Can contribute to no more than five candidates
B) Can give no more than $5,000 to a candidate per election
C) Cannot collect private donations for political contributions
D) Cannot represent labor, business, or corporate interests

Question 10

Although Madison warned of the dangers of interest groups, he also argued that:

A) They have no place in a democratic system
B) They are inevitable in any democratic system
C) They may also be detrimental to lawmakers
D) They tend to be one-sided in their views

Question 11

Although lobbyists can play an important role in the political system, most members of Congress are more likely to be influenced by:

A) Their constituents
B) Groups that promote their causes
C) Special interest groups
D) Large and powerful corporations

Question 12

An example of a single-issue activist group would be:

A) The National Rifle Association
B) The Christian Coalition
C) Public Citizen, Inc.
D) American Bankers Association

Question 13

An interest group is a(n):

A) Organized group of people seeking to enter politics and run for office
B) Organized group of people with common goals seeking to influence the government
C) Group of people with a common interest in some particular subject
D) Group of people interested in studying politics and government

Question 14

As a result of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974:

A) PACs were prohibited
B) PACs became much more influential
C) Restrictions on campaign contributions by interest groups were lifted
D) Interest groups were no longer allowed to support multiple candidates in the same election

Question 15

Because local and state governments often depend on Washington for state funding, they rely upon ____ to lobby for them.

A) small state contingencies
B) private sector interest groups
C) local mayoral staffs
D) public sector interest groups

Question 16

Super PACs help federal election candidates:

A) Ensure their victory
B) Circumvent federal laws meant to reform the campaign financial process
C) Uncover privileged information about their opponents
D) Raise private money to secretly enhance their objectives

Question 17

For interest groups, coalition building means:

A) Creating a political party out of different voting groups
B) Bringing together different groups for a common lobbying effort
C) Developing a set of different tactics to achieve the group's objectives
D) Creating a sense of unity among members

Question 18

Congress first required lobbyists to register with the House of Representatives in:

A) 1980
B) 1972
C) 1945
D) 1887

Question 19

Corporate-sponsored PACs tend to direct much of their campaign support to:

A) Democratic candidates
B) Republican candidates
C) Reform Party candidates
D) Libertarian Party candidates

Question 20

Critical to a lobbyist's success is:

A) Knowing the different needs of the various small interest groups
B) Obtaining covert information to pass along to the right people
C) Being able to attend most congressional hearings in order to track their progress
D) The ability to obtain information, evaluate it, and pass it on to influential people

Question 21

Government regulation of interest group spending has:

A) Decreased the amount of PAC giving
B) Decreased the influence of soft money
C) Increased public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process
D) Increased the number of PAC contributions to candidates

Question 22

Hard-line tactics by interest groups:

A) Are banned by federal regulations
B) Are becoming much less common in interest group politics
C) Might include civil disobedience and illegal activity
D) Receive little media attention in American politics

Question 23

In tracking PAC contributions, labor unions heavily support:

A) Democratic candidates
B) Republican candidates
C) No single party
D) Challengers

Question 24

Labor organizations are:

A) Citizen activist groups
B) Economic interest groups
C) Prohibited from influencing politics
D) More powerful than ever as interest groups

Question 25

Lobbying means:

A) Running for reelection
B) Paying for political benefits
C) Trying to influence government decision-makers
D) Finding out what the best policy is for the country

Question 26

Lobbyist generally maintain relationships with elected officials by providing:

A) Bribes
B) Favors
C) Data
D) Gifts

Question 27

Lobbyists are governed by one major rule. That rule is:

A) To promote the organization among young people
B) To be credible and never lie
C) To spend money to build political support
D) To avoid entering into coalitions with other lobbyists

Question 28

Many Americans perceive lobbyists as:

A) People who have citizens' best interests at heart
B) Negotiators who know what is best for the country
C) "Wheeler-dealers" who attempt to buy members of Congress
D) People who understand the workings of Congress

Question 29

Objectives of interest groups include:

A) Running candidates for public office
B) Bribing policymakers
C) Providing links between members and politicians
D) Taking control of Congress

Question 30

One group whom you might not expect to find lobbyists representing is:

A) Farmers
B) The local Chamber of Commerce
C) The National Rifle Association
D) The League of Women Voters

Question 31

One difference between an interest group and a political party is that an interest group:

A) Doesn't run candidates for office
B) Has a broader range of interests than does a party
C) Seeks to take control of government
D) Does not attempt to operate government

Question 32

One group that has had major success in changing the law through litigation is the:

A) National Iron Workers
B) American Association of Retired Persons
C) U.S. Chamber of Commerce
D) NAACP

Question 33

One of the most important and time-consuming jobs a lobbyist has is:

A) Mobilizing public opinion
B) Working with congressional staff
C) Building legislative coalitions
D) Presenting research results or technical information to public officials

Question 34

One of the most important characteristics of a successful public interest group is its:

A) Prolific membership
B) Bipartisanship
C) Unity
D) Lobbying power

Question 35

One piece of legislation that regulates lobbying in Washington is the:

A) Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act
B) Lobbying Restrictions Act
C) Congressional Review Act
D) Lobbying Reform Act

Question 36

Public interest groups represent:

A) The interests of private clubs and organizations
B) The interests of public employees and officials
C) The political interests of public corporations
D) What they see as a broad set of issues of concern to the public

Question 37

Public interest groups such as Common Cause, single-interest groups such as the National Rifle Association, and advocacy groups such as the American Cancer Society are all parts of a larger category of:

A) Citizen activist groups
B) Economic interest groups
C) Government-related interest groups
D) State reliance groups

Question 38

Public sector interest groups are:

A) Associations of governments and government officials that represent the collective interests of their members
B) Organizations of people interested in obtaining a government job
C) Organizations that help government employees pursue their individual interests
D) Lobbies for people interested in challenging public sector employment

Question 39

Recent legislative battles over reforming the Social Security and Medicare systems highlighted the importance of ____ among members of the AARP.

A) resources
B) unity
C) enthusiasm
D) expertise

Question 40

Some large cities, such as Chicago and Los Angeles, employ lobbyists in order to:

A) Promote tourism in their area
B) Be able to raise taxes locally
C) Obtain promises from the government
D) Ensure that they receive their share of federal funding

Question 41

Some interest groups try to influence the Supreme Court by:

A) Engaging in civil disobedience
B) Hiring "top gun" lawyers to try their cases
C) Opposing or supporting judicial nominees
D) Campaigning in judicial elections at the state level

Question 42

The American Boiler Makers Association can often monopolize policy regarding its industry because:

A) It effectively counters criticism and offers member services
B) It is unified and highly organized
C) Of the size of the organization
D) Of the effective absence of any countervailing forces to oppose it

Question 43

The Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) is notable for providing members with:

A) Candidate portraits
B) Voting scorecards
C) Issue briefings
D) Fundraising thermometers

Question 44

The Cable Television Association represents many different interests in the cable industry. It would be classified as a:

A) Labor union
B) Trade association
C) Public interest group
D) Government-related interest group

Question 45

The first organizations to form political action committees were:

A) Corporations
B) Trade associations
C) Public interest groups
D) Labor unions

Question 46

The freerider problem refers to the difficulty an interest group has in getting:

A) Politicians to keep the promises they make
B) Lobbyists to offer bribes and favors to politicians
C) Other groups to join them in lobbying coalitions
D) Contributions from all who benefit from the group's work

Question 47

The main objective of a PAC is to:

A) Lobby for its own benefit
B) Collect campaign contributions from supporters and pass these onto candidates for office
C) Influence the legislature by bribing members with campaign contributions
D) Support the needs of farmers and food processors

Question 48

The membership of interest groups is said to be biased toward:

A) Most ethnic groups
B) Private business owners
C) Club affiliations
D) The upper half of the socioeconomic ladder

Question 49

The text implies that a majority of Americans believe in the myth that most interest groups are:

A) Good at controlling elections
B) Good for those who need a political outlet
C) An entertaining diversion in the political arena
D) A corrupting influence in politics

Question 50

There are about ____ PACs registered in Washington, D.C.

A) 3,000
B) 7,000
C) 10,000
D) 12,000

Question 51

There are about ____ registered lobbyists in Washington.

A) 4,000
B) 6,000
C) 9,000
D) 12,000

Question 52

Which of the following is NOT true about PACs?

A) They can be led by a private sector businessman
B) They may be funded by supporters of an individual candidate
C) They must be affiliated with an interest group
D) Unaffiliated groups have been increasing for the past twenty-five years

Question 53

What did James Madison have to say about interest groups in Federalist No. 10?

A) Groups can be divisive in a democracy but shouldn't be outlawed
B) Groups are divisive in a democracy and should be outlawed
C) Groups are a part of the inevitable checks and balances of a democracy and so are no cause for fear
D) Groups reflect the will of the people and the good of the whole

Question 54

What kinds of interests are defined as economic interest groups?

A) Business, labor, and public interest, but not agriculture
B) Business, labor, and professional, but not public interest
C) Business, agriculture, and cause groups, but not professional
D) Labor, agriculture, and single-interest groups, but not business

Question 55

When public interest groups lobby via a letter-writing campaign, this is considered ____ lobbying.

A) senatorial
B) state-level
C) mayoral
D) grassroots-level

Question 56

Which of the following is an example of a public sector interest group?

A) The NRA
B) The U.S. Conference of Mayors
C) The National Association for Mental Health
D) The American Cancer Society

Question 57

Which of the following is an example of the use of litigation by an interest group?

A) Providing research data on legal cases to lawmakers
B) Joining with other interest groups in a lobbying alliance
C) Presenting arguments in a "friend of the court" brief in a lawsuit
D) Seeking to overturn judicial precedent

Question 58

Which of the following most accurately expresses the reality behind the myth of corrupting interest groups?

A) Interest groups help keep down the cost of politics
B) Interest groups have helped national interests rise above all minority concerns
C) Interest groups show a bias toward the poor and disadvantaged
D) Interest groups help to give people a voice in government

Question 59

Which of the following statements regarding super PACs is incorrect?

A) They are tax exempt
B) They can raise money for political activities
C) They can raise money to advocate issues
D) They can make direct contributions to candidates

Question 60

Lobbying expenses in 2015 were approximately:

A) $500 million
B) $1.2 billion
C) $3.2 billion
D) $4.8 billion

Question 61

Most Americans believe that lobbyists:

A) Serve a valuable purpose
B) Have too much power
C) Represent the will of the people
D) Are under the control of members of Congress

Question 62

An economic interest group might focus on:

A) Trade policy
B) Tax policy
C) Agricultural subsidies
D) All of the above

Question 63

The Chamber of Commerce is an example of a:

A) PAC
B) Business association
C) Public interest group
D) Government-related interest group

Question 64

One of the most powerful professional associations is the:

A) AFL-CIO
B) Chamber of Commerce
C) American Bankers Association
D) NRA

Question 65

Public sector interest groups work on behalf of:

A) Government employees
B) Other government entities
C) Foreign governments
D) None of the above

Question 66

Which group would represent the interests of China in Congress?

A) A public sector interest group
B) A PAC
C) A foreign nation interest group
D) An international trade association

Question 67

Super PACs:

A) Can raise unlimited money from corporations
B) Can make direct donations to candidates
C) Are limited in how much money they can spend
D) Are controlled by the leadership of the House majority

Question 68

The size of an interest group matters to politicians because:

A) Of the potential to raise money and mobilize voters
B) All large interest groups are able to control the opinions of their members
C) Groups with small memberships can never raise enough money
D) Groups with small memberships are looked down upon by members of Congress

Question 69

One of the keys to long-term successful lobbying is:

A) Providing accurate information
B) Being willing to change positions as needed to get a contribution
C) Being willing to sell out your opponents
D) Opposition research

Question 70

What can interest groups do to minimize the free-rider problem?

A) Make sure that laws only benefit their contributors
B) Provide incentives to members, such as newsletters
C) Kick free-riders out of the group
D) Use intimidation to get people to join the group

Question 71

When two or more interest groups challenge each other on the same policy, this is an example of:

A) Interest group war
B) Countervailing forces
C) Mutually assured destruction
D) Poor leadership

Question 72

Lobbyists say the task that takes up most of their time is:

A) Giving campaign donations
B) Building relationships
C) Mobilizing public opinion
D) Lobbying legislators

Question 73

The primary reason successful lobbyists don't lie to members of Congress is:

A) It can lead to public relations disasters
B) Members of Congress won't work with dishonest lobbyists
C) They want to stay in compliance with the Ethical Lobbying Conduct Act of 1969
D) Pressure from other lobbyists

Question 74

When interest groups participate in the election process, this is:

A) Electioneering
B) Illegal
C) A violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act
D) So rare that it often involves significant media scrutiny

Question 75

In 2016, PACs spent ____ on electioneering.

A) $800 million
B) $1.5 billion
C) $3 billion
D) $5 billion

Question 76

The largest PAC contributor to candidates in 2016 was connected to:

A) Honeywell
B) The NRA
C) The AFL-CIO
D) Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Question 77

One of the unintended consequences of limiting PAC contributions was that PACs:

A) can now donate to many more candidates
B) influence has declined
C) now rely on other forms of lobbying
D) now ignore the limits entirely

Question 78

In addition to campaign donations, interest groups can get involved in elections by:

A) Supplying volunteers
B) Creating scorecards of key votes
C) Getting members to serve as delegates to national conventions
D) All of the above

Question 79

Grassroots pressure can include:

A) Letter-writing campaigns
B) Protest marches
C) Individual constituents visiting with politicians
D) All of the above

Question 80

Grassroots pressure can be more effective than lobbying because:

A) Grassroots activists are also voters
B) Each activist is likely to make a significant campaign donation
C) Of the Voter Lobbying Freedom Act of 2004
D) All of the above