Question 1

A problem with collective goods is that people will be happy to benefit from something they can enjoy or profit from, without contributing any time, effort, or money of their own to achieve that good. Such individuals are called ______.

Accepted Answer

The term used to describe individuals who benefit from a collective good without contributing their own time, effort, or money is "free riders." A, C, and D are not accurate descriptions of such individuals.

Question 2

The set of issues to which government officials, voters, and the public attend is known as the ______ agenda.

Accepted Answer

The policy agenda is the set of issues that government officials, voters, and the public focus on and prioritize for action. This includes issues such as healthcare, education, and national security, among others. Partisan agenda refers to the political priorities of a particular political party, while interim agenda refers to short-term priorities that may change over time. Personal agenda refers to individual preferences and goals, rather than issues of public concern.

Question 3

The theory of governmental influence that focuses on the advantages that certain interests have in the political process based on the unequal distribution of economic and political power is called ______ theory.

Accepted Answer

The theory described is the elitist theory, which asserts that a small group of wealthy, powerful individuals hold the most influence in government and policy decisions. Pluralist theory, on the other hand, suggests that power is decentralized and distributed amongst many groups and interests. Capitalist theory pertains more to the economic system, and centrist theory refers to a moderate political ideology.

Question 4

What term describes those individuals who enjoy collective goods without contributing to them?

Accepted Answer

Free riders enjoy the benefits of collective goods without sharing in the costs of producing them. This term is commonly used in discussions of public goods, such as national defense or clean air, which are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, meaning that they cannot be withheld from those who do not pay for them and one person's enjoyment of the good does not diminish it for others. In such cases, individuals have an incentive to let others pay for the good while they still benefit from it.

Question 5

In the end, which of the following was Congress's policy decision regarding the bailout?

Accepted Answer

Congress eventually passed a full bailout bill, known as the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which included the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to address the financial crisis.

Question 6

Interest groups are often categorized and analyzed according to the ______.

Accepted Answer

Interest groups are typically categorized based on the broader goals they set out to achieve and the specific issues they focus on, as well as which specific individuals or communities they aim to represent and advocate for. Demographics, common traits, and recruitment strategies may also be relevant factors, but the primary defining characteristic is the group's goals and objectives.

Question 7

Which term best describes goods that are made available only to those who join or contribute to a group?

Accepted Answer

Selective benefits are goods that are made available only to those who join or contribute to a group. Collective benefits are goods that are available to all members of a group regardless of their individual contributions, and social benefits refer to the positive externalities that result from a group's actions. Material rewards are a more general term that includes any tangible benefits, not necessarily restricted to group membership or contribution.

Question 8

The theory of pluralism is one in which ______.

Accepted Answer

The theory of pluralism is predicated on the idea that competition among different interest groups serves as a check on any one group gaining too much power. This competition is viewed as healthy for democracy and ensures that a variety of voices are heard.

Question 9

By 2008, which of the following facts was becoming clear?

Accepted Answer

By 2008, it was becoming clear that a significant portion of the American public was skeptical about using taxpayer dollars to fund a bailout, reflecting widespread concerns about the implications of such financial interventions for the average citizen.

Question 10

In the aftermath of the financial crisis and Wall Street bailout debate, many Americans were calling for ______ reform.

Accepted Answer

The sentence specifically mentions "financial crisis" and "Wall Street bailout debate," which both point to issues in the financial system. Therefore, it can be inferred that the reform being called for is financial reform. A, B, and D may also be areas of concern, but they are not directly referenced in the sentence.

Question 11

C. Wright Mills noted that the exercise of power may be seen ______.

Accepted Answer

C. Wright Mills noted that the exercise of power may be seen not only in actions that are taken but in inaction or the prevention of actions. He believed that power is not just held by elected officials or those in positions of authority, but also by those who have the ability to shape the public agenda and influence decision-making processes. Therefore, power can also be exercised through the control of information, framing of issues, and manipulation of public opinion.

Question 12

In evaluating the membership of groups, most of the evidence points to ______.

Accepted Answer

Most evidence suggests that there is a continued overrepresentation of the elite, powerful, and wealthy in group memberships. While there has been some movement toward democratization and balanced membership, it is still limited, and minority groups are not necessarily gaining significant influence in all types of groups.

Question 13

According to the theory of pluralism, the Occupy Wall Street Movement ______.

Accepted Answer

According to the theory of pluralism, multiple groups compete for power and influence within society. The Occupy Wall Street Movement, as a group advocating for economic inequality and against the power of financial firms, acted as a counterweight to these firms within the democratic process.

Question 14

Which of the following could most readily be classified as a collective good?

Accepted Answer

Clean air is a classic example of a collective good as it is available to all members of the community regardless of whether or not they contribute to its provision. Its benefits cannot be withheld from anyone and its consumption by one member does not diminish its availability to others.

Question 15

Many people join professional associations with the hope of networking with or meeting influential people in their field. This would be an example of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Social benefits refer to the advantages gained from social interactions and networking opportunities, such as meeting influential people in one's field.

Question 16

According to the research of C. Wright Mills, the greatest challenge is found in the ______.

Accepted Answer

According to Mills, the greatest challenge is found in the nation's defense industry and its allies in government, which he referred to as the "power elite." He believed that this small group of individuals held an immense amount of power and influence over government policies and decisions, ultimately shaping the direction of society as a whole.

Question 17

A group composed of the top echelons of people in the business world in government and in the military is known as the ______.

Accepted Answer

The term "power elite" refers to a small group of individuals who hold the most power and influence in society, typically composed of those at the top levels of business, government, and the military. This term was popularized by sociologist C. Wright Mills in his 1956 book "The Power Elite." It is not accurate to refer to this group as the "Republican center" or "Democratic base," as they are not necessarily aligned with one political party. "Grassroots constituency" refers to a larger group of individuals who have a common interest or concern, typically organized at the local level.

Question 18

Bryan's extended family from out of town come to watch the fireworks display at the local park to celebrate the town's bicentennial, and get to enjoy the show even though they do not pay taxes in that town. Bryan's extended family could be considered ______.

Accepted Answer

Bryan's extended family is enjoying the benefits of the fireworks display without contributing to the taxes that fund it, making them free riders.

Question 19

Political action that occurs when individuals contribute energy, time, or money to a larger group goal is called ______.

Accepted Answer

The term that corresponds to the definition given is collective action. It refers to the coordinated effort of a group of people to achieve a common objective, which may involve campaigning, boycotting, lobbying, or other forms of advocacy. Examples of collective action include protests, strikes, petitions, and fundraising campaigns. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the concept of political action as it is commonly understood in social and political sciences. Individual attraction, for instance, suggests a personal motive or preference that may or may not align with the group's purpose. Affirmative action refers to policies aimed at promoting equality or diversity in employment, education, or other areas, but does not necessarily involve group mobilization. Persuasive contribution is not a recognized term in this context, and it is unclear what it would entail.

Question 20

In the years following the financial crisis, the AARP argued for ______.

Accepted Answer

The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) is a lobbying organization for Americans over 50 years old. After the financial crisis, they advocated for a strengthening of Social Security, which is a key retirement benefit for many older Americans. They did not advocate for tighter financial controls or a reduction in social benefits, and while they also support health care benefits, this was not their primary focus in the years following the financial crisis.

Quiz 8: Interest Groups and Social Movements: Collective Action, Power, and Representation