Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Pluralism suggests that multiple groups have power and influence in decision-making, but in practice, power is often concentrated among a few elite groups, which can limit true pluralist representation.

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? ___________________

Accepted Answer

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

Accepted Answer

Members of Congress are generalists, with a broad range of responsibilities, while lobbyists are specialists, with expertise in specific policy areas. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship in which lobbyists provide members of Congress with valuable information and expertise, and members of Congress are able to use this knowledge to make informed decisions about policy. In return, lobbyists are able to influence policy decisions and advocate for their clients' interests.

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."

Accepted Answer

The answer of If the design of the political system...

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 _____________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The system of pluralism is associated with...

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 _____________________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When the relationship between government and interest...

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of In discussing pluralism and corporatism, France 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

Accepted Answer

The answer of These are likely the most important way...

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Interest groups may have trouble maintaining membership...

Question 10

The interest group is an important part of political advocacy.

Accepted Answer

Interest groups are organizations that work to influence public policy and are an important part of political advocacy. They represent the views and interests of their members and seek to influence government officials and policymakers through various tactics, such as lobbying, grassroots organizing, and political donations. Interest groups can have a significant impact on policy outcomes and are an integral part of the democratic process.

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

Accepted Answer

Business interest groups often have a significant amount of resources, including financial resources and access to political elites, which allows them to have greater influence in shaping policy compared to interest groups in other sectors. This is often referred to as the "business bias" in policymaking.

Question 12

Interest groups are found only in democracies.

Accepted Answer

Interest groups can exist in both democracies and non-democratic countries.

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? ____________________

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the name for an interest...

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

Accepted Answer

The NAACP primarily relied on litigation to challenge and ultimately end segregation in schools. This included landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. While the organization also engaged in other tactics such as lobbying, electoral activity, and coalition-building, it was the successful legal strategy that had the greatest impact in achieving desegregation.

Question 15

Interest groups are, on the whole, democratically organized.

Accepted Answer

Interest groups are not democratically organized as they are typically run by a small number of leaders who make decisions and determine the group's priorities. Members may have some input, but the power ultimately lies with the leaders.

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Interest groups may be formed around political...

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the name for an interest...

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

Accepted Answer

Outside lobbying involves interest groups directly targeting legislators and decision-makers through various methods such as phone calls, emails, and letters. The tactic relies on large numbers of group members to make contact, similar to a grassroots campaign.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

It is impossible to accurately determine whether an interest group truly represents the views and opinions of the entire general public, as they typically only represent a specific subset of individuals who share their particular beliefs or goals. Additionally, not all members of the public may choose to participate in interest groups or support their causes, making it difficult to gauge overall representation.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Interest groups often lack formal mechanisms such as regular elections or recall procedures that hold their leaders accountable to their members. As a result, leaders may prioritize their own interests or the interests of wealthy donors over the needs and preferences of rank-and-file members.

Quiz 12: Structured Conflict: Interest Groups and Politics