Question 1

__________ goods are available to all, whether they have contributed toward the provision of that good or not.

Accepted Answer

Public goods are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, meaning they are available to all individuals regardless of whether they have contributed to their provision.

Question 2

Benefits that are offered exclusively to members of an interest group are known as __________.

Accepted Answer

Selective benefits are exclusive advantages or perks provided only to members of an interest group to encourage membership and participation.

Question 3

Being able to express an opinion in the larger social or political sphere can be considered a(n) __________ benefit.

Accepted Answer

Expressive benefits refer to the satisfaction and fulfillment individuals derive from expressing their opinions and participating in social or political discourse.

Question 4

The__________ is among the most successful large-scale interest groups in American history; in 2013, it claimed a membership of 37 million.

Accepted Answer

AARP is one of the largest and most influential interest groups in the United States, with a membership of 37 million in 2013, primarily representing the interests of older Americans.

Question 5

Describe what an interest group is.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe what an interest group is....

Question 6

Critics of the influence of interest groups argue

Accepted Answer

Critics argue that iron triangles, which consist of interest groups, government agencies, and congressional committees, can lead to inefficiency, support unnecessary programs, and expand programs beyond their intended scope to serve their own interests.

Question 7

In assessing the power of interest groups in a democracy, it is important to remember that interest groups

Accepted Answer

The answer of In assessing the power of interest groups...

Question 8

Over a hundred years ago, Robert Michels coined the phrase "__________" to describe when interest group leaders do not properly serve their members, and he argued that larger interest groups were especially susceptible to unresponsive or abusive leaderships.

Accepted Answer

Robert Michels coined the phrase "iron law of oligarchy" to describe when interest group leaders do not properly serve their members, and he argued that larger interest groups were especially susceptible to unresponsive or abusive leaderships. This theory suggests that power tends to become concentrated in the hands of a few individuals within an organization, which can lead to authoritarianism and hierarchical control.

Question 9

The frustrating aspect of interest groups in a democracy is

Accepted Answer

Interest groups often talk over each other rather than engaging in constructive dialogue, which can lead to frustration in a democratic process.

Question 10

The relationship among interest groups, members of Congress, and federal agencies is referred to by scholars as the ________.

Accepted Answer

The term "iron triangle" refers to the stable, mutually beneficial relationship among interest groups, congressional committees, and federal agencies.

Question 11

The simple pleasure of being surrounded by people with similar interests and perspectives and who share professional or personal concerns is an example of a(n) __________ benefit.

Accepted Answer

Solidary benefits refer to the social rewards that come from associating with others, such as companionship and a sense of belonging, which align with the scenario described.

Question 12

Movement of members of Congress, lobbyists, and executive branch employees into paid positions in each other's organizations is known as __________.

Accepted Answer

The "revolving door" refers to the movement of individuals between roles as legislators, lobbyists, and regulators, often resulting in conflicts of interest.

Question 13

A set of groups seeking a particular benefit for themselves in the policy process are known as ________.

Accepted Answer

Special interests refer to groups that seek specific benefits or advantages for themselves in the policy process.

Question 14

Hugh Heclo suggests that the term "__________" is better than iron triangle, and argues that interest groups, members of Congress, and bureaucrats all share information constantly, and that their interactions are actually quite open and transparent, rather than closed.

Accepted Answer

Hugh Heclo introduced the concept of "issue network" to describe the more fluid and open interactions among interest groups, Congress members, and bureaucrats, contrasting with the more rigid and closed "iron triangle" model.

Question 15

__________ worried that a power elite controlled power in the American democracy.

Accepted Answer

C. Wright Mills was famous for his concept of the power elite, where a small group of individuals held disproportionate control over society's institutions and decision-making processes. He argued that this group comprised political, economic, and military leaders who made decisions that affected everyone, without being accountable to anyone. Mills's critique of power in America reflects a broader concern with the potential for elite domination in democratic societies.

Question 16

President Eisenhower was greatly concerned about an iron triangle of __________, but now the term applies to a wide range of issues.

Accepted Answer

President Eisenhower warned about the "military-industrial complex," which is an example of an iron triangle involving military defense policy.

Question 17

In order to keep group membership stable, interest groups offer ________ to its members.

Accepted Answer

Interest groups offer selective benefits to their members to incentivize membership and participation, ensuring stability and commitment within the group.

Question 18

A(n) __________ organizes citizens into a formal group that agrees on a united purpose and then takes a leadership role in directing the group's activities.

Accepted Answer

An interest group entrepreneur is someone who organizes citizens into a formal group with a united purpose and leads the group's activities, often to influence public policy or advocate for specific issues.

Question 19

When a group lobbies for public goods or collective benefits that are so widespread that members and nonmembers alike receive them, incentives to join the group disappear. Mancur Olson called this the

Accepted Answer

The free rider problem occurs when individuals have little incentive to join a group that is lobbying for public goods or collective benefits because they can still receive these benefits even if they do not contribute to the group's efforts. This creates a collective action problem for the group since it becomes difficult to get enough people to contribute to achieve their goals.

Question 20

Concern for _________ among an interest group society can sometimes bring an interest group into conflict with its core principles.

Accepted Answer

Interest groups may prioritize their survival over their core principles, leading to potential conflicts.

Quiz 8: Interest Groups