Question 1

Any formal organization of individuals or groups that seeks to influence government to promote their common cause is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

Interest groups are organizations of people who share common interests or goals and seek to influence public policy and government actions to achieve those goals.

Question 2

The idea that "competition keeps powerful interest groups in check and no single group dominates" is represented in

Accepted Answer

Pluralist theory posits that society's interests are represented through the competition among multiple groups, ensuring that no single group dominates because of the balancing effect of this competition.

Question 3

The idea that "public policy is bought and sold like a commodity to the highest bidder" is represented in

Accepted Answer

Transactional theory suggests that public policy outcomes are the result of transactions between politicians and interest groups, where policy is effectively bought and sold.

Question 4

The idea that "groups that have greater resources are in a better position to accomplish their goals" is represented in

Accepted Answer

Elite theory posits that a small number of people or groups with significant resources and power dominate and influence political outcomes, aligning with the idea that those with greater resources are better positioned to accomplish their goals.

Question 5

Under the elite theory, most of those who are prominent in interest groups tend to be

Accepted Answer

Elite theory suggests that those who are prominent in interest groups, as well as in other areas of power and influence, tend to come from the upper class. This is because individuals from the upper class often have more resources, education, and networks to influence policy and decision-making processes.

Question 6

Which theory of interest group participation best describes Texas?

Accepted Answer

The theory of interest group participation that best describes Texas can vary depending on the specific context, including the issue at hand, the groups involved, and the political climate at the time.

Question 7

You want clean air, more efficient government, and expanded civil rights. There are a dozen organizations that are working to ensure this goal. If you are thinking, "Why should I join if they'll do the work without my help?" this would be an example of

Accepted Answer

This is an example of the free rider problem, where individuals may not contribute to a collective effort (like joining organizations working towards a common goal) because they believe they will still benefit from the efforts of others without their personal involvement or contribution.

Question 8

Groups that advocate for the benefit of their members are called

Accepted Answer

Private interest groups are organizations that advocate for the benefit of their members, focusing on specific issues or areas that directly impact them.

Question 9

An interest group provides a tote bag for those who join the group. The tote bag is an example of a(n)

Accepted Answer

The answer of An interest group provides a tote bag...

Question 10

An interest group comprised of workers collectively advocating for higher wages and benefits is a

Accepted Answer

Unions are organizations that represent workers collectively, often negotiating for higher wages, better working conditions, and benefits on their behalf.

Question 11

The Chamber of Commerce, a group of small business owners, is an example of a(n)

Accepted Answer

The Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of business owners, making it a business group.

Question 12

Someone joins an interest group because they enjoy spending time with others who share their views. This is a _______ benefit.

Accepted Answer

Solidarity benefits are those that come from the social advantages of joining a group, such as enjoying the company of others with similar interests or views.

Question 13

Groups that benefit the public in general are called

Accepted Answer

Public interest groups are organizations that aim to benefit the public at large, rather than serving the interests of a specific group of members or a particular sector.

Question 14

Individuals who benefit from a publicly provided good or service without paying for it and actively supporting its acquisition are referred to as

Accepted Answer

Free riders are individuals who benefit from resources, goods, or services provided by a public or collective effort without contributing to the cost or actively supporting its acquisition. This term is often used in the context of public goods and services, where it's difficult to exclude non-contributors from benefiting.

Question 15

Private goods made available to people who organize for a collective good are called _______ benefits.

Accepted Answer

Selective benefits are those provided only to members of a group or organization, incentivizing membership by offering goods that are not available to non-members.

Question 16

Someone joins an interest group because being part of the group makes them feel like they are really making a difference. This is a _______ benefit.

Accepted Answer

Purposive benefits are those that relate to the goals or purposes of the organization, including the feeling of making a difference or contributing to a cause.

Question 17

_______ serve the interests of an industry, such as farmers, locksmiths, or realtors.

Accepted Answer

Trade associations are organizations founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry. They focus on collaboration between companies, advocacy, and public relations for the industry as a whole, rather than focusing on the interests of individual businesses.

Question 18

_______ are groups that represent a specific occupation, such as doctors or lawyers.

Accepted Answer

Professional organizations are groups that represent specific occupations, focusing on the interests, standards, and development of professionals in fields such as medicine or law.

Question 19

How does union membership in Texas compare to states like Minnesota and California?

Accepted Answer

Texas has much lower union membership rates compared to states like Minnesota and California, which have historically stronger labor movements and higher rates of unionization.

Question 20

_______ represent the interests of specific groups based on such aspects as race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender, or income.

Accepted Answer

Identity groups are specifically formed to represent and advocate for the interests and rights of people based on shared characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender, or income.

Quiz 6: Interest Groups