Question 1

In the early days of Confederation, _______ worked together in court to achieve _____.

Accepted Answer

In the early days of Confederation, business groups and provincial governments often collaborated to push for greater autonomy for the provinces. This was part of the broader effort to shape the evolving federal system in a way that would allow for more local control and flexibility in economic and political matters.

Question 2

By insisting that National Indigenous Organization (NIO) leaders meet with lower-ranking officials, rather than the prime minister or governor general, the federal government reinforces the perception that NIOs are:

Accepted Answer

By relegating National Indigenous Organization (NIO) leaders to meet with lower-ranking officials, the federal government implies that NIOs are akin to interest groups that need to lobby for support, rather than being treated as equals or partners in negotiations. This approach does not recognize them as sovereign entities or as having a nation-to-nation relationship, which would typically warrant meetings with high-ranking officials such as the prime minister or governor general.

Question 3

Select interest groups may serve roles on behalf of the government, including:

Accepted Answer

Interest groups can serve various roles on behalf of the government, including monitoring compliance with legislation among their members, delivering public services, and devising policies to administer government programs.

Question 4

Which of the following is not an example of a public-interest group (as distinct from a self-interested interest group)?

Accepted Answer

The Canadian Bankers Association represents the interests of banks and their executives, making it a self-interested group rather than a public-interest group. Public-interest groups, like Greenpeace, Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada, and Canada Without Poverty, aim to benefit the wider community or address societal issues, rather than focusing on the interests of their own members.

Question 5

Which of the following statements describes the state of women's interest groups in Canada in 2020?

Accepted Answer

In 2020, the National Action Committee on the Status of Women in Canada remained disbanded, reflecting the historical context of women's advocacy groups. The federal government had indeed established a department responsible for the Status of Women, indicating institutional support for gender equality and women's issues. Additionally, an informal alliance of women's interest groups had formed, allowing for a broader representation of viewpoints and interests within the women's movement, showcasing the diversity and collaboration among women's groups in Canada.

Question 6

Of the following tactics, which one's success depends least upon the size and cohesiveness of an interest group's formal membership?

Accepted Answer

A television advertising campaign against the sitting government relies more on financial resources and the ability to craft and disseminate a compelling message than on the size and cohesiveness of an interest group's formal membership.

Question 7

Which of the following think tanks is not associated with the progressive political left?

Accepted Answer

The Canada West Foundation is not associated with the progressive political left. It focuses on the policies and economic development of Western Canada and is generally considered to be more centrist or conservative compared to the other options listed, which are associated with progressive or left-leaning ideologies.

Question 8

An example of an institutionalized interest group with a large membership base is:

Accepted Answer

All of the options provided are examples of institutionalized interest groups with large membership bases. CARP focuses on the needs and rights of aging adults, the Public Service Alliance of Canada represents public sector employees, and Greenpeace is a global environmental organization. Each of these groups is well-established and has a significant number of members, making them institutionalized interest groups.

Question 9

In many ways, ______ in Canada fulfill the public-policy research role played by political parties in European democracies.

Accepted Answer

Think tanks in Canada fulfill the public-policy research role that is often played by political parties in European democracies. They conduct research and engage in advocacy in areas such as social policy, political strategy, economy, military, technology, and culture, similar to the functions of political parties in Europe regarding policy development and analysis.

Question 10

Which of the following reflects the continued presence of the vertical mosaic in Canada?

Accepted Answer

The vertical mosaic in Canada refers to the concept of a hierarchical structure of ethnic, racial, and economic groups, with certain groups consistently occupying higher positions than others. All the options provided reflect aspects of this continued presence: A) the need for astroturfing indicates a manipulation of public perception, often to maintain power structures; B) leaders of national interest groups meeting with first ministers suggests a concentration of influence among certain groups; and C) interest group leaders being predominantly white reflects racial and ethnic disparities in power and influence, all of which are indicative of the vertical mosaic's persistence in Canadian society.

Question 11

In a pluralist democracy, public policy is influenced by competing ideologies, interests, and pressures.

Accepted Answer

In a pluralist democracy, multiple groups, organizations, and individuals with varying ideologies and interests compete to influence public policy and decision-making processes, reflecting a diversity of perspectives and ensuring no single group dominates.

Question 12

Interest groups in Canada are in a constant struggle to attract media attention and generate public sympathy for their cause.

Accepted Answer

Interest groups in Canada, as in many other countries, often compete for media coverage and public support to influence policy and public opinion, making their causes more visible and compelling to both policymakers and the general public.

Question 13

Political parties have a more direct and substantive connection with many Canadians than do interest groups.

Accepted Answer

Interest groups often have a more direct and substantive connection with Canadians as they focus on specific issues or interests that directly impact individuals or communities, whereas political parties generally aim to appeal to a broader range of issues and constituents.

Question 14

There are more interest groups in Canada than there are registered political parties.

Accepted Answer

Interest groups, which can include a wide range of organizations such as business associations, labor unions, environmental groups, and advocacy organizations, are more numerous and varied in their interests than registered political parties, which are fewer in number and must meet specific criteria set by electoral authorities.

Question 15

All successful interest groups must have sizeable memberships or followerships; without such public support, the organization has no way of raising funds or influencing the policy process.

Accepted Answer

Interest groups can be successful through effective strategies, influential leadership, or substantial financial resources, not just large memberships. Some operate effectively with a small but highly engaged or financially capable membership base.

Question 16

Greenpeace Canada, the Canadian Labour Congress, and Equal Voice are all examples of institutionalized interest groups.

Accepted Answer

These organizations are examples of institutionalized interest groups because they have a formal structure, a significant membership base, and engage in organized efforts to influence public policy and opinion in areas related to their specific interests and missions.

Question 17

Institutionalized interest groups tend to employ government outsiders as lobbyists because they provide unbiased perspectives on how to develop public policy.

Accepted Answer

Institutionalized interest groups often employ insiders or former government officials as lobbyists because they have established networks, understand the legislative process, and can navigate the political landscape effectively, rather than for their unbiased perspectives.

Question 18

Some interest groups receive financial grants and contributions from the federal government to sustain their activities.

Accepted Answer

Some interest groups, particularly those involved in research, public interest advocacy, or providing services aligned with federal goals, may receive financial grants and contributions from the federal government to support their activities.

Question 19

The term "lobby" originated from the practice of waiting in the lobby of the legislature to intercept legislators and political staff in order to curry favours.

Accepted Answer

The term "lobby" indeed originated from the practice of individuals waiting in the lobby of a legislature to speak with lawmakers and influence their decisions, essentially to curry favors or advocate for specific interests.

Question 20

The Government Relations Institute of Canada maintains a code of professional conduct for lobbyists.

Accepted Answer

The Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC) indeed maintains a code of professional conduct for lobbyists, which outlines ethical guidelines and standards for lobbying activities in Canada.

Quiz 12: Interest Groups and Social Movements

In the early days of Confederation, ___ worked together in court to achieve _.