Question 1

Individuals and organizations can give an unlimited amount to ________.
A) U.S. House candidates
B) U.S. Senate candidates
C) U.S. presidential candidates
D) political parties
E) super PACs

Accepted Answer

Super PACs can receive unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations, and organizations, and can use the funds to support or oppose candidates for federal office, including presidential candidates.

Question 2

The fact that interest groups favor the wealthy and well educated can be understood as a reflection of what eternal dilemma in American politics?
A) Liberty is often inconsistent with equality.
B) Democracy has not been helpful in reducing the number of factions.
C) There are no efficient means of organizing the working class in the United States.
D) Organized associations and groups inhibit freedom.
E) It is difficult to have majority rule and also protect minority rights.

Accepted Answer

This eternal dilemma arises from the tension between the principles of liberty and equality. The wealthy and well-educated often have more resources and opportunities to participate in the political process, resulting in interest groups that represent their interests more effectively than those of the less advantaged. As a result, policies are often tilted in favor of the wealthy and well-educated, which undermines the ideal of equality in American politics.

Question 3

What has been the effect of interest groups on political parties? Describe some of the differences between those who join interest groups and those who participate in political party organizations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What has been the effect of interest...

Question 4

Analyze the theory of pluralism. What are some of the assumptions of pluralism concerning the role of interests and factions in American politics? How did James Madison suggest factions be addressed? What are some contemporary criticisms of pluralism?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Analyze the theory of pluralism. What are...

Question 5

Why has there been a proliferation of interest groups in the United States? What have been the effects on the political process? What are some of the historical reasons for the proliferation of interest groups during the 1930s and the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why has there been a proliferation of...

Question 6

What is an interest group? Describe some different types of interest groups active in American politics. What are some of the similarities these different types share in terms of organization and recruitment?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is an interest group? Describe some...

Question 7

Describe some of the different strategies that interest group representatives may employ to gain influence on public policy. Describe the different approaches taken by various interest group officials in pursuit of their policy agenda.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe some of the different strategies that...

Question 8

What is the primary function of a political action committee (PAC)?
A) to raise grassroots support for a particular interest
B) to organize and coordinate a strategy of litigation
C) to build better networks between interest groups and political parties
D) to raise and distribute money to election campaigns
E) to produce and carry out an institutional advertising campaign

Accepted Answer

The primary function of a political action committee (PAC) is to raise and distribute money to election campaigns. PACs can be created by corporations, unions, and other interest groups to contribute to political campaigns of candidates they support. This allows these groups to have a greater influence on the political process.

Quiz 11: Groups and Interests

Individuals and organizations can give an unlimited amount to ________.

The fact that interest groups favor the wealthy and well educated can be understood as a reflection of what eternal dilemma in American politics?

What has been the effect of interest groups on political parties? Describe some of the differences between those who join interest groups and those who participate in political party organizations.

Analyze the theory of pluralism. What are some of the assumptions of pluralism concerning the role of interests and factions in American politics? How did James Madison suggest factions be addressed? What are some contemporary criticisms of pluralism?

Why has there been a proliferation of interest groups in the United States? What have been the effects on the political process? What are some of the historical reasons for the proliferation of interest groups during the 1930s and the 1960s?

What is an interest group? Describe some different types of interest groups active in American politics. What are some of the similarities these different types share in terms of organization and recruitment?

Describe some of the different strategies that interest group representatives may employ to gain influence on public policy. Describe the different approaches taken by various interest group officials in pursuit of their policy agenda.

What is the primary function of a political action committee (PAC) ?