Question 1

Which of the following raise money from individuals and then distribute it in the form of contributions to political candidates?

Accepted Answer

Political action committees (PACs) raise money from individuals and then distribute it in the form of contributions to political candidates.

Question 2

In Federalist No. 10, James Madison described how a government could be designed to control the effects of __________.

Accepted Answer

In Federalist No. 10, James Madison focuses on the issue of factions, which he defines as groups of people who come together to advance their own interests at the expense of the common good. He argues that while it is impossible to eliminate factions, their negative effects can be controlled through a representative government that operates on the principle of majority rule while protecting the rights of minority groups. Therefore, the correct choice is B) factions.

Question 3

What is a public interest group?

Accepted Answer

A public interest group is a type of advocacy group that works to promote policies and issues that benefit society as a whole, rather than just a particular group or industry. These groups often focus on issues such as environmental protection, consumer rights, civil liberties, and public health. They may engage in lobbying, education and outreach, public demonstrations, and other forms of advocacy to advance their goals.

Question 4

Which of the following is the main type of organization that lobbies on behalf of workers?

Accepted Answer

Labor unions are the main type of organization that lobbies on behalf of workers. They represent the collective interests of workers and negotiate with employers for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Public interest groups, trade associations, corporations, and ideological groups may also advocate for workers' rights, but their primary focus and mission may differ from that of labor unions.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a public interest group?

Accepted Answer

A public interest group is an organization that seeks to promote the common good rather than the interests of a particular group or individual. An advocacy group is a type of public interest group that works to influence public policy on a particular issue. Examples of advocacy groups include environmental organizations, consumer groups, and civil rights groups. Professional associations and labor unions represent the interests of specific groups or professions, while political action committees represent the interests of political candidates or parties. A group representing a state government would be a government organization, not a public interest group.

Question 6

What are the components of a sub-government?

Accepted Answer

Sub-governments, also known as iron triangles, typically consist of an executive branch agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group. These three components work closely together to influence policy-making in their area of interest.

Question 7

When a case that an interest group is interested in, but not actually sponsoring, comes before a court, the group can __________.

Accepted Answer

The group can file an amicus curiae brief to present the group's analysis of the case to the court. This allows the group to influence the court's decision without being a direct participant in the case.

Question 8

Which of the following best defines the term disturbance theory?

Accepted Answer

Disturbance theory refers to the idea that interest groups form in response to changes or disturbances in the political, social, or economic environment that threaten the interests of a particular group. These groups then engage in political activity in order to protect or advance their interests. Option B accurately reflects this definition. Option A is incorrect because it conflates the concept of disturbance theory with the idea of factional interests. Option C is incorrect because it refers to a different concept called the free-rider problem. Option D is incorrect because it describes a situation in which the government ignores the demands of interest groups, rather than the formation of those interest groups themselves. Option E is incorrect because it describes a different phenomenon in which PACs exert undue influence in politics.

Question 9

The practice of appropriating money for specific pet projects of members of Congress is called __________.

Accepted Answer

Earmarking is the practice of appropriating money for specific pet projects of members of Congress. It is also known as pork-barrel spending. Bribery, influencing, inside lobbying, and networking are all different from earmarking.

Question 10

What is a trade association?

Accepted Answer

A trade association is an organization that represents businesses within a specific industry. It works to promote and protect the interests of its members and to advocate for policies that benefit the industry as a whole. This may involve lobbying government officials, providing networking opportunities and educational resources, and serving as a voice for industry concerns in public discussions. Examples of trade associations include the National Restaurant Association, the National Association of Home Builders, and the American Bankers Association.

Question 11

What is a political action committee (PAC)?

Accepted Answer

A political action committee (PAC) is an organization that solicits campaign contributions from individuals and organizations and uses those funds to support political candidates or parties. PACs can either be affiliated with a particular candidate or party, or they can be independent and support various candidates and causes. The use of PACs is regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which requires them to disclose their contributions and expenditures.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of "the outside game"?

Accepted Answer

"The outside game" refers to efforts to influence policy and politics by mobilizing public opinion and grassroots activities outside of formal governmental institutions. Organizing the district is an example of this, as it involves engaging with and mobilizing constituents at the local level to apply pressure on policymakers from the outside.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a private interest group?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is an example...

Question 14

What is lobbying?

Accepted Answer

Lobbying refers to the act of attempting to influence government officials to support a particular policy position or legislative outcome of interest to the lobbyist or interest group they represent. This can be done through a number of methods, such as direct meetings with lawmakers, providing research or data to support their position, or through grassroots efforts to mobilize public support behind their cause.

Question 15

According to Madison's Federalist No. 10, a(n) __________ is a group of individuals concerned more with their self-interest than with the rights of individuals outside the group or with the needs of society as a whole.

Accepted Answer

In Federalist No. 10, James Madison defines a faction as a group of individuals who are united by a common interest or passion that is adverse to the rights of other citizens or to the interests of the whole community. Factions are driven by self-interest and are a threat to the stability and well-being of the government.

Question 16

A(n) __________ refers to an organization that seeks to influence public policy.

Accepted Answer

An interest group is an organization that seeks to influence public policy by advocating for or against particular issues or policies. Corporations, institutes, factions, and administrations may also seek to influence public policy, but interest groups are specifically designed for this purpose.

Question 17

What is an amicus curiae brief?

Accepted Answer

An amicus curiae brief is a written argument submitted to a court by a person or organization not directly involved in the case but with an interest in its outcome. The brief is meant to provide additional information and support for one side of the case.

Question 18

The practice in which former government officials become lobbyists for interests with whom they formerly dealt in their official capacity is called __________.

Accepted Answer

The practice in which former government officials become lobbyists for interests with whom they formerly dealt in their official capacity is known as the "revolving door."

Question 19

A central aspect of grassroots lobbying discussed in the text is __________.

Accepted Answer

Grassroots lobbying involves mobilizing local constituencies, such as ordinary citizens or interest groups, to advocate for a particular issue or policy proposal. This can involve activities such as organizing rallies, writing letters to legislators, or placing phone calls to legislative offices, all with the goal of influencing policy decisions. While other activities, such as testifying at government hearings or getting media coverage, can also be part of grassroots lobbying, the central focus is on mobilizing local constituencies to engage with legislators directly. High-paid professionals and campaign contributions are not typically part of grassroots lobbying efforts.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of a trade association?

Accepted Answer

The National Association of Manufacturers is a trade association that represents manufacturers across a variety of industries. The other choices are not focused on specific industries or professions.

Quiz 7: Interest Groups and Business Organizations