Question 1

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 where former government officials become lobbyists for interests with whom they formerly dealt in their official capacity is commonly referred to as the revolving door.

Question 2

What is an amicus curiae brief?

Accepted Answer

An amicus curiae brief is a written argument submitted to a court in support of one side of a case by someone who is not a party to the case, but who has a strong interest in its outcome. These briefs are commonly filed by interest groups, advocacy organizations, or other individuals or entities that have a stake in the legal question at issue. The purpose of an amicus brief is to provide the court with additional information or arguments that may not be presented by the parties to the case, in order to assist the court in reaching its decision.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Labor unions are specifically established to advocate for the interests of workers, including representing them in negotiations with employers for better wages, hours, and working conditions. Public interest groups, trade associations, and corporations may also engage in lobbying related to workers' issues, but it is not their primary focus. Ideological groups may advocate for workers' rights as part of a broader political or social agenda.

Question 4

What is a political action committee (PAC)?

Accepted Answer

A political action committee (PAC) is an organization that raises and spends money to support or oppose political candidates. They do this by soliciting contributions from individuals, corporations, and unions and then distributing the money to the candidates or campaigns that align with their interests. PACs have become a major player in US politics since they are allowed to spend unlimited amounts of money on independent expenditures, such as television ads, as long as they do not coordinate with the candidate's campaign.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

When a case that an interest group is interested in, but not actually sponsoring, comes before a court, the group can file an amicus curiae brief to present the group's analysis of the case. This allows the interest group to offer their perspective on the potential implications of the case without actually being directly involved.

Question 6

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 7

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 8

What is a public interest group?

Accepted Answer

Public interest groups work towards the betterment of society as a whole, rather than solely representing the interests of a specific industry or group. Their main goal is to promote policies and actions that benefit the public, such as environmental protection, consumer rights, and social justice.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Interest groups are organizations that seek to influence public policy on behalf of a particular interest or group of related interests. Corporations may also seek to influence public policy, but not all corporations have this as their primary goal. Institutes may conduct research and provide expertise, but may not necessarily seek to influence policy themselves. Factions are more specific groups within larger political parties or organizations. Administration refers to the current governing body of a government, rather than an external organization seeking to influence it.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Earmarking involves the practice of appropriating money for specific pet projects of members of Congress. Bribery, influencing, inside lobbying, and networking are not specific to this practice.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Public interest groups are organizations that advocate for issues that benefit society as a whole, rather than just their members. An advocacy group is an example of a public interest group because it works to influence policy and promote causes that serve the public interest. Professional associations, labor unions, and political action committees may serve the interests of their members or specific stakeholders, but they are not necessarily focused on promoting the common good. A group representing a state government is not necessarily a public interest group, as it may primarily serve the interests of a specific state and its residents.

Question 12

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 13

Which of the following best defines the term disturbance theory?

Accepted Answer

Disturbance theory refers to the idea that individuals or interest groups are motivated to take action (disturbances) when they feel threatened by changes in the economic, social, or political environment. These disturbances can take the form of interest groups forming or individuals advocating for specific policies. Thus, choice B best defines disturbance theory. Choices A, C, D, and E are not accurate definitions of disturbance theory.

Question 14

What is a trade association?

Accepted Answer

A trade association is an organization that represents businesses within a specific industry, advocating for their interests and promoting their products or services. This can include lobbying for favorable policies and regulations, providing networking opportunities for members, and conducting research and analysis on industry trends and issues. Examples of trade associations include the National Restaurant Association, the National Association of Realtors, and the American Petroleum Institute.

Question 15

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 16

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 discussed the problem of factions, which he defined as groups of citizens with common interests who are united and act in ways that may harm the rights and interests of others. Madison argued that a well-designed government could control the effects of factions and prevent them from gaining too much power that would be harmful to the common good. He proposed a system of representative government with a large and diverse population, in which multiple factions would balance each other out and prevent any one group from dominating the government. Therefore, the correct answer is B) factions.

Question 17

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, Madison defines a faction as a group or minority of people who are unified by a common interest or passion, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community as a whole. Madison believes that factions are inevitable due to the nature of man and democracy, and that they can be controlled through the separation of powers and the constitutional structure of the government.

Question 18

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 in the United States. The AFL-CIO is a labor union federation, the AARP is an advocacy organization for retired individuals, the National Rifle Association is a political advocacy group for gun owners, and the National Wildlife Federation is an environmental organization.

Question 19

What is lobbying?

Accepted Answer

Lobbying involves influencing government officials to support a particular policy position. This can be done through various methods such as providing information, building relationships, and offering support for the official's future campaigns.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Grassroots lobbying involves mobilizing local constituencies to contact their representatives and advocate for a particular issue. This often involves organizing grassroots campaigns, such as letter-writing campaigns, phone-banking, and public demonstrations.

Quiz 7: Interest Groups and Business Organizations