Question 1

The theory of governmental influence that focuses on the advantages that certain interests have in the political process based on the unequal distribution of economic and political power is called ______ theory.

Accepted Answer

The theory that focuses on the advantages of political and economic power being held by a small group of elites is called elitist theory. This theory states that these elites have more access to decision-making and more influence in government than the majority of citizens. Pluralist theory emphasizes the competition between groups in society, while capitalist theory focuses on the role of economic power in politics. Centrist theory refers to a political ideology that combines elements of both conservatism and liberalism.

Question 2

David Truman, in his 1962 book The Governmental Process, noted that the federalists were, ironically, an important example of a

Accepted Answer

David Truman observed that the federalists were an important example of a political pressure group because they worked to influence government policies and decisions using their political power and resources. The federalists were a well-organized group of individuals who supported a strong central government and worked to get the US Constitution ratified. They used various tactics such as propaganda, lobbying, and public speeches to influence public opinion and government officials to support their cause.

Question 3

How political interest groups wield power and how much power they have depends on

Accepted Answer

The level of organization within the group is the most important factor in determining how much power a political interest group wields. A well-organized group with clear goals, effective communication strategies, and strong leadership can be very influential in shaping public policy. The demographic makeup of the group and their level of wealth can also be factors, but they are not as crucial as organizational strength. The type of group it wishes to become is not a determining factor as it depends on the actions and goals of the group itself.

Question 4

Economist Mancur Olson developed an influential theory on the logic of interest group participation in his study of

Accepted Answer

Mancur Olson's theory, particularly in his book "The Logic of Collective Action," focuses on the challenges of collective action and why individuals might choose not to participate in interest groups due to the free-rider problem.

Question 5

The theory of pluralism is one in which

Accepted Answer

The theory of pluralism is based on the idea that competition among groups serves to keep any one of them in check. This means that no one group is able to dominate or control the political process, as other groups will work to counter their interests. This theory emphasizes the importance of a diverse range of interest groups in the political system, and the need to protect their right to organize and participate in the political process.

Question 6

Tangible benefits made available to members and contributors of a group are best described as

Accepted Answer

The answer of Tangible benefits made available to members and...

Question 7

According to the research of C.Wright Mills, the greatest challenge is found in the

Accepted Answer

C. Wright Mills, a prominent sociologist, argued that the greatest challenge faced by democratic societies is the power and influence of the military-industrial complex, which he defined as the close relationship between the armed forces and the defense industry. He believed that this relationship had a negative impact on democracy because it led to the concentration of power in the hands of a small group of elites who were not accountable to the public. Therefore, the best choice is B, because it represents the influence of the defense industry and its allies in government.

Question 8

The set of issues to which government officials, voters, and the public attend is known as the

Accepted Answer

The set of issues to which government officials, voters, and the public attend is known as the policy agenda. This agenda includes issues that are considered important and that require action by the government or other stakeholders. It can be influenced by various factors, such as media attention, public opinion, interest groups, and political leaders.

Question 9

An example of a "free rider" would be a person who

Accepted Answer

A "free rider" is someone who benefits from a public good or service without paying their fair share for it. Option C fits this definition as the person is using a public park but not paying the local taxes that fund its maintenance and upkeep. Options A and B are not examples of free riders as tolls and taxes are payments made in exchange for the use of specific services or infrastructure. Option D is irrelevant to the concept of free riding as military service is not a public good or service that requires payment.

Question 10

A group composed of the top echelons of people in the business world in government and in the military is known as the ______.

Accepted Answer

The term "power elite" is used to describe a small group of people who hold a disproportionate amount of power and influence in society. This group is often made up of individuals from the worlds of business, government, and the military, and they are commonly thought to have a strong impact on the decisions that are made in society.

Question 11

Benefits or desirable outcomes that individuals can enjoy or profit from even if they do not help achieve or secure them are known as

Accepted Answer

Collective goods are benefits or outcomes that individuals can enjoy even if they do not help in achieving or securing them. These goods are often produced through collective action and are non-excludable, meaning that once they are produced, they are available to all individuals to enjoy. Examples of collective goods include public parks, clean air, and national defense.

Question 12

Political action that occurs when individuals contribute energy, time, or money to a larger group goal is called

Accepted Answer

Collective action involves individuals contributing their resources to a larger group goal or cause. This can include things like attending a protest, donating money to a political campaign, or volunteering for a political organization. Individual attraction, affirmative action, and persuasive contribution are not accurate descriptions of this type of political action.

Question 13

C.Wright Mills noted that the exercise of power may be seen

Accepted Answer

C.Wright Mills believed that power is not only exercised through active actions but also through inaction or preventing actions. He argued that those in power often have the ability to control what gets done and what does not, shaping the everyday lives of individuals and society as a whole.

Question 14

According to the theory of pluralism, the Occupy Wall Street Movement

Accepted Answer

According to the theory of pluralism, multiple groups competing for influence within a society is a healthy aspect of democracy. The Occupy Wall Street Movement represented one such group advocating for greater economic equality and accountability for financial firms. In this sense, it could be seen as a counterweight to the power of those firms and their influence on government policies.

Question 15

Those individuals who enjoy collective goods without contributing to them are called

Accepted Answer

Free riders are individuals who enjoy collective goods without contributing to them. They are a common problem in public goods situations because they seek to benefit from the good without bearing any of the costs associated with its provision. Criminals and pacifists are not directly related to free riding, and while communism may involve collective goods concepts, it does not define individuals who enjoy collective goods without contributing to them.

Question 16

The failure of Lehman Brothers illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of

Accepted Answer

The failure of Lehman Brothers illustrates the disadvantages of joining a collective action, as the lack of coordination and unity among the different actors involved contributed to the collapse of the company and its negative impact on the global economy. However, it also highlights the potential advantages of collective action, such as the ability to mobilize resources and influence policymakers.

Question 17

Goods that are made available only to those who join or contribute to a group are best described as

Accepted Answer

Goods that are only available to those who join a group or contribute to it are called selective benefits. These benefits are designed to incentivize individuals to become members by offering something they cannot get elsewhere. Examples of selective benefits include members-only discounts, access to exclusive content, and special events for members only. Collective benefits, on the other hand, are goods and services that are available to all members of a group, regardless of their contribution or participation. Social benefits and material rewards are more general terms that do not specifically relate to goods offered to members of a group.

Question 18

According to James Madison, which of the following posed the greatest danger?

Accepted Answer

James Madison believed that inequality of wealth posed the greatest danger to a democratic society, as it could lead to factions that might work against the public interest.

Question 19

Political scientist Robert Dahl, in confronting the question of how a democratic system works amid an inequality of resources, focused his attention on the theory of ______.

Accepted Answer

Robert Dahl focused his attention on the theory of pluralism which suggests that power is dispersed among a variety of groups and interests. Unlike elitism, which sees power concentrated in the hands of a small group of elites, pluralism suggests that power is more widely distributed and that a democratic system is strengthened when there is competition among these different groups.

Question 20

Which of the following would be a good example of collective goods?

Accepted Answer

Public transportation is a good example of a collective good because it is available to all members of society and benefits the community as a whole, rather than benefiting only a select few individuals or groups like national banks, small businesses, or grocery stores.

Quiz 11: Interest Groups and Social Movements