Exam 12: Structured Conflict: Interest Groups and Politics

The primary difference between a pluralist and a neo-corporatist system of interest groups is the degree to which the "interests" are able to compete for government's "ear on an equal basis or in a setting with equitable rules". In some systems, the government officially sanctions or recognizes and interfaces with particular groups to the detriment (disadvantage) of others.

If the design of the political system gives primary "voice" and access to business interests, the system is said to be "neo-corporatist."

What is the name for an interest group that was established for reasons other than promoting political positions, has a regular standing in society, and engages in political activity very selectively? ____________________

The system of pluralism is associated with the concept of choice, while the system of neo-corporatism is associated with the concept of _____________________.

This interest group tactic involves having large numbers of group members contact legislators:

Interest groups may be formed around political activity, but membership may be a function of other things. If the group provides its members with side benefits called _____________________, membership will continue in spite of modest lobbying performance.

Critical Thinking Interest groups represent the voice of some of the people. Is it better to have some voices than all voices? Is it better to force equality on all voices? Would public policy serve ALL the people more effectively if interest groups and their "louder" voices were eliminated?

The text describes eleven different tactics of interest groups. Identify all eleven and give a one-to two sentence description of each.

According to your text, neo-corporatism is the more fragile of the two systems.

Interest groups are, on the whole, democratically organized.

The relationship between members of Congress and lobbyists is mutually beneficial because:

The interest group is an important part of political advocacy.

Interest groups may have trouble maintaining membership because if they are successful in their political lobbying efforts, the policies made are actually public ___________ and as such are available to everyone.

These are likely the most important way in most countries for public opinion to be brought into the political process to affect government authorities:

What is the free rider problem? How can interest groups minimize the effects of this problem?

There is no way to validate the claims of interest groups that they "represent" the general public.

Interest groups are found only in democracies.

What is the name for an interest group that is organized to promote a focused idea or view usually in strident and consistent terms? ___________________

In discussing pluralism and corporatism, France is used as an example of an interest group system that is _____________________.

What is the name for an interest group that promotes the interests of a segment of the economic life of the society? _________________