Deck 11: Interest Groups

Question 1

What was the primary goal of Federalist No. 10?

A) to outline John Locke's theories to average citizens
B) to explain the power of the executive branch
C) to ease fears about increased government power
D) to warn against the dangers of factionalism

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Which statement best describes an interest group?

A) a policymaking network involving both public officials and private citizens and groups
B) a group of people who organize around a similar interest to discuss that interest privately
C) an organization of people with similar interests and goals who attempt to influence public policy
D) a group of people who gather together to discuss social issues and current events

Answer 2

C

Question 3

According to critics, what happens to the lawmaking process when several interest groups are competing with one another to influence the outcome of a single policy?

A) There is an increase in corruption among lawmakers.
B) The law is delegated to an executive agency.
C) There is an increase in gridlock in Congress.
D) Representatives rely more on public opinion.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Involvement in interest groups is protected by which amendment?

A) the First Amendment
B) the Third Amendment
C) the Ninth Amendment
D) the Tenth Amendment

Question 5

A nation has adopted a new form of government that gives citizens most of the power over the policies that are formed at the federal level. When deciding policy, legislation is proposed and presented to the people on a ballot for them to decide whether or not they want to implement the policy. If more than 50 percent of the public votes in favor of the legislation, it becomes law. What is this an example of?

A) pluralism
B) interest groups
C) majoritarianism
D) factionalism

Question 6

How is a system that allows interest groups to influence public policy considered fair by those who support such involvement?

A) Each group that wants to be represented in politics has the opportunity to be represented.
B) Groups that have more influence over public policy tend to represent the majority of people anyway.
C) Only those groups that have a large membership and more money are able to influence policy.
D) The formation of interest groups is natural to American political culture and always has been.

Question 7

James Madison warned about the dangers of the influence factions on the central government, which are known today as ______.

A) interest groups
B) political parties
C) private clubs
D) social groups

Question 8

Many who criticize the influence of interest groups do so because they believe that interest groups disproportionately benefit ______.

A) women over men
B) wealthy elites
C) politicians
D) conservatives

Question 9

Someone who opposes the influence of interest groups on the American political system and the formation of public policy would most likely be opposed to which action?

A) A labor union group like the AFL-CIO losing a case appealed to the Supreme Court
B) The passage of a law that restricts the ability of interest groups to influence members of Congress.
C) Congress setting strict limits on lobbying activities by pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.
D) An automotive company like General Motors influencing vehicle safety standard regulations to lower costs.

Question 10

Why might an individual opt to join an interest group?

A) They offer greater exposure to elected officials.
B) They guarantee results to their members.
C) They are more effective at passing legislation.
D) They offer exclusive contact with representatives.

Question 11

What is pluralism?

A) the theory that public policy is largely the result of what the majority of citizens prefer
B) the idea that public policy is the result of numerous interest groups competing against one another
C) the idea that public policy is formed by the government absent outside influences
D) the concept that public policy is based on the interests of a plurality of citizens

Question 12

Most of the downsides to interest groups noted in the text center on the question of ______.

A) who benefits most from them
B) who is allowed to join them
C) their constitutional legality
D) their relative ineffectiveness

Question 13

Which argument best justifies the notion that interest groups are inclusive and foster diversity in the American political system?

A) Interest groups often accept members who do not fully agree with that group's goals.
B) The American system of government by nature encourages a wide range of political organizations, including interest groups.
C) Any type of group within American culture has the ability to organize and attempt to influence public policy.
D) Most interest groups are very accepting of people of all walks of life and backgrounds.

Question 14

Two political science students are in a discussion about the effects of interest groups on the American political system. Micah believes that interest groups are a benefit to American democracy because they give all groups the opportunity to compete for influence. Jasmine disagrees and believes that interest groups are a detriment to the American political system. Which point can Jasmine make to best counter Micah's argument?

A) The competition between all these groups leads to gridlock, making it difficult for the government to get anything done.
B) The government favors the wealthier and thus more powerful groups since those groups have more members and are more popular.
C) Interest groups are not what was envisioned by the Founders and the First Amendment as originally written.
D) Rather than acting as a government watchdog as intended, interest groups are now closely aligned with government interests.

Question 15

How did James Madison feel about factions, or interest groups as we know them today?

A) Madison recognized that factions were inevitable, so it was critical that there be many of them.
B) Madison did not think that factions would be a threat to the function of the federal government.
C) Madison worried that factions would inevitably lead to a tyranny of the masses in the government.
D) Madison believed that factions would likely fizzle out after a few years of the new government.

Question 16

Which observation did Alexis de Tocqueville make about America in the 1830s?

A) Americans lent one another support, regardless of politics or class.
B) Americans were generally detached from one another, preferring to work alone.
C) Americans were prone to organizing into groups and using those groups to effect change.
D) Americans tended to act in a way that benefited themselves, even it if it harmed others.

Question 17

Which is an argument in support of interest groups?

A) Leaders of interest groups are unelected and can thus take actions without fear of backlash.
B) Groups representing majority interests can act as a counterbalance to the tyranny of the minority.
C) The formation of interest groups comes naturally to humans and should thus be encouraged.
D) Interest groups generally secure benefits for society as a whole while shouldering the costs.

Question 18

Two political science students are in a discussion about whether or not interest groups are dangerous to the American political system. Henry believes so because they stifle the interests of some groups, which causes an imbalance within the government. Shelby disagrees and believes that interest groups are actually beneficial. Which point can Shelby make to best support her argument?

A) There are so many interests represented by interest groups, and each has an opportunity to enact change.
B) The government favors the wealthier and more powerful groups, which represent the interests of the majority of citizens.
C) The interest-group system provides equality of both opportunity and outcomes for various groups in America.
D) The Founders encouraged the formation of interest groups, whose activities are protected by the First Amendment.

Question 19

A pharmaceutical company has pressured members of Congress into passing a law reducing the regulations required for human trial testing of new drugs. This new law would lower the costs of producing drugs for the company, but has the risk of increased negative outcomes on trial subjects and patients who are prescribed the drug. This is an example of which criticism of interest groups?

A) Interest group leaders are unelected and have too great of an influence over policy.
B) Interest groups disproportionately benefit those in already privileged situations.
C) Interest groups make it difficult to get things accomplished in government.
D) Interest groups work to achieve benefits for themselves while passing costs to on others.

Question 20

Betty has decided to join an organization that will advocate for her interests as an elderly woman who requires regular medical care. Betty hopes that the group will be able to secure a cost of living adjustment for her Social Security payments so she can better cover her medical costs as well as the basic costs of things like utilities and groceries. Which group has Betty likely joined?

A) COLA
B) AARP
C) AFL-CIO
D) NRLC

Question 21

Benefits that are tangible and exclusive to members of an interest group are known as ______.

A) expressive benefits
B) material benefits
C) purposive benefits
D) solidary benefits

Question 22

What impact has the iron triangle had on the function of policymaking in American politics?

A) It has lessened the influence of interest groups on public policy.
B) It has prioritized military interest groups over all other interest groups.
C) It has solidified the role of interest groups in the formation of policy.
D) It has made the American public more accepting of the role of interest groups.

Question 23

Consider the issue of climate change and legislation that is developed to address carbon emissions and climate change as a whole. Which actor would likely be part of the broader issue network working to address these issues?

A) a climate scientist who researches climate change
B) the Environmental Protection Agency
C) a congressional subcommittee on climate change
D) Green Peace, an interest group

Question 24

Super-PACs are distinct from PACs in that super-PACs ______.

A) can receive contributions from corporations, not just individuals
B) allow interest groups to engage in "soft money" spending
C) operate independently of a particular party, campaign, or candidate
D) are a means by which to circumvent limitation on campaign contributions

Question 25

Which option best describes an issue network?

A) a group of congress members who work with interest groups to solve an issue in public policy
B) a diverse group of actors outside the iron triangle seeking to influence an area of policy
C) a group of citizens who bring an issue to the attention of elected representatives
D) a diverse interest group that focuses on a very specific area of public policy

Question 26

What are the three key actors in an iron triangle?

A) executive agencies, interest groups, and members of Congress
B) the president, journalists, and subject matter experts
C) members of Congress, interest groups, and the American people
D) American citizens, journalists, and researchers

Question 27

One of the largest interest groups in America is the AARP, which represents the interests of senior citizens and advocates for policies that benefit them. One of the reasons the AARP has been able to maintain such a large membership is because they provide exclusive discounts to their members. What are these discounts an example of?

A) solidary benefits
B) purposive benefits
C) expressive benefits
D) material benefits

Question 28

What has contributed the most to the growth in the number of interest groups?

A) the growth in the overall wealth of Americans
B) the growth in government as a whole
C) the increasing number of demographic groups
D) the advances in communication technology

Question 29

Which actor is most likely to be part of an issue network?

A) a member of Congress
B) an executive agency
C) an interest group
D) a researcher

Question 30

The solidary benefits of group membership are distinct from its purposive and material benefits in that they ______.

A) are tied to ideology
B) benefit society at large
C) are more abstract
D) are more exclusive

Question 31

The Department of Defense contracts private firms to help develop military technologies, and Congress appropriate sufficient funds for these firms to fill those contracts, making the defense industry a(n) ______.

A) issue network
B) interest group
C) iron triangle
D) trade association

Question 32

What is the relationship between congressional committees and interest groups within the iron triangle?

A) Interest groups provide objective information and conduct research on behalf of a congressional committee in a certain area of policy.
B) Interest groups pressure members of congressional committees to implement policies that would benefit that interest group.
C) Interest groups introduce new policies and legislation to members of congressional committees for consideration.
D) Interest groups work with congressional committees to improve existing policies to benefit more Americans.

Question 33

Journalists, congressional staffers, and subject matter experts work together to form ______.

A) the iron triangle
B) special interest groups
C) issue networks
D) political action committees

Question 34

Haley is passionate about the environment and wildlife preservation and has decided to join the Sierra Club. The main reason Haley has decided to join the interest group is not to receive an exclusive benefit as a member, but instead to work toward improving and preserving the environment and wildlife so her own generation and future generations can enjoy the beauty of nature for years to come. Which type of benefit does the Sierra Club offer for Haley?

A) a material benefit
B) an exclusive benefit
C) a solidary benefit
D) a purposive benefit

Question 35

Someone with a pessimistic view of interest groups would most likely believe that people join such organizations for the ______ benefits.

A) purposive
B) material
C) solidary
D) monetary

Question 36

Suppose an organization that represents the interests of farmers is working with the Environmental Protection Agency to reach an agreement that would allow farmers to use a specific type of fertilizer that might contaminate run-off water but will improve crop yields and boost export revenue. What is this an example of?

A) one side of an iron triangle
B) an issue network
C) a political action committee
D) congressional gridlock

Question 37

What is the relationship between the size of an interest group and the power that group has over the policymaking process?

A) Groups that have fewer members tend to have greater influence over public policy.
B) The size of the interest group does not matter as much as the wealth of the interest group.
C) An interest group that has more members will also have more influence over public policy.
D) Interest groups that have more members are usually disorganized and less effective.

Question 38

What is the iron triangle?

A) the competition between interest groups focused on political, economic, and social policy
B) an informal group of individuals and organizations focused on specific political or social issues
C) a broad array of actors that work to influence a policy area in which they have a vested interest
D) the interaction of interest groups, executive agencies, and lawmakers to form policy

Question 39

The ______ benefits of joining an interest group are those that benefit society in general and not necessarily the members of that group specifically.

A) indirect
B) purposive
C) material
D) solidary

Question 40

The camaraderie that members of an interest group feel from working together to achieve a similar goal with other like-minded people is characteristic of which incentive to joining an interest group?

A) a material benefit
B) a purposive benefit
C) a solidary benefit
D) an expressive benefit

Question 41

Tony is employed as a computer programmer for the State of Illinois. Many of his colleagues are members of AFSCME, a public services employees union, but Tony has not joined the organization because he is anti-union and does not want to pay the annual membership dues. Nevertheless, he still stands to benefit from AFSCME's efforts on behalf of state employees, including a retirement pension and healthcare benefits. This situation is characteristic of ______.

A) intragovernmental lobbying
B) a union shop law
C) purposive benefits
D) the free-rider problem

Question 42

A group that exists to advocate for favorable economic conditions and economic opportunities for its members is known as a(n) ______.

A) economic group
B) issue and ideological group
C) public-interest group
D) government interest group

Question 43

William is a teacher who has joined the National Education Association. This group works to secure higher wages for teachers and draw attention to issues in public education like class sizes. Which type of group has William joined?

A) a business group
B) a trade association
C) a labor union
D) a public-interest group

Question 44

Amy is a young woman who considers herself a liberal. One of Amy's biggest passions is achieving equal rights for women, both in the workplace and in society more broadly. As a way of getting involved and contributing to the progress of women in America, Amy decides to join an interest group. Which type of group should Amy join?

A) a professional association
B) an issue group
C) an economic group
D) a government interest group

Question 45

A group like the American Civil Liberties Union that advocates for broader policies that conform to a certain system of beliefs are considered ______.

A) issue groups
B) economic groups
C) ideological groups
D) special interest groups

Question 46

The goals of public-interest groups can be best classified as ______.

A) economic
B) liberal
C) reformist
D) exclusive

Question 47

What are intergovernmental lobbies?

A) interest groups that exist within the committees and subcommittees of Congress
B) interest groups collectively representing states, cities, and other governments
C) organizations of special interests within executive bureaucratic agencies
D) interest groups that work to influence intergovernmental organizations like the U.N.

Question 48

Why are free riders an issue for interest groups?

A) Free riders receive the group's membership benefits without actually contributing to it.
B) Free riders use up far more resources than those who contribute to an interest group.
C) Free riders diminish the power and influence of interest groups at the local level.
D) Free riders prevent interest groups from achieving their stated public policy goals.

Question 49

Veronica has decided to join an interest group that has an overall goal of making politics more accessible to average American citizens and empowering them in the process. The group offers several options for informing citizens about various candidates running for office at every level of government, provides information about the voting process, and connects people with others in the area who want to learn more about American politics. Which type of group is this?

A) a public-interest group
B) a professional group
C) a government interest group
D) an issue and ideological group

Question 50

What incentive do businesses have to maintain interest groups?

A) They have a broad range of interests that they must advocate for.
B) They aim to receive preferential treatment from the government.
C) They have few other avenues by which to influence public policy.
D) They must maintain interest groups to act as political consultants.

Question 51

What is the main function of an economic interest group?

A) to influence policies that impact social issues
B) to promote favorable economic policies and opportunities
C) to help the government form its annual budget
D) to advocate for redistribution of wealth and equity

Question 52

Organizations that focus their efforts on specific concerns are considered which type of interest group?

A) economic interest groups
B) partisan groups
C) issue groups
D) public-interest groups

Question 53

Which type of interest group is often better organized and more influential in the public policy arena?

A) issue and ideological groups
B) economic groups
C) government interest groups
D) public-interest groups

Question 54

If a state allows employees to maintain the option of either joining or not joining a certified union, that state is classified as ______.

A) open shop
B) closed shop
C) union shop
D) labor shop

Question 55

Why are economic groups often larger and more numerous than noneconomic groups?

A) They offer better solidary benefits for their members.
B) They are more effective at influencing the political process.
C) Their members have a greater financial stake in their success.
D) Their material benefits are more lucrative those of than other groups.

Question 56

Professionals who work in areas like healthcare, law, and real estate work to influence public policy through which type of interest group?

A) trade associations
B) labor unions
C) professional associations
D) business groups

Question 57

What incentive would state governments have to band together and form interest groups?

A) to more directly advocate for their collective interests
B) to keep Congress members accountable to their states
C) to act as a check on the expansion of federal power
D) to better regulate interstate activities and conflicts

Question 58

Groups that focus on issues and interests outside of commerce and finance are considered ______.

A) special interest groups
B) business groups
C) social justice groups
D) noneconomic interest groups

Question 59

Which group is an example of an ideological group?

A) Live Action, a pro-life group that educates men and women on abortion
B) The AFL-CIO, a labor union group that advocates for skilled and unskilled workers
C) Common Cause, which aims to limit the influence of interest groups
D) General Motors, an automotive company that produces vehicles

Question 60

Jillian is a board-certified surgeon who is passionate about what she does and wants to make sure that licensing requirements are being upheld and medical innovation and research are promoted. Which interest group is Jillian most likely to join?

A) the American Medical Association
B) Doctors without Borders
C) the World Health Organization
D) the Centers for Disease Control

Question 61

When interest groups communicate with government officials by mobilizing constituents, it is known as ______.

A) bribery
B) grassroots lobbying
C) launching a persuasion campaign
D) engaging in litigation

Question 62

Which interest group has made effective use of the litigation tactic to advance equal rights and anti-discrimination policies?

A) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
B) the AARP
C) Common Cause
D) the American Civil Liberties Union

Question 63

An interest group that supports a candidate running for president is most likely to take which action to support the campaign?

A) contribute significant amounts of money directly to the candidate's campaign
B) file several costly and frivolous lawsuits against the opposing candidate to derail their campaign
C) hire a group of people to make phone calls urging people to get out and vote for the candidate
D) use their resources to launch an investigation into the candidate's opponent

Question 64

Why are business groups more likely to support conservative candidates?

A) Conservative candidates tend to have more money to donate to the interest group.
B) Conservative values often align with the goals and values of business groups.
C) Conservatives candidates tend to already be involved in business interest groups.
D) Conservatives candidates are more likely to use PACs to support their campaigns.

Question 65

Why are interest groups better able to make effective use of the legal system to achieve their goals than individual citizens?

A) They often have influence over justices whose nomination and confirmation they lobbied for.
B) They are large and powerful enough to urge their members to get involved in class action lawsuits.
C) They are usually led by experienced lawyers who can better utilize the legal system.
D) They have both the financial resources and time to regularly file and maintain lawsuits.

Question 66

Who provides lawmakers and members of executive agencies with information and expertise in a certain policy area?

A) researchers
B) journalists
C) lobbyists
D) staffers

Question 67

Why would an interest group conduct a persuasion campaign outside of an election cycle?

A) to educate the public about a certain issue, policy, or the group's position
B) to prepare the public in advance for an upcoming election that will require lots of support
C) to increase the hyper-partisan political culture and partisan divide in America
D) to improve the public image of the group and attract new members

Question 68

What is an interest group engaging in when they decide to file a lawsuit as a way of achieving their goals?

A) a persuasion campaign
B) grassroots lobbying
C) litigation
D) forming a PAC

Question 69

The American Civil Liberties Union is known for advocating for the rights of certain groups like gays and lesbians, immigrants, and students. Which action is the ACLU most likely to take during a presidential election?

A) It is illegal for interest groups like the ACLU to get directly involved in a campaign or election.
B) The ACLU will likely mobilize its members to support the Democratic Party candidate.
C) The group will use its resources to file numerous lawsuits against the Republican candidate.
D) The ACLU will most likely lend its support to the more socially conservative candidate.

Question 70

It is clear that lobbying is critical to interest groups' success in influencing public policy. But lobbyists are also seen as necessary agents in policymaking from public officials' perspective because ______.

A) their perspective and expertise are useful in crafting effective policies
B) the gifts and donations they provide help to speed up the policymaking process
C) they often act as mediators between parties, helping to overcome federal gridlock
D) the process of competitive lobbying helps officials to craft bipartisan policies

Question 71

Suppose a group that deals with the safety standards and regulations for baby products like car seats, carriers, strollers, and bottles has received numerous complaints about a faulty locking mechanism in a collapsible stroller. Which tactic will the group likely use to stop the sale of this stroller and force the company to issue a recall?

A) litigation
B) a persuasion campaign
C) boycott
D) grassroots lobbying

Question 72

Interest groups utilize the Internet, mass mailing, pamphlets, radio, newspapers, and magazines as part of which tactic to achieve their goals?

A) litigation
B) lobbying
C) persuasion campaigns
D) election support

Question 73

What is the relationship of the American Bar Association (ABA) with the judicial branch of the federal government?

A) The ABA regulates which interest groups may engage in litigation tactics.
B) The ABA dictates to the president who can and cannot be considered for a federal judgeship.
C) The ABA sets the requirements for someone to become a federal judge.
D) The ABA has significant influence over federal judicial appointments by ranking nominees.

Question 74

Which scenario is an example of an interest group influencing the federal judicial appointment process?

A) the ACLU filing a lawsuit against a company accused of gender discrimination
B) the American Psychological Association filing an amicus curiae brief
C) the ABA ranking a president's nominee for the Supreme Court as "well-qualified"
D) the NAACP filing a lawsuit against a business for racial discrimination

Question 75

Which option best describes a persuasion campaign?

A) a special type of campaign that launches negative attacks against a candidate's opponent
B) a media campaign that aims to influence the public to support the group's position on an issue
C) a campaign conducted during a presidential election that urges people to vote for a candidate
D) a grassroots campaign that mobilizes average Americans to vote for a particular candidate or issue

Question 76

Which is a primary way interest groups influence a candidate's campaign?

A) contributing money to a political action committee
B) using litigation tactics to intimidate opponents
C) launching attack ads on the opposing candidate
D) setting up press conferences with the media

Question 77

Derek works in Washington, D. C. for an organization that advocates for wildlife preservation measures. Part of Derek's responsibilities include conducting research to present to lawmakers and acting as a consultant for members of Congress and the bureaucracy when it comes to the formation of policy regarding natural resources and conservation. Given the details of this example, what is Derek?

A) a free rider
B) an elected representative
C) a lobbyist
D) a grassroots organizer

Question 78

How do interest groups influence government officials?

A) bribery
B) lobbying
C) canvassing
D) franking

Question 79

Why are the actions of lobbyists so heavily regulated?

A) to prevent interest groups from influencing public policy
B) to provide a disincentive for members of Congress to get into lobbying
C) to ensure that every interest has a fair chance of getting heard
D) to prevent corruption within the lawmaking process

Question 80

What motive does an interest group have to file an amicus curiae brief?

A) to file a lawsuit that will automatically originate in a higher court
B) to influence a court's interpretation of law to a litigant's benefit
C) to try to reverse the outcome of a previous Supreme Court case
D) to appeal legislation that it sees as harmful to its interests