Question 1

The most numerous types of interest groups in the United States are which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   Economic interest groups
B)   Social interest groups
C)   Liberal interest groups
D)   Environmental interest groups
E)   Public interest groups A

Question 2

Most interest groups have a bias toward which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   The middle and upper classes
B)   Environmental groups
C)   The common good
D)   The political right
E)   The political left A

Question 3

Describe the categories of economic interest groups, and provide examples of each.

Accepted Answer

Economic interest groups can be categorized into several different types based on their specific focus and goals. These categories include:

1. Business and Industry Groups: These groups represent the interests of specific businesses or industries, advocating for policies and regulations that benefit their members. Examples of business and industry groups include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the American Petroleum Institute.

2. Labor Unions: Labor unions represent the interests of workers in specific industries or sectors, advocating for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Examples of labor unions include the United Auto Workers, the American Federation of Teachers, and the Service Employees International Union.

3. Professional Associations: These groups represent the interests of professionals in specific fields, such as doctors, lawyers, or engineers. They advocate for policies that benefit their members and uphold professional standards. Examples of professional associations include the American Medical Association, the American Bar Association, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

4. Agricultural Groups: These groups represent the interests of farmers and agricultural businesses, advocating for policies that support the agricultural industry and rural communities. Examples of agricultural groups include the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Farmers Union, and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

5. Consumer Advocacy Groups: These groups represent the interests of consumers, advocating for policies that protect consumer rights and promote fair business practices. Examples of consumer advocacy groups include Consumer Reports, Public Citizen, and the Consumer Federation of America.

Each of these categories of economic interest groups plays a crucial role in shaping economic policies and regulations, and they often engage in lobbying, advocacy, and public outreach to advance their respective interests.

Question 4

Describe two different categories of economic interest groups, and contrast these groups with public interest groups.

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

An interest group's ability to get members to call their representatives quickly or contribute extra money when needed is an example of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   The group's camaraderie
B)   The group's leadership
C)   The group's cohesiveness
D)   The group's longevity
E)   The group's latent interests

Question 6

When we talk about a lobbyist, we talk about a person or group that is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   Part of an association of individuals
B)   Someone or something that attempts to influence legislation and the administrative decisions of government
C)   Inevitably associated with one of the two major parties
D)   A member of Congress who challenges the majority position
E)   A member of the president's cabinet who argues against any change

Question 7

Which of the following best describes how the U.S. Constitution protects interest groups?

Accepted Answer

A)   Through the First Amendment's right to "petition the Government for a redress of grievances"
B)   Through the First Amendment's right to "peaceably assemble"
C)   Through the Fourth Amendment's protection against illegal search and seizure
D)   Through the Fifth Amendment's right against self-incrimination
E)   Through the First Amendment's right to "petition the Government for a redress of grievances" and the First Amendment's right to "peaceably assemble"

Question 8

AARP and AAA have members in every congressional district, a reflection of strength in which of the following areas?

Accepted Answer

A)   Leadership
B)   Size and resources
C)   Ability to rally the public
D)   Cohesiveness
E)   Grassroots tactics

Question 9

Discuss the direct techniques used by interest groups to influence government decisions.

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

A lobbyist is defined as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   Any association that employs an interest group to influence the government
B)   An individual affiliated with one of the two major parties
C)   An individual or organization that attempts to influence legislation and the administrative decisions of government
D)   A government worker who is not an elected official
E)   A member of Congress who shapes the legislative agenda to benefit powerful interest groups

Question 11

The existence of interest groups poses challenges to democracy in which of the following ways?

Accepted Answer

A)   It demonstrates the validity of the pluralist model.
B)   It demonstrates the validity of the majoritarian model.
C)   It guarantees that small groups have no particular advantage.
D)   It appears that the upper classes often dominate interest groups.
E)   It contradicts many tenets of the Bill of Rights.

Question 12

Explain how technology has changed the methods interest groups use to promote their agendas to members of Congress.

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

Explain how interest groups make use of the public in their efforts to influence policy and legislation.

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Discuss the different reasons Americans join interest groups. Provide examples of interest groups that demonstrate their benefits.

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

What are the differences between a social movement and an interest group?  How are they related?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

What types of interest groups are defined as economic interest groups?

Accepted Answer

A)   Business, labor, and public interest groups
B)   Labor, agricultural, and environmental groups
C)   Business and labor groups and foreign governments
D)   Business, labor, and professional groups
E)   Professional and agricultural groups and foreign governments

Question 17

People who become members of interest groups for material incentives are joining for which of the following reasons?

Accepted Answer

A)   For a sense of belonging to the group
B)   For ethical or ideological reasons
C)   To improve their economic opportunities or gain economic benefits
D)   To institute change for political, economic, or social impact on the whole society
E)   Because they have been pressured to do so

Question 18

Someone joining an interest group because they want benefits such as emergency assistance or discounts is joining for which of the following reasons?

Accepted Answer

A)   Material incentives
B)   Solidary incentives
C)   Purposive incentives
D)   Philosophical incentives
E)   Social incentives

Question 19

Successful interest groups and their representatives try to cultivate long-term relationships with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   Foreign ambassadors
B)   Legislators and government officials
C)   Federal judges
D)   Business leaders
E)   Police commissioners and chiefs of police

Question 20

Explain how lobbyists influence legislation or policy by highlighting three common techniques employed by lobbyists.

Accepted Answer

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Exam 7: Interest Groups