Deck 14: Interest Groups

Question 1

Almond (1958) avoided ____ definitions of interest associations when studying them comparatively across time and space.

Answer 1

formal

Question 2

Please indicate which of the following statements can be attributed to republican scholars of democracy, such as J.-J. Rousseau.

A) Interest groups tend to play an important role in modern politics.
B) Interest groups promote special interests rather than the general will of the people.
C) Interest associations are 'schools of democracy'.
D) The state should support corporatist arrangements in order to ensure a balance of power between opposing social interests.

Answer 2

A,B

Question 3

Like republicans, neocorporatists perceive the political system as a ____

Answer 3

body

Question 4

Please indicate which of the following statements on the different theoretical perspectives on interest associations are correct.

A) Pluralist approaches assume that all individuals possess the same capability to represent their interests collectively.
B) Neocorporatists argue that special interest groups should be excluded from the political process.
C) Neocorporatists favour an institutionalisation of social interests, whether they come from the political left or right.
D) According to Tocqueville, the 'freedom of association' represents the lifeblood of freedom and democracy.

Question 5

Identify and select traditional supporters of corporatist arrangements.

A) Neoliberal politicians, such as Margaret Thatcher
B) Marxist trade union leaders
C) Pope Leo XIII
D) European Social and Christian democrats

Question 6

According to Olson, ____ motivate individuals to join interest associations

Question 7

The comparative analysis of interest politics is difficult, because identical measures, such as trade union density, may mean different things in different countries.

Question 8

Offe and Wiesenthal argued that some interests exercise political influence without facing important collective action problems. Identify the interests that they had in mind.

A) Business
B) Environmental associations
C) Labour unions
D) Women's organisations

Question 9

What does the privileged position argument of business say?

A) Business does not need additional interest group activity because capitalist democracies rely on a functioning economy which forces politics to business-friendly policies anyway.
B) Business has an easy access to the government because political parties need business-funding of their electoral campaigns.
C) Business has an easy access to the government as a result of being the biggest taxpayer.
D) Business interest groups were the first active interest groups and managed to establish institutions which are difficult to ignore.

Question 10

What might be positive aspects of corporatist labour relations systems? Please select all that apply.

A) Corporatist arrangements tend to have a positive impact on social equality.
B) Corporatist arrangements contribute in providing social peace and socio-economic stability
C) Corporatist arrangements oblige trade unions to prioritise the interests of their rank-and-file members.
D) Corporatist arrangements are important in linking state, economy, and society.