interest groups
An organization of people who share common political interests and aim to influence public policy by electioneering and lobbying.
linkage institutions
institutions such as political parties, interest groups, the media, and elections that are channels through which individua...
interest groups - ANSWER-An organization of people who share common political
interests and aim to influence public policy by electioneering and lobbying.
linkage institutions - ANSWER-institutions such as political parties, interest groups, the
media, and elections that are channels through which individuals can communicate their
preferences to policy makers
interest group state - ANSWER-A government in which most policy decisions are
determined by the influence of interest groups.
centralized groups - ANSWER-Interest groups that have a headquarters, usually in
Washington, D.C., as well as members and field offices throughout the country. In
general, these groups' lobbying decisions are made at headquarters by the group
leaders.
Confederation - ANSWER-interests groups made up of several independent, local
organizations that provide much of their funding and hold most of the power
revolving door - ANSWER-The movement of individuals from government positions to
jobs with interest groups or lobbying firms, and vice versa.
iron triangles - ANSWER-informal alliance of elected officials, bureaucrats and interests
groups, designed to let these groups and individuals dominate the policy-making
process in a given area
mass associations - ANSWER-interest groups that have a large number of dues-paying
individuals as members
,peak associations - ANSWER-interest groups whose members are businesses or other
organizations rather than individuals
collective action problem - ANSWER-A situation in which the members of a group would
benefit by working together to produce some outcome, but each individual is better off
refusing to cooperate and reaping benefits from those who do the work.
free riding - ANSWER-Relying on others to contribute to a collective effort while failing
to participate on one's own behalf, yet still benefiting from the group's successes.
selective incentives - ANSWER-Benefits that can motivate participation in a group effort
because they are available only to those who participate, such as member services
offered by interest groups.
solidary benefits - ANSWER-Satisfaction derived from the experience of working with
like-minded people, even if the group's efforts do not achieve the desired impact.
purposive benefits - ANSWER-Satisfaction derived from the experience of working
toward a desired policy goal, even if the goal is not achieved.
coercion - ANSWER-A method of eliminating nonparticipation or free riding by potential
group members by requiring participation, as in many labor unions.
material benefits - ANSWER-Benefits that are provided to individuals for joining a group,
such as a coffee mug or a T-shirt, that are distinct from the collective benefits provided
by the group.
inside strategies - ANSWER-The tactics employed within Washington, D.C., by interest
groups seeking to achieve their policy goals.
outside strategies - ANSWER-The tactics employed outside Washington, D.C., by
interest groups seeking to achieve their policy goals.
direct lobbying - ANSWER-attempts by interest group staff to influence policy by
speaking with elected officials or bureaucrats
, grassroots lobbying - ANSWER-A lobbying strategy that relies on participation by group
members, such as a protest or a letter-writing campaign.
astroturf lobbying - ANSWER-Any lobbying method initiated by an interest group that is
designed to look like the spontaneous, independent participation of many individuals.
Political Action Committee (PAC) - ANSWER-An interest group or a division of an
interest group that can raise money to contribute to campaigns or to spend on ads in
support of candidates. The amount a PAC can receive from each of its donors and the
amount it can spend on federal electioneering are strictly limited.
527 organizations - ANSWER-A tax-exempt group formed primarily to influence
elections through voter mobilization efforts and issue ads that do not directly endorse or
oppose a candidate. Unlike political action committees, they are not subject to
contribution limits and spending caps.
Referendum - ANSWER-A direct vote by citizens on a policy change proposed by a
legislature or another government body. Referenda are common in state and local
elections, but there is no mechanism for a national-level referendum.
Initiative - ANSWER-A direct vote by citizens on a policy change proposed by fellow
citizens or organized groups outside government. Getting a question on the ballot
typically requires collecting a set number of signatures from registered voters in support
of the proposal. There is no mechanism for a national-level initiative.
Salience - ANSWER-the level of familiarity with an interest group's goals among the
general population
Bicameralism - ANSWER-The system of having two chambers within one legislative
body, like the House and Senate in the U.S. Congress.
permanent campaign - ANSWER-The continual quest for reelection that is rooted in
high-cost professional campaigns that are increasingly reliant on consultants and
expensive media campaigns.
pork barrel - ANSWER-Legislative appropriations that benefit specific constituents,
created with the aim of helping local representatives win reelection.
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