PSCI 2305 Chapter 8 - Interest Groups
Exam Questions and Answers
Interest groups are organized around which of the following? - Answer -sets of issues
If the Democrats and the Republicans are the opposing teams (metaphorically
speaking), interest groups are which of the following? - Answer -the fans
Interest groups resemble which of the following? - Answer -constellations surrounding
the major parties
Private interests - Answer -those interests that benefit individuals or select groups
without benefiting the whole
Public interests - Answer -Those interests that benefit the whole as opposed to
benefiting a select group of private interests
Groups concerned with private interests may include which of the following? - Answer -
labor associations
Which of the following is an example of a public interest group? - Answer -the NAACP
What is one example of an ideological or issue-oriented interest group? - Answer -The
National Rifle Association (NRA) is primarily concerned with protecting gun ownership.
Which of the following interest groups fought to keep healthcare reform legislation alive?
- Answer -the AFL-CIO
Lobbying - Answer -Political activity that aims to influence government policymaking.
Those who engage in lobbying are known as lobbyists.
What is the primary function of lobbyists? - Answer -providing current information to
lawmakers
Effective lobbying results in what? - Answer -mutually beneficial relationships
Lobbyists influence the judicial process in which of the following ways (among others)? -
Answer -Lobbyists file amicus curiae briefs in addition to other activities like maintaining
legal defense funds and pressuring Congress over judicial appointments.
, What kind of work did Tracy do before finally getting her current job as a lobbyist? -
Answer -Tracy spent several years on Capitol Hill working her way up in legislative
positions before becoming a lobbyist.
Tracy works for the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a group that
advocates in which of the following policy areas? - Answer -education
How does Tracy make new contacts on the Hill? - Answer -She calls or emails them to
set up a meeting.
Tracy finds it unfortunate that "lobbyist" has become a bad word. What is the primary
function of lobbyists, according to Tracy? - Answer -to educate congressional staff
How does Tracy's prior work experience inform her understanding of the value of
lobbyists? - Answer -Her experience on the Hill makes her appreciate the role lobbyists
perform by educating members of Congress and their staff.
Tom works in both New York and DC. In his Washington role, what industry does he
represent? - Answer -the healthcare industry
Which aspect of lobbying is most important to Tom? - Answer -educating people about
the issues he represents
What analogy does Tom make about lobbyists? - Answer -He compares lobbyists to
attorneys, because they both serve as advocates for people.
How does his example about disposable diabetes pumps demonstrate the positive role
that lobbyists can play? - Answer -As a lobbyist, he can explain why Medicare coverage
of a critical new piece of technology would provide a benefit to those with diabetes.
Why does Tom think that lobbyists are necessary? - Answer -People need help
understanding how our government works.
How does scorekeeping by interest groups help voters? - Answer -It helps them
establish which candidates align with them on particular issues.
What are 527 organizations allowed to do? - Answer -participate in issue advocacy
Interest group money generally does which of the following? - Answer -backs
ideologically aligned candidates
Grassroots lobbying includes which of the following actions (among others)? - Answer -
staging demonstrations
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