Interest Groups – Lecture Review

25 question-and-answer flashcards covering definitions, examples, classifications, tactics, benefits, and challenges of interest groups as discussed in the lecture.

What is an interest group?

A non-governmental political institution that seeks to influence government policy in order to advance the interests of its members or the public without aiming to capture state power.

Which two key characteristics distinguish an interest group from government institutions?

It is not part of any governmental body and it does not seek to capture or exercise state power; it only tries to influence specific government decisions.

Give three examples of professional interest groups in Ghana.

Ghana Medical Association (GMA); University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG); Ghana Bar Association (GBA).

In terms of ultimate political goals, how do interest groups differ from political parties?

Interest groups seek to influence policies, whereas political parties seek to capture governmental power and govern the state.

How does the typical membership base of an interest group differ from that of a political party?

Interest-group membership is usually limited to people within a particular profession, class, or group, while political-party membership cuts across a wider spectrum of society.

Name two extra-constitutional tactics that interest groups may use which political parties normally avoid.

Lockouts and boycotts (also demonstrations and strikes).

What is one similarity between interest groups and political parties regarding finances?

Both finance themselves through dues and donations.

List the four main types of interest groups identified in the lecture.

Associational; Anomic; Institutional; Non-Associational.

What defines an associational interest group?

A formally organised body established to achieve specific political interests (though it may have other interests as well).

What is the main focus of promotional interest groups?

Advocating ideas, policies, and values on broad public issues such as abortion, environment, or same-sex marriage.

Name two issues often championed by promotional interest groups.

Environmental protection and abortion policy (also pornography, same-sex marriage).

What is the primary objective of a protective interest group?

To safeguard the common social or economic interests of its members.

Provide two Ghanaian examples of protective interest groups.

Trades Union Congress (TUC) and University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) (also GBA, GMA).

How are anomic interest groups typically formed?

Spontaneously, arising from frustrations or emotions over a specific issue, without formal planning or permanent structures.

Give one historical example of an anomic interest group in Ghana.

AFC – Anti-VAT Coalition in 1995 (also Let My Vote Count, Arise Ghana, etc.).

What key characteristic differentiates institutional interest groups from other types?

They are organisations closely connected to the government and operate internally, enjoying little or no autonomy.

Name two examples of institutional interest groups.

The public/civil bureaucracy and the military.

What are non-associational interest groups?

Loosely organised groups reflecting unarticulated social, ethnic, or cultural interests, often forming temporarily when an issue becomes pressing.

Identify one similarity between non-associational and anomic interest groups.

Both lack formal organisation and may emerge temporarily around specific issues.

In the context of interest groups, what is lobbying?

Persuading executive or legislative officials to formulate or amend policies favorable to the group’s interests, often through personal contacts or professional lobbyists.

Mention three public-opinion tools interest groups can employ to influence policy.

Strikes, demonstrations, and mass-media campaigns (also boycotts, debates, lectures, symposia).

How can interest groups make use of the judiciary to further their aims?

By filing lawsuits challenging government actions that they believe infringe on their rights or interests.

List three positive contributions of interest groups to the political system.

Policy formulation input; articulation of public interests; political education (also checking abuse of power, intermediary role, expert advice, participation in governance).

Identify three problems that interest groups can create for society or government.

Unjustifiable demands; negative impact on productivity through strikes; breakdown of law and order (also violent activities, political instability, internal conflict).

State four factors that enhance the effectiveness of an interest group.

Large or strategic membership size; effective leadership; sound financial resources; active contribution and participation by members.