AP Governemnt Ch. 15 Interest Groups

interest groups

organization of people who share political, social or other goals; and agree to try to influence public policy to achieve those goals.

Federalist Paper No. 10

addresses the question of how to guard against "factions", or groups of citizens, with interests contrary to the rights of others or the interests of the whole community. Madisons concludes three separate branches of government would prevent the domination and influence of factions or interests.

pluralism

A theory of government that holds that multitude of views ultimately results in consensus on some issues, which in turn intensifies competition between the different interests

lobbying

A strategy by which organized interests seek to influence the passage of legislation by exerting direct pressure on members of the legislature. In short, applying pressure to influence government.

think tanks

research institution, often with specific ideological goals

purposive incentive

Motivation to join an interest group based on the belief in the group's cause from an ideological or a moral standpoint.

solidary incentive

A reason or motive having to do with the desire to associate with others and to share with others a particular interest

material incentive

Something tangible, such as money or services, which attracts people to join mass-membership organizations.

public interest groups

groups that organize to influence government to produce collective goods or services that benefit the general public

single-issue groups

groups that have a narrow interest on which their members tend to take an uncompromising stance

ideological groups

political organizations that attract members by appealing to their political convictions or principles

Political Action Committee (PAC)

the political committee for a interest group that raises funds and donates to election campaigns

Citizens United v. FEC

2010 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court holding corporations and other organizations have free speech protected by the 1st Amendment and so money contributions cannot be limited by federal law. Decision overturned Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA law) and will lead to creation of SuperPACs

Super PACs

a type of independent political action committee which may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates but can do so indirectly

iron triangle

three-way alliance among legislators, bureaucrats, and interest groups to make or preserve policies that benefit their respective interests.

issue networks

A loose grouping of people and organizations who seek to influence policy formation.

lobbyists

representatives of interest groups who contact lawmakers or other government officials directly to influence their policy making

amicus curiae

A Latin term meaning "friend of the court." Refers to interested groups or individuals, not directly involved in a suit, who may file legal briefs or oral arguments in support of one side.

revolving door

movement from the job as legislator or regulator to a job within an industry