Ch. 16 Vocab - AP Government

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

Supreme Court ruling granting corporations and unions free speech protections.

Climate Control

Using public outreach to shape positive public opinion of an organization.

Collective Goods

Outcomes benefiting the general public; also known as public goods.

Economic Incentive

Motivation to join an interest group for material benefits from policies.

Electioneering

Influencing elections to support an interest group's issues.

Elite Theory

Belief that wealthy, educated individuals hold significant political power.

Free Rider Problem

Benefiting from others' actions without contributing.

Interest Group

Organization influencing government decisions to achieve goals.

Iron Triangle

Mutual interests among Congress, agencies, and interest groups during policymaking.

Issue Network

Connections among policy stakeholders and implementers.

Lobby

Directly communicating with policymakers on behalf of an interest group.

Pluralist Theory

Policy making as a competition among diverse interest groups.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Entity raising money to influence election outcomes.

Public Employee Unions

Labor groups of federal, state, and municipal workers.

Purposive Incentive

Motivation to join an interest group based on belief in its cause.

Rational Choice Theory

Economic perspective on collective action participation.

Social Capital

Relationships enhancing life through social connections.

Social Movement

Informal groups striving for significant social or political change.

Solidary Incentive

Motivation to join an interest group for social companionship.

Umbrella Organizations

Interest groups representing multiple industries or corporations.