interest groups

interest groups

a public or private association of individuals or organizations that attempt to influence government decision making or public policy

association

an interest group comprised of many groups or institutions with similar interests (usually individual businesses joining together in a larger interest group

lobbyist

a representative of a particular interest or organization, usually employed for pay, who attempts to influence legislators

particularized

benefits that are specific to an individual or group and from which others can be excluded

public interest group

a group that pursues policies or goods that members perceive to be useful for most or all citizens

legislative liaison

an individual who represents a government institution to other governmental decision makers

inside lobbying

attempts to directly influence governmental officials such as legislators or their aides

outside lobbying

attempts to directly influence governmental officials such as legislators or their aids indirectly by influencing public opinion

political action committee

a group organized to collect funds from donors and distribute them to political candidates

Which of these would be an example of a public interest group?

An organization representing the pharmaceutical industry that works to decrease government regulations of prescription drugs

A consumer rights group advocating for mandatory seat belt laws

A steelworkers union requesting better pay and benefits

A farmers organization lobbying for increased government subsidies on certain crops

a consumer rights group advocating for mandatory seat belt laws. Mandatory safety belts help advance public safety, which is a public good that benefits most citizens. Public interest groups pursue public goods

Which organization is most likely to be represented by a legislative liaison?

A political action committee

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The National Rifle Association

The Coca-Cola Company

The US department of Health and Human Services. Legislative liasions represent government institutions to other decision makers in government

Why was the Supreme Court case Citizens United v. FEC so important?

This court case equated spending money with free speech.

This court case allowed interest groups, corporations, and unions to spend unlimited sums of money as long as they do not coordinate their spending with a candidate.

This court case changed the rules regarding soft money in the campaign finance system.

This court case changed the rules about unlawful searches and seizures.

This case made super PACs legal and, in contrast to PACs, allows them to spend unlimited amounts of money as long as they do not coordinate their activities with a candidate.

When interest groups use candidate grades or ratings system to influence voters, which strategy are they implementing?

Outside strategy

All of these strategies involve influencing the voters.

Direct lobbying

Inside strategy

outside strategy. These involve messaging the public to gain support

Which branch of government is not a target of interest group lobbying?

Legislative branch

Judicial branch

Executive branch

Interest groups lobby all three branches of government.

interest groups want to shape the decision making of all three branches