Chapter 6: Interest Groups & Lobbying

TX Government Key Terms

Interest Group

an organization established to influence the government’s programs and policies

Free Rider Problem

incentive to benefit from others’ work without making a contribution

Selective Benefits

benefits that members of a group receive by being in the group

Solidary Benefits

symbolic benefits members feel being part of a  group because they feel they are contributing to a larger cause

Bundling

when an interest group uses various campaign contributions to formulate one large contribution

Lobbyist

a person who works for an interest group to influence government decisions on behalf of the group

Revolving Door

a practice where former lawmakers work as lobbyists for interest groups

political action committee (PAC)

a private group that raises and distributes funds for use in election campaigns

Issue Advocacy

independent spending by individuals or interest groups on a campaign issue but not directly tied to a particular candidate

Dark Money

an unidentified donor who gives an unidentified amount of cash to an interest group but the interest group can only use it for issues, not for candidates

Interest-Group Capture

when the government begins serving the groups they are supposed to regulate