Honors Passion Civics - Chapter 10 Notes

Interest group

Interest group

An organization of people with shared policy goals that enter the policy process at one or more points and policy arenas in an attempt to achieve their goals.

Pluralism

A theory that argues that interest group activity brings representation to all, as groups compete and counterbalance one another in the political marketplace.

Elitism

A theory that argues that a few groups, primarily the wealthy, have most of the power, and that the power of these groups is fortified by an extensive system of interlocking directorates.

Hyperpluralism

A theory that argues that too many groups are getting too much of what they want, resulting in government policies that are contradictory and lacking in direction.

Intensity

A psychological advantage that both small and large interest groups can enjoy, as raising an issue that people feel intensely about makes politicians more likely to listen and take action.

Lobbying

The act of communicating with a governmental decision maker with the hope of influencing their decision, primarily done by lobbyists who represent organized groups.

PAC

Political Action Committee, a means for interest groups to participate in electioneering by contributing to candidates they believe will support legislation they favor.

Litigating

When an interest group fails to achieve its goal in Congress, it can go to court to achieve its goal, often by filing amicus curiae briefs or class action lawsuits.

Going Public

When interest groups create a public image and use public opinion to their advantage in order to defend their reputation or promote their stands on issues.

Economic Interests

Interest groups that deal with economic issues, such as business, labor, farmers, and others who are concerned about the impact of government regulation and tax policies.

Environmental Interests

Interest groups that focus on promoting policies to control pollution, combat global warming, and oppose practices such as oil drilling and strip mining.

Equality Interests

Interest groups that advocate for equality, such as African American groups fighting for civil rights and social welfare policies to help the