POLS: Ch. 5 + 6

European Feudal Systems

A social and economic system in medieval Europe where individuals formed life-long affiliations to protect each other.

Interest Groups

Organizations that aim to influence government policy and decision-making in a specific area.

Pluaralism

The theory that multiple interests should coexist and influence political decisions.

Factions

Groups or entities that arise in political contexts, including interest groups and political parties.

Constitution Convention goal

Extend the sphere to encompass multiple factions preventing the dominance of any single one.

Democracy and interest groups

Interest groups exist to facilitate public input because organized groups can be more effectively heard than isolated individuals.

Collective Goods

Benefits that are available to all members of a group, regardless of their participation.

Selective Incentives

Benefits that can be withheld from those who do not contribute to the group effort.

Iron Triangle

A model of subgovernment where agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees dominate policymaking.

Lobbying

Activities aimed at influencing policymakers, often involving professional lobbyists.

K Street

A street in Washington D.C. known for being the center of lobbying activities.

Free-Riders

Individuals who benefit from resources or services without paying for them, common in larger interest groups.

Grassroots

A method of mobilizing public opinion and action, typically starting from the bottom up.

Astroturfing

Deceptive practices that simulate grassroots efforts, creating the illusion of widespread public support.

Political Party

An organization that selects candidates for office, conducts election campaigns, and organizes government.

Nominating Candidates

The process by which political parties choose delegates and candidates for elections.

Realignment

A significant change in the composition and competition between political parties.

Two Major Parties

System in which two dominant parties (Democrats and Republicans) have persisted due to historical divisions and skepticism of third parties.

Voting Barriers

Obstacles that have historically prevented certain groups from voting, such as literacy tests and poll taxes.

Campaign Finance Reform

Legislation aimed at regulating the money spent on political campaigns.

Tillman Act of 1907

A law that prohibited direct contributions of corporate funds to political campaigns.

Taft-Hartley Act of 1947

Legislation that prohibited direct contributions from labor unions to political campaigns.

Soft Money

Funds that are raised outside the limits and prohibitions of federal law.

527s

Groups that can raise unlimited money for issue advocacy and political activities.

Citizens United v FEC

A landmark Supreme Court case that allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited funds on political activities.

Federal Election Campaign Acts

A set of laws that set limits on contributions to federal campaigns.

Political Identification

The affiliation one feels align to a political party, which influences voting behavior.

Incumbency

The holding of an office or the period during which one is held.

Valance Issues

Issues that are generally agreed upon, such as public safety.

Party in Government

The portion of a political party consisting of elected officials.

Party Organization

The formal structure of a political party, including its leadership and membership.

Party in the Electorate

The supporters and voters of a political party.

Common Interests

Shared goals or interests that bring individuals together into interest groups.

Material Benefits

Tangible rewards for membership in an organization, such as discounts.

Democratic Nature of Interest Groups

Interest groups contribute to democracy by allowing organized public interests to be heard.

Political Influence

The ability of individuals or groups to affect government decisions and policies.

Information Networks

Systems through which interest groups may disseminate information and mobilize support.

Public Opinion Campaigns

Organized efforts to shape public perceptions on issues.

Foundation Grants

Monetary contributions provided by private foundations to organizations for specific projects.

Think Tanks

Organizations that conduct research and advocate for particular policies or ideologies.

Membership Dues

Fees that members pay in exchange for the benefits provided by the interest group.

Employment Dynamics

The role that job security and employment concerns play in motivating individuals to join interest groups.

Common Interests Based on Ideology

Interest groups often form around shared ideological beliefs to influence policy.

Political Contributions

Financial donations made by individuals or groups to support political campaigns.

Government Fragmentation

The division of government into various entities, leading to multiple points of access for interest groups.

Volunteer Fire Departments

An example of early organized interest groups for collective benefit.

Conscious Organization

The intentional formation of associations aimed at collective benefit in response to changes in society.