Interest Groups and Collective Action

Question-and-Answer flashcards covering pluralist theory, collective action, free riding, selective benefits, political entrepreneurs, lobbying tactics, and related examples.

What does pluralist theory propose about interest groups?

Every group that shares a common interest should be able to form an organization to pursue policies that further that interest.

What is a collective action problem?

A situation where individuals would all benefit from working together, but fail to do so because coordination is difficult or costly.

Give the lecture’s classic example of a collective action problem.

Building a road that everyone could use but no single individual can build alone without government coordination.

What is the free rider problem?

When individuals benefit from a public good without contributing to its cost, expecting it will be provided anyway.

Why is the free rider problem worse in large groups?

1) Greater anonymity makes shirking easier; 2) Individuals believe their single effort won’t matter; 3) Enforcement of participation is harder.

Why are producers or business owners often more successful at forming interest groups than consumers or workers?

They operate in smaller, more cohesive groups with lower free-rider issues and greater ability to monitor and enforce participation.

What trend has union membership shown in the past 40 years?

Union membership and accompanying dues have steadily declined, reducing labor’s political clout.

According to Mancur Olson, how can large groups overcome collective action problems?

By offering selective benefits available only to members.

List the four types of selective benefits.

Material, Informational, Solidary, and Purposive benefits.

Which large U.S. interest group is famous for offering material and informational benefits such as discounts?

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

What are political entrepreneurs?

Individuals who invest extraordinary effort to organize groups and mobilize them for policy change, often gaining electoral rewards.

Name two political entrepreneurs cited in the lecture.

Claude Pepper (mobilized older Floridians) and Senator Robert Wagner (championed labor through the Wagner Act).

Define lobbying.

An attempt to influence government policy by persuading policymakers.

What is the difference between insider and outsider lobbying strategies?

Insider strategies work directly with policymakers or courts; outsider strategies mobilize the public to pressure officials.

Besides direct persuasion, name two insider tactics interest groups use.

Filing lawsuits or funding plaintiffs, and submitting amicus curiae (friend-of-the-court) briefs.

What recent rules have restricted direct lobbying of Congress?

Limits on deducting lobbying expenses, caps on paying for officials’ travel, and a $50 ceiling on gifts.

What is an amicus curiae brief?

A ‘friend of the court’ brief submitted by a non-party to present legal arguments or data to influence a judicial decision.

What are grassroots lobbying tactics?

Encouraging members to contact officials via letters, emails, calls, or organizing protests and local events.

Which advertising campaign was cited as an example of outsider strategy against health-care reform?

The “Harry and Louise” ads opposing President Clinton’s 1990s health-care plan.

What is astroturf lobbying?

A manufactured grassroots effort where a well-financed group creates the illusion of widespread public support.

Why do minority groups often rely on courts rather than elections to advance their goals?

They face electoral disadvantages but can achieve policy change through litigation, where numbers matter less than legal arguments.