AP GOV Chapter 15: Interest Groups

Interest Group

An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence public policy

Lobbyist

A person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of an interest group.

Free Rider Problem

The tendency of individuals to avoid contributing to public goods.

Public Good

Something of value that all individuals share, whether or not they contribute to it (such as clean air or water).

Incentive

Something of value one cannot get without joining an organization.

Public Interest Lobby

A political organization whose goals will principally benefit nonmembers.

Material Incentives

Money or things valued in monetary terms.

Ideological Interest Groups

Political organizations that attract members by appealing to their political convictions or principles.

Purposive Incentives

A benefit that comes from serving a cause or principle.

Solidary Incentives

The social rewards (sense of pleasure, status, or companionship) that lead people to join political organizations.

Social Movement

A widely shared demand for change in some aspect of the social or political order.

Political Cue

A signal telling a legislator what values are at stake in a vote, and how the issue fits into his or her own political views on party agenda.

Grassroots Lobbying

Using the general public (rather than lobbyists) to contact government officials about a public policy.

Ratings

Assessments of a representative's voting record on issues important to an interest group.

Earmark

A provision in a law that provides a direct benefit to a client without the benefit having been reviewed on the merits by all of Congress.