Quiz 1 - interest groups and political parties

Amicus Curiae brief 

A paper filed in court by someone not in the case, offering information or arguments

Free-rider problem

When people benefit from a groups work without helping or paying

Litigation

using the courts to settle disputes or change laws

Political polarization

when political opinions become more extreme and divided

Political actions comities 

groups that raise and spend money to influence elections

Coalition building

different groups joining together for a common goal

Grass roots campaign

Political activities started, and run by ordinary people, not leaders

Lobbying

Trying to influence lawmakers to support certain policies

Patronage

giving jobs or favors to supporters as a reward

voter mobilization

efforts to get people to register and vote

Dealignment

when people move away from supporting political parties

Iron Triangles

The relationship between Congress, government agencies, and interest groups

Party platforms 

A political parties official set of beliefs and policies

Pluralism

The idea that many groups share power and influence government