chapter 10 flashcards

Actual Group

People who have formed into an official group that raises money, accepts members, and lobbies in Washington.

Beltway Bandits

Large not-for-profit firms with trade representatives or lobbyists in Washington who win federal grants and contracts.

Client Politics

A situation where a government agency services as well as regulates a distinct group.

Collective Good

Something of value that cannot be withheld from a group member.

Cue (Political)

A signal provided by interest groups that tells a politician what values are at stake in an issue.

Direct Mail

The solicitation of funding through letter campaigns.

Dirty Dozen

A list of legislators who voted most frequently against environmental measures, compiled by an environmental interest group.

Electioneering

Direct group involvement in the electoral process, including funding campaigns and mobilizing members.

Elitism

The belief that those who form an elite are more likely to be constructive to society.

Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act of 1946

An act restricting lobbying efforts involving direct contacts with members of Congress.

Federalist 10

A paper arguing that the latent causes of faction are sown in the nature of man.

Free-Rider Problem

When people who could be part of a group are not, yet still benefit from the group's lobbying efforts.

Hyperpluralism

A theory suggesting that strong groups can weaken the government.

Section 501(c)(3) Organizations

Nonprofit groups that can address political matters but cannot lobby or campaign.

Section 501(c)(4) Organizations

Nonprofit groups allowed to lobby and campaign, with non-deductible donations.

Selective Benefits

Certain benefits provided by groups to keep members involved and attract new members.

Single-Issue Groups

Groups focused on one issue and advocate for it in Washington.

Grassroots Support

Public backing for a policy that arises from public opinion.

Ideological Interest Groups

Political organizations attracting members by appealing to political convictions.

Incentive (Political)

Something of value that one cannot obtain without joining an organization.

Insider Strategy

Lobbyists working closely with key members of Congress, meeting privately to exchange information.

Institutional Interests

Individuals or organizations representing other organizations.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy.

Iron Triangles

A network of groups within the political system that controls specific policy areas.

Issue Public

The segment of the public directly affected by a governmental policy.

Lobbying

Activities aimed at influencing public officials, especially legislators.

Lobbyist

A person attempting to influence government decisions on behalf of an interest group.

Material Benefit Incentives

Tangible items, like money or services, that attract people to join organizations.

Membership Interests

Interest groups comprised of those who voluntarily join.

Outsider Strategy

A plan used by lobbyists employing grassroots lobbying.

PACs

Private groups that raise and distribute funds for election campaigns.

PIRGs

Organizations that gather information on consumer topics, first organized by Ralph Nader.

Pluralism

A theory that holds that multiple competing groups can check excessive power by any one group.

Potential Group

Individuals who fit a group category but are not involved in actual group activities.

Public-Interest Lobby

Organizations seeking a collective good that does not selectively benefit the members.

Purposive Incentive

The satisfaction derived from serving a cause that does not benefit one personally.

Ratings

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

Revolving-Door Influence

The practice of lobbying officials with promises of employment after government service.

Right-To-Work-Laws

State laws forbidding requirements for workers to join a union to keep their jobs.

Social Movement

A widely shared demand for social or political change.

Solidary Incentives

The sense of pleasure, status, or companionship arising from group membership.

Union Shop

A provision requiring all employees to join a union within a certain period.