Edwards, Lineberry Chp. 11
- 1.
What do the elite theorists believe about the influence of interest groups?
- A.
Each interest group has equal access to the government
- B.
Interest groups counterbalance each other, so that no one group becomes too powerful
- C.
Interest groups with large memberships are always more influential than those with smaller memberships
- D.
Interest groups help create a more democratic government
- E.
A few wealthy groups have the most influence
Correct Answer
E. A few wealthy groups have the most influenceExplanation
The correct answer suggests that elite theorists believe that a few wealthy groups have the most influence. This means that in their view, power and influence are concentrated in the hands of a small number of wealthy interest groups, rather than being evenly distributed among all interest groups.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
Smaller interets groups often meet with more success because
- A.
They have highly developed methods of fundraising
- B.
Their members have a great incentive to actively pursue their collective good
- C.
They make large campaign contributions
- D.
They have more resources with which to mobilize the public
- E.
They pursue only less politicized issues
Correct Answer
B. Their members have a great incentive to actively pursue their collective goodExplanation
Smaller interest groups often meet with more success because their members have a great incentive to actively pursue their collective good. This means that the members of these groups are highly motivated to work together and achieve their common goals. They are more likely to be dedicated and committed to the cause, which can lead to effective advocacy and lobbying efforts. Additionally, smaller groups may have a stronger sense of community and camaraderie, which can further enhance their ability to mobilize and achieve their objectives.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Citizens concerned about a proposal to redistribute federal funding to public schools would form which of the following groups?
- A.
Public interest group
- B.
Economic interest group
- C.
Consumer interest group
- D.
Elite interest group
- E.
Class action group
Correct Answer
A. Public interest groupExplanation
A public interest group would be formed by citizens concerned about a proposal to redistribute federal funding to public schools. Public interest groups advocate for policies and actions that benefit the general public and address common concerns. In this case, citizens who are worried about the impact of the proposed redistribution on public schools would come together to form a public interest group to voice their concerns and advocate for their interests.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Lawmakers often rely on lobbyists for all of the following reasons EXCEPT
- A.
To come up with new policy ideas that they can introduce in Congress
- B.
For advice on strategies to advance or prevent a piece of legislation
- C.
For money that can legally supplement a lawmaker's salary
- D.
To encourage group members to vote for them during re-election
- E.
For expertise on a certain issue
Correct Answer
C. For money that can legally supplement a lawmaker's salaryExplanation
Lawmakers often rely on lobbyists for all of the given reasons except for money that can legally supplement a lawmaker's salary. Lobbyists are not typically relied upon for financial support or to provide additional income for lawmakers. Instead, lawmakers may turn to lobbyists for policy ideas, advice on legislative strategies, encouragement of group members' votes during re-election, and expertise on specific issues.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Iron triangles are composed of
- A.
A cabinet department, a legislative committee, and a federal judge
- B.
A corporate board, an interest group, and the Speaker of the House
- C.
A PAC, an interest group, and a congressional candidate
- D.
An interest group, a legislative committee, and a federal agency
- E.
A local civic group, a state legislator, and a federal department
Correct Answer
D. An interest group, a legislative committee, and a federal agencyExplanation
Iron triangles are informal alliances that form between interest groups, legislative committees, and federal agencies. These three entities work together to shape and influence public policy in their favor. Interest groups provide resources and support to legislative committees, who in turn introduce and advocate for policies that align with the interest group's goals. Federal agencies, on the other hand, provide expertise and implement policies. This interconnected relationship allows for a mutually beneficial exchange of resources and influence, often leading to policies that favor the interest group involved.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Proponents of the pluralist theory argue that power is nearly evenly distributed among interest groups because
- A.
The public participates equally in different types of interest groups
- B.
All interest groups receive the same amount of federal funds
- C.
Each policy area is assigned a limited number of related interest groups
- D.
Interest groups each get the same attention from politicians
- E.
Competition prevents any one group from becoming more influential
Correct Answer
E. Competition prevents any one group from becoming more influentialExplanation
Competition prevents any one group from becoming more influential in the pluralist theory. This means that multiple interest groups compete with each other to gain influence and power, which prevents any single group from dominating the political landscape. In a pluralist system, power is dispersed among various interest groups, and no single group can monopolize or control the decision-making process. This ensures a more balanced distribution of power and allows for diverse perspectives and interests to be represented in the political system.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Which of the following statements accurately describe methods interest groups employ to influence policymaking?I. Class action lawsuits allow interest groiups to sue in the name of a larger section of the publicII. Interest groups meet with judges about cases that affect their policy areaIII. Interest groups make more PAC contributions to incumbents rather than challengersIV. Lobbyists provide policy expertise to lawmakersV. Interest groups pay committee members to introduce favorable legislation
- A.
III only
- B.
I and IV only
- C.
II and V only
- D.
I, III, and IV only
- E.
II, IV, and V only
Correct Answer
D. I, III, and IV onlyExplanation
Interest groups employ methods such as class action lawsuits (I) to represent a larger section of the public in legal cases. They also make more PAC contributions to incumbents (III) rather than challengers to support lawmakers who are already in office. Additionally, lobbyists provide policy expertise (IV) to lawmakers to help shape legislation. Therefore, the correct answer is I, III, and IV only.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
Interest groups differ from political parties in which of the following ways?
- A.
Interest groups link the public to the political process
- B.
Interest groups pursue general policy goals in the political arena
- C.
Interest groups try to shape specific policy goals
- D.
Interest groups are not allowed to play any part in political campaigns
- E.
Interest groups unite politicians with the same politicial ideology
Correct Answer
C. Interest groups try to shape specific policy goalsExplanation
Interest groups differ from political parties in that they try to shape specific policy goals. While political parties focus on a broad range of policy issues and aim to gain political power, interest groups are more focused on advocating for specific policies and influencing the decision-making process. They often represent the interests of a particular group or cause and use various strategies, such as lobbying and grassroots organizing, to shape policies in their favor.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
Which of the following causes would most likely be taken up by a single-issue group?
- A.
Abortion
- B.
Corporate taxation
- C.
International trade
- D.
Workers' rights
- E.
Social justice
Correct Answer
A. AbortionExplanation
A single-issue group is an organization that focuses on advocating for a specific cause or issue. Abortion is the most likely cause to be taken up by a single-issue group because it is a highly controversial and divisive topic that often sparks intense debate and activism. Single-issue groups typically concentrate their efforts on promoting their cause, raising awareness, and influencing policy related to that particular issue. Abortion is a complex and emotionally charged subject, making it a prime candidate for a single-issue group to prioritize and dedicate their resources towards.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
The right of interest groups to organize is
- A.
Protected by the First Amendment
- B.
Protected by the Federal Election Campaign Act
- C.
Protected by state laws
- D.
Protected by the Fifth Amendment
- E.
None of these
Correct Answer
A. Protected by the First AmendmentExplanation
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech, assembly, and association. This includes the right of interest groups to organize and advocate for their causes. The First Amendment protects the right of individuals and groups to express their opinions and engage in political activities without government interference. Therefore, the correct answer is that the right of interest groups to organize is protected by the First Amendment.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 14, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jul 24, 2010Quiz Created by
Kyancy
Back to top