#1
Which of the following is an example of an interest group?
The National Rifle Association (NRA)
ExplanationInterest groups advocate for specific interests like NRA advocates for gun rights.
#2
What is the main goal of interest groups?
To represent the interests of a particular group or issue
ExplanationInterest groups aim to voice concerns of specific groups or causes.
#3
Which of the following is NOT a type of interest group?
Political parties
ExplanationPolitical parties are distinct from interest groups.
#4
Which of the following is an example of a single-issue interest group?
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
ExplanationSingle-issue interest group: focuses on one specific cause.
#5
Which of the following is an example of a labor union interest group?
United Auto Workers (UAW)
ExplanationLabor union interest group example: UAW represents auto workers.
#6
Which of the following is a form of indirect political participation?
Joining an interest group
ExplanationIndirect political participation includes actions like joining interest groups.
#7
What is the term for the process by which interest groups attempt to influence public policy?
Lobbying
ExplanationLobbying involves interest groups influencing public policy decisions.
#8
Which of the following tactics might interest groups use to influence policymakers?
Filing lawsuits
ExplanationInterest groups may resort to legal actions like filing lawsuits.
#9
What is the term for the phenomenon where individuals join interest groups primarily to receive selective benefits?
Material incentives
ExplanationSome join interest groups for personal gains like material incentives.
#10
Which of the following statements best describes the term 'iron triangle'?
A close relationship between interest groups, government agencies, and congressional committees
ExplanationIron triangle: close ties between interest groups, agencies, and committees.
#11
Which of the following is a characteristic of a pluralist model of democracy?
Political power is dispersed among competing interest groups
ExplanationIn pluralism, power is shared among various interest groups.
#12
Which of the following statements best describes the free-rider problem?
It refers to the situation where individuals benefit from the actions of interest groups without contributing to their efforts.
ExplanationFree-rider problem: enjoying group benefits without contributing.
#13
What is the term for the theory that suggests interest groups are so strong that government is weakened?
Hyperpluralist theory
ExplanationHyperpluralism theory asserts that interest groups overpower government.
#14
Which of the following is a criticism of interest groups?
They represent only the interests of the wealthy and powerful.
ExplanationCriticism: interest groups prioritize wealthy and powerful.
#15
What is the term for the practice of an interest group making campaign contributions to gain access to policymakers?
PAC spending
ExplanationPAC spending: interest groups donating to influence policymakers.