Chapter 10 Terms Flashcards
(28 cards)
Interest Groups
Organizations in society that seek to influence government policy
Lobbying
Efforts to influence public policy through contact with public officials on behalf of interest groups
Linkage Institution
Institutions such as political parties, interest groups, the media, and elections that are channels through which individuals can communicate their preferences to policy makers
Interest Group State
A government in which most policy decisions are determined by the influence of interest groups
Institutional Interest Groups
Formed by nonprofits such as universities, think tanks, or museums
Professional Associations
Represent individuals who have a common interest in a profession
Businesses
For-profit enterprises that aim to influence policy in ways that will increase profits or satisfy other goals
Labor Organizations
Lobby for regulations that make it easy for workers to form labor unions, as well as for a range of other policies
Citizen Groups
Range from those with mass membership to those that have no members but claim to speak for particular segments of the population
Trade or Peak Associations
Groups of businesses that band together to lobby for policies that benefit all of them
Confederation
Interest groups made up of several independent, local organizations that provide much of their funding and hold the power
Centralized Groups
Interest groups that have a headquarters, usually in Washington DC, as well as members and field offices across the country. In general, these groups’ lobbying decisions are made at headquarters by group leaders
Confederation
Interest groups made up of several independent, local organizations that provide much of their funding and hold the power
Revolving Door
The movement of individuals from government positions to jobs with interest groups and lobbying firms, and vice versa
Iron Triangles
Informal alliance of elected officials, bureaucrats, and interest groups designed to let these groups and individuals dominate policy making on a set of issues, shutting everyone else out of the process
Mass Associations
Interest groups that have a large number of dues-paying individuals as members
Collective Action Problems
Situations in which members of a group would benefit by working together to produce some outcome, but each individual is better off refusing to cooperate and reaping benefits from those who do the work
Free Riding
Relying on others to contribute to a collective effort while failing to participate on one’s own behalf, yet still benefiting from the group’s success
Selective Incentives
Benefits that can motivate participation in a group effort because they are available to only those who participate, such as member services offered by interest groups
Solidary Benefits
Satisfaction derived from the experience of working with like-minded people, even if the group’s efforts do not achieve the desired impact
Purposive Benefits
Satisfaction derived from the experience of working towards a specific policy goal, even if the goal is not achieved
Coercion
A method of limiting nonparticipation or free riding by potential group members by requiring participation, such as many labor unions
Inside Strategies
The tactics employed within Washington DC, by interest groups seeking to achieve their policy goals
Material Benefits
Benefits given only to the members of an interest group, such as a coffee mug or T-Shirt, that are distinct from the collective benefits provided by the group
