Pt 3: Chapter 9 Notes Flashcards
Any organization that seeks to influence public policy
Interest group
How does an interest group differ from a political party?
Parties address a broad range of issues
A party is just a larger set of what
interest groups
Interest groups correlate ____ to political parties in recent years
Strongly
Federalism and separation of powers does what to interest groups?
Fuels them
Tocqueville called America what?
“A nation of joiners”
Tocqueville wrote what? And in it he said what about Americans with groups?
Democracy in America
- Americans are more likely to affiliate with groups than any other nation
What are some problems with pluralism?
- not everyone has groups
- compromise is unlikey
- there are alliances to STOP things
In Fed #10, Madison said what about Americans?
- factions are natural to Americans
- we have a great opportunity to join groups, so we do, and we do so to express our value towards liberty
These are examples of what kind of groups?
- business groups
- labor groups
- farm groups
- professional groups
Economic groups
What is an environmental interest group an example of?
Citizen group
What kind of interest group is most effective in having their message heard in Washington DC
Economic groups
Do the rich and powerful have an advantage in the American political system?
YES. Ability to organize and further interests greater
This is what?
- purposive incentives
- based on social groupings
- single- issue groups
- ideological groups
Citizens groups
Economic groups vs. citizens groups:
- who have a greater access to resources?
Economic groups
Economic groups are to these kinds of resources as citizens groups are to these kind of resources
Economic -> private goods
Citizens -> collective goods
What is the size factor with economic groups vs. citizens groups?
Business groups are smaller and more efficient
What is one specific problem with citizens groups shown with NPR?
The free rider problem. they get collective benefits even without contributing
Economic groups also have the free rider problem, but to a lesser extent, among who?
Teachers, police officers, fire fighters in economic groups. Even if they refuse to join the union, they still get the salary benefits that the unions win
What is the “Revolving door” with inside lobbying?
Politicians are voted out of office on one day, the next day they get a way higher private job with lobbying organization (bringing with them a whole hoard of contacts and insider info)
What do insider lobbyists supply officials with
With information and policy support.
What is the key element in acquiring access to officials?
Money and the amount contributed
What is the goal of outsider lobbying?
To become an insider
Do governments lobby other governments?
Yeah. City of Louisville lobbies state and national government for bridges and stuff
