AP gov

• Which of the following is true regarding interest groups?

  The free-rider problem limits the group’s resources.
• What does the free-rider problem refer to in the context of interest groups?

  It refers to individuals benefiting from the group's resources without contributing to its efforts.
• If the NAACP believes an African American teen has been wrongly charged, what action is it likely to take?

  Defend the accused teen in court.
• How does the cartoon depict the relationship between health care reform and special interests?

  It suggests that special interests threaten health care reform.
• What is the primary activity an interest group would employ to influence legislative reform?

  Lobbying of congressional staffers.
• What is an amicus curiae brief?

  A legal document filed by a third party to influence a court's decision.
• Which action would most influence rulings in the courts by an interest group?

  Filing an amicus curiae brief.
• What are the key differences between public interest groups and special interest groups?

  • Public Interest Groups: Address policy concerns impacting the nation at large, include groups like Public Citizen and Common Cause.
  • Special Interest Groups: Have unique memberships, funded by government subsidies, and engage directly in electoral politics.
• Which group is an example of a special interest group?

  The National Rifle Association.
• How do special interest groups typically try to shape policy?

  By focusing on the interests of their unique membership.
• What is the significance of interest groups being active in national capitals but not state capitals?

  It indicates their focus on federal policy rather than state-level issues.
• Which interest groups are known for engaging directly in electoral politics?

  Special interest groups.
• What role do trade organizations and labor unions play in the context of interest groups?


  They are examples of special interest groups that represent specific economic interests.
• What is the purpose of an interest group?


  To influence public policy usually for a specific purpose
• How do interest groups differ from political parties in terms of their focus?

  Interest groups usually have a very narrow purpose focused on specific policy goals
• What are some examples of specific policy goals that interest groups might focus on?

  Supporting pro-life policies, opposing the death penalty, advocating for animal rights
• What tactics do interest groups use to influence policy?

  They educate voters and office holders, hire lobbyists, and organize protests
• How do lobbyists contribute to the influence of interest groups on policymakers?

  They provide information and convince policymakers to vote certain ways on key legislation
• What is a tactic that interest groups use during Congressional committee hearings?


  They sometimes testify at the hearings
• What role do lobbyists play in drafting legislation?

  They assist with drafting legislation and propose changes to bills
• What does it mean when interest groups are described as being "in the room where it happens"?


  It means they have significant influence on the policymaking process
• How do interest groups help motivate people to vote?

  They organize get out the vote campaigns
• What is the primary goal of lobbying by interest groups?

  To persuade political leaders to support the group's positions and policy goals
• How can lobbyists put pressure on congressmen?

  By threatening to withdraw campaign funding
• What is grassroots lobbying?


  Going directly to citizens to persuade them about an issue
• What are amicus curiae briefs?

  Friend of the Court briefs filed by interest groups to influence court rulings
• What is one way interest groups use litigation as a strategy?

  By filing lawsuits to change policy through the courts
• Why might interest groups engage in grassroots lobbying?


  To encourage citizens to take action on issues
• What is the relationship between interest groups, bureaucratic agencies, and congressional committees known as?

  Iron triangles and issue networks
• What is a potential issue with interest groups related to political and economic resources?

  Some interest groups have larger memberships or more funding, giving them an advantage
• What is the free rider problem in the context of interest groups?


  When non-members benefit from the group's efforts without joining
• How do interest groups deal with the free rider problem?

  By providing selective benefits to members
• What does the term "revolving door" refer to in the context of interest groups?

  When members of Congress take jobs with interest groups as lobbyists after retiring
• What are single-issue groups?

  Groups that focus on one specific issue
• What are social movements?

  Broad-based efforts to achieve major policy change
• What are some challenges faced by social movements?


  Lack of leadership, resources, infrastructure, and clear policy objectives
• What is civil disobedience?

  Intentionally breaking the law as a form of peaceful protest
• How do various groups try to influence the budget process?


  By representing professionals, social movements, and bureaucratic agencies
• What are the main tactics used by interest groups to influence public policy?

  • Educating voters and office holders
  • Hiring lobbyists
  • Organizing get out the vote campaigns
  • Advertising and organizing protests
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of interest groups in the political process?

  Strengths:

  • Focused on specific policy goals
  • Ability to mobilize members

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Inequality of resources
  • Free rider problem
  • Revolving door concerns