Exam 8: Interest Groups

Robert Dahl argued that in a __________ society, the varied interest groups that emerge to represent their members will, in their battles over public policy, produce a consensus that serves the public's common interest.

The ________view sees a democratic society as one in which interest groups will compete over policy goals, and elected officials are mediators of group conflict.

Abolitionist and women's suffrage groups paralleled each other in using the _________ as a rationale for supporting their policy goals.

When President Obama denied the application to build the Keystone Pipeline XL in 2015, considered a strong stance against climate change, the Sierra Club issued a press release claiming credit for its efforts to help defeat the pipeline. This is an example of an interest group attempting to ________ its members.

In recent years, private sector union membership has

What are ideological interest groups? Give an example.

The right to assemble is protected by the

Over a hundred years ago, Robert Michels coined the phrase "__________" to describe when interest group leaders do not properly serve their members, and he argued that larger interest groups were especially susceptible to unresponsive or abusive leaderships.

__________ worried that a power elite controlled power in the American democracy.

A(n) __________ organizes citizens into a formal group that agrees on a united purpose and then takes a leadership role in directing the group's activities.

What makes an interest group successful?  Why have some been enduring, while others are less likely to remain in existence?

Citizen groups such as Common Cause, and single issue groups such as the National Rifle Association, are examples of

In the early twentieth century, workers organized _______ to protect their interests and counteract the power of wealthy business corporations.

The act of trying to persuade elected officials to adopt a specific policy change or to maintain the status quo is called

The relationship among interest groups, members of Congress, and federal agencies is referred to by critics as

Explain where in the Constitution interest groups gain their right to exist.

How has the American public benefited from the efforts of interest groups? Provide specific examples.

The American Bar Association (lawyers), the American Medical Association (doctors), and the American International Automobile Dealers Association (car dealers) are examples of __________. These groups are frequently responsible for setting guidelines for professional conduct and for collectively representing the members in the policy process.

Citizens generally join interest groups for all the following reasons EXCEPT

According to the text, what can sometimes bring an interest group into conflict with its core principles?