Question 1

Which of the following is NOT true regarding the density and diversity of a state's interest group system?

Accepted Answer

A)  States with more competition among parties tend to have denser interest group systems.
B)  States with denser interest group systems tend to have less productive state legislatures.
C)  States that have the initiative process tend to have an increased number and a greater diversity of active interest groups.
D)  States with more diverse interest group systems tend to adopt fewer public policies that are more distributive and progressive. D

Question 2

Interest group diversity tends

Accepted Answer

A)  to be the same as the interest group system density.
B)  to have no relation to a state's economic diversity.
C)  to be negatively related to a state's economic diversity.
D)  to be positively related to a state's economic diversity. D

Question 3

assumes that conflict is at the heart of politics and accepts that a diversity of interests will lead to consensual outcomes through the tug-and-pull of discussion and debate.

Accepted Answer

A)  Conflict theory
B)  Pluralism
C)  Political realism
D)  Filibuster B

Question 4

Which interest groups are the most powerful across the states,and which interests have the most clout in your state? How has interest group power varied over time? How does interest group power affect questions of representation within a state?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which interest groups are the most powerful...

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a function of a lobbyist?

Accepted Answer

A)  Provide information to officials.
B)  Draft legislation.
C)  Give testimony before a committee hearing.
D)  Cast a vote on legislation.

Question 6

Which of the following does NOT qualify as an interest group by definition?

Accepted Answer

A)  Farmers
B)  National Association of Manufacturers
C)  Police Benevolent Association
D)  Cattleman's Association

Question 7

One issue advocacy "weapon" that interest groups can use to bypass an unresponsive legislature is a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)  legislative veto.
B)  contract lobbyist.
C)  filibuster.
D)  initiated ballot measure.

Question 8

Which political theory suggests that a system of interest group competition,whether or not intended so,advantages economic interests,placing their narrow interests over those of the collective good?

Accepted Answer

A)  Pluralism
B)  Institutionalism
C)  Factionalism
D)  Transactionalism

Question 9

The systematic effort to influence public policy by pressuring governmental officials is known as

Accepted Answer

A)  electioneering.
B)  grassroots influence.
C)  lobbying.
D)  community advocacy.

Question 10

Interest groups do all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  apply pressure on public officials.
B)  educate public officials on the issues.
C)  nominate group members to run for office under the group's ticket.
D)  serve as watchdogs,monitoring government programs.

Question 11

Which of the following institutional constraints can weaken the long-standing ties and social networks that lobbyists work tirelessly to cultivate over time?

Accepted Answer

A)  Term limits
B)  Gift restrictions
C)  Campaign finance regulation
D)  Prohibition on lobbyist aid with drafting legislation

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a type of interest group?

Accepted Answer

A)  Coalitional alliance
B)  Membership organizations
C)  Associations
D)  Individual institutions

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT true regarding interest group clout?

Accepted Answer

A)  The oil industry remains king in Alaska and Louisiana.
B)  An interest group's clout is usually determined by its own internal resources,bounded by external conditions.
C)  Political scientists are able to precisely measure a group's political clout across the states.
D)  When lacking in clout,some groups opt to team up with other organizations,building coalitions.

Question 14

According to one study,the energy industry-primarily oil and gas companies and their peak associations-pumped more than $134.7 million into candidate committees and state parties between 1990 and 2004.Roughly what percentage of those contributions went to incumbents?

Accepted Answer

A)  20 percent
B)  50 percent
C)  70 percent
D)  99 percent

Question 15

Unlike political parties,interest groups

Accepted Answer

A)  nominate and run a slate of candidates for political office.
B)  are not heavily involved in the electoral process.
C)  do not take over the reins of government.
D)  do not focus on lobbying elected officials and policy makers.

Question 16

How does a state's socioeconomic makeup influence its interest group density and diversity? Are there any
differences across the states in interest group density and diversity? If so,why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does a state's socioeconomic makeup influence...

Question 17

Which type of lobbyist works for a lobbying firm,often takes on multiple clients,and charges clients an hourly fee?

Accepted Answer

A)  In-house lobbyist
B)  Contract lobbyist
C)  Office lobbyist
D)  Voluntary lobbyist

Question 18

How do states regulate lobbyists? Which states have the most stringent rules,and which have lax regulations? Why,if at all,do lobby regulations matter?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do states regulate lobbyists? Which states...

Question 19

What did James Madison,in Federalist 10,have to say about factions? In your discussion note Madison's logic.Do
you agree with his position,and is it still relevant today?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What did James Madison,in Federalist 10,have to...

Question 20

Can all interests be organized and represented? Discuss the critiques of pluralism by Schattschneider and Lindblom.Do they make convincing arguments? Provide at least one example that highlights their argument.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Can all interests be organized and represented?...

Exam 6: Interest Groups