Types of Interest Groups
Groups that promote broad public interests rather than narrow economic goals
What are public interest groups?
Direct communication with policymakers
What is lobbying?
Individuals who try to influence government decisions
Who are lobbyists?
Political donations made by interest groups
What are campaign contributions?
Theory stating all groups compete equally
What is pluralism?
Organizations representing specific professions like doctors or lawyers
What are professional associations?
Mobilizing members to contact officials
What is grassroots lobbying?
This constitutional amendment protects lobbying activities
What is the First Amendment?
Organizations that raise and spend money to elect candidates
What are PACs (Political Action Committees)?
Theory that wealthy elites dominate politics
What is elitism?
Groups formed to advance the economic interests of their members
What are economic interest groups?
Filing lawsuits to influence policy
What is litigation?
Providing research and policy expertise to lawmakers
What is informational lobbying?
Unlimited independent spending groups
What are Super PACs?
Groups representing business interests dominate
What is hyperpluralism?
AARP is an example of this type of group
What is a citizen group?
Providing information to influence public opinion
What is public relations?
Offering campaign support to gain access
What is financial lobbying?
Supreme Court case that expanded spending rights
What is Citizens United v. FEC?
The “free rider problem” refers to this issue
What is people benefiting without contributing?
These groups advocate for environmental protection
What are environmental groups?
Working with other groups to achieve shared goals
What is coalition building?
The “revolving door” refers to this practice
What is movement between government jobs and lobbying positions?
Money spent to influence elections without coordination
What is independent expenditure?
Selective benefits are used to solve this problem
What is the free rider problem?