15 terms
Interest Groups
Interest Groups
An organized group of individuals sharing common objectives who actively attempt to influence policymakers
Lobbyist
An organization or individual who attempts to influence legislation and the administrative decisions of government
Social Movement
A movement that represents the demands of a large segment of the public for political, economic, or social change
Latent Interests
Public-policy interests that are not recognized or addressed by a group at a particular time
Free Rider Problem
The difficulty interest groups face in recruiting members when the benefits they achieve can be gained without joining the group
Incentives
A reason or motive for supporting or participating in the activities of a group based on the desire to associate with others and to share with others a particular interest or hobby
Material Incentives
A reason or motive for supporting or participating in the activities of a group based on economic benefits or opportunities
Purposive Incentives
A reason for supporting or participating in the activities of a group based on agreement with the goals of the group
Labor Movement
Generally, the economic and political expression of working-class interests; politically, the organization of working-class interests
Service Sector
The sector of the economy that provides services - such as health care, banking, and education - in contrast to the sector that produces goods
Public Interest
The best interests of the overall community; the national good, rather than the narrow interests of a particular group
Direct Lobbying
An interest group activity that involves interaction with government officials to further the group's goals
Indirect Lobbying
A strategy employed by interest groups that uses third parties to influence government officials
Climate Control
The use of public relations techniques to create favorable public opinion toward an interest group, industry, or corporation
Boycott
A form of pressure or protest - an organized refusal to purchase a particular product or deal with a particular business