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Government final exam 11-16

Terms in this set (94)

Define interest groups. How does this differ from political parties?
An organization with common beliefs that try to influence government policies and laws. Interest groups have a more narrow focus while political parties have a broader view and runs candidates for office.
What does the theory of pluralism have to do with Interest Groups?
Theory that public policy derived from groups competing for laws/regulations to benefit their members. This is where Interest groups came from.
Differentiate between what Dahl and Truman say about Interest Groups.
Dahl says current representative government is based on IGs.
Truman says IGs are just a natural consequence of shared concerns.
Are interest groups good or evil?
Depends on your perspective.
Know four good things and four bad things about interest groups
Pro: Opportunity to win support for ideas
System is fair because anyone can join, or not
Solidarity for those with like ideas
Exercising Right of Association in 1st Amendment

Con:Wealthy groups tend to have more support and money
Likewise for corporations
Works to benefit a few at a cost to the many
So many IGs make it hard for government to do it's job
What is an Iron Triangle? What is an issue network?
Three sided network of Congress, Executive agency and Private Interest Group.
Broad array of actors beyond the iron triangle that try to influence policy areas
Why do people join interest groups?
Material benefits, solidarity benefits, and purposive benefits
Differentiate between the 5 interest groups
Economic Groups - promote economic profits. Tend to be large & powerful with plenty of money & members.
Business Groups - Companies large and small push for benefits for their own self-interests.
Labor Unions - promote interests of American workers
Professional Associations - Required members & dues.
Noneconomic Groups
Three characteristics of strong interest groups
Money, Members, Dedicated Members
What four methods do interest groups use to influence policy makers?
Lobbying
Electioneering
Litigation-most expensive and time consuming, but can be MOST effective
Persuasion/Education Campaigns -least effective
What is yellow jouranlism? Where will news come from if we lose the newspaper and Associated Press?
Yellow journalism is using exaggeration and half-truths to sensationalize the news. News will be harder to come by.
Differentiate between mass media and mass communication.
Mass media-Are the people/organizations that report the news
Mass communication-The method of transmitting news to general population
What Federal Agency regulates the media? What three aspects of the media does it regulate?
FCC. Frequencies, Ownership, Content
What three functions does the media serve in our society?
1)Objective Coverage- Be fair and impartial when monitoring and reporting on events to the general public.
2)Facilitate Public Debate - Assist in framing issues, providing context, criticism and offering different perspectives on problems and solutions.
3)Government Watchdog- Federal government has most of power, and since power corrupts, government must be assessed and monitored closely.
Discuss media's history
1775- 37 weekly newspapers.
1880- 8600+ weekly newspapers and 970+ daily
Began in 1920's- Radio took world by storm.
After WWII- TV replaced radio
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