10.9: Review Questions

1. Someone who lobbies on behalf of their employer as part of their job is ________.
   1. an in-house lobbyist
   2. a volunteer lobbyist
   3. a contract lobbyist
   4. a legislative liaison

Answer

A

2. How are collective goods different from private goods?
   1. Collective goods offer particularized benefits, while private goods are broadly distributed.
   2. Collective goods and private goods both offer particularized benefits.
   3. Collective goods and private goods both offer broadly distributed benefits.
   4. Collective goods offer broadly distributed benefits, while private goods offer particularized benefits.
3. Why might several competing corporations join together in an association?
   1. because there is often strength in numbers
   2. because they often have common issues that may affect an entire industry
   3. because they can all benefit from governmental policies
   4. all the above

Answer

D

4. What benefits do private and public interests bring to society? What are some disadvantages of private and public interests?
5. What type of incentives appeal to someone’s concern about a cause?
   1. solidary incentives
   2. purposive incentives
   3. material incentives
   4. negative incentives

Answer

B

6. Which of the following is the best example of a solidary benefit?
   1. joining a group to be with others like you
   2. joining a group to obtain a monetary benefit
   3. joining a group because you care about a cause
   4. joining a group because it is a requirement of your job
7. What are some ways to overcome collective action problems?

Answer

Incentives that help overcome collective action problems include material, solidary, and purposive benefits. These are often offered by group leaders. Sometimes, political, economic, or social disturbances help overcome collective action problems by mobilizing groups.

8. Why do some groups have an easier time overcoming collective action problems?
9. What changes have occurred in the lobbying environment over the past three or four decades?
   1. There is more professional lobbying.
   2. Many interests lobby both the national government and the states.
   3. A fragmentation of interests has taken place.
   4. all the above

Answer

D

10. Which of the following is an aspect of iron triangles?
    1. fluid participation among interests
    2. a great deal of competition for access to decision-makers
    3. a symbiotic relationship among Congressional committees, executive agencies, and interest groups
    4. three interest groups that have formed a coalition
11. What does group participation provide to citizens?

Answer

By joining interest groups, individuals can participate in ways that go beyond simple voting. They can interact with others with similar views. They can become civically engaged by becoming more connected to their communities, they can participate in protests and letter-writing campaigns, and they can inform others about the issues.

12. Why don’t lower-income groups participate more in the interest group system?
13. What are some barriers to participation?

Answer

Numerous barriers prevent people from participating in politics. Some people lack time or other resources to participate. Lower-income individuals and groups may lack the necessary civic skills to participate effectively. Institutional barriers like voter identification laws may disproportionately affect some people more than others.

14. Which of the following is true of spending in politics?
    1. The Supreme Court has yet to address the issue of money in politics.
    2. The Supreme Court has restricted spending on politics.
    3. The Supreme Court has opposed restrictions on spending on politics.
    4. The Supreme Court has ruled that corporations may spend unlimited amounts of money but unions may not.
15. What is a difference between a PAC and a super PAC?
    1. PACs can contribute directly to candidates, but super PACs cannot.
    2. Conservative interests favor PACs over super PACs.
    3. Contributions to PACs are unlimited, but restrictions have been placed on how much money can be contributed to super PACs.
    4. Super PACS are much more likely to support incumbent candidates than are PACs.

Answer

A

16. How do interest groups lobby the judicial branch?
17. How do interest groups and their lobbyists decide which lawmakers to lobby? And where do they do so?

Answer

Interest groups and lobbyists often attempt to gain access by first supporting candidates when they run for office. Since incumbents have an advantage, lobbyists often contribute to them. Second, once legislative members are in office, interest groups and their lobbyists try to encourage them to sponsor legislation the groups wants. They may target sympathetic lawmakers, legislative leaders, and members of important committees.

18. Revolving door laws are designed to do which of the following?
    1. prevent lawmakers from utilizing their legislative relationships by becoming lobbyists immediately after leaving office
    2. help lawmakers find work after they leave office
    3. restrict lobbyists from running for public office
    4. all the above
19. In what ways are lobbyists regulated?
    1. Certain activities are prohibited.
    2. Contributions must be disclosed.
    3. Lobbying is prohibited immediately after leaving office.
    4. all the above

Answer

D

20. How might disclosure requirements affect lobbying?