Chapter 6 Government Notes

An organized group of individuals sharing common objectives who actively attempt to influence policymakers.

An individual or organization that provides financial backing to an interest group.

The difficulty faced by interest groups that lobby for a public good. Individuals can enjoy the outcome of the group’s efforts without having to contribute, such as by becoming members of the group.

A theory that views politics as a contest among various interest groups- at all levels of government- to gain benefits for their members.

An interest group formed for the purpose of working for the “public good.”

An association formed by members of a particular industry, such as the oil industry or the trucking industry, to develop common standards and goals for the industry.

All of the people over the age of sixteen who are working or actively looking for jobs.

Any method used by an interest group to interact with government officials directly to further the group’s goals.

All of the attempts by organizations or by individuals to influence the passage, defeat, or contents of legislation or to influence the administrative decisions of government.

An individual who handles a particular interest group’s lobbying efforts.

A committee that is established by a corporation, labor union, or special interest group to raise funds and make contributions on the establishing organization’s behalf.

Any method used by interest groups to influence government officials through third parties, such as voters.

A system by which a particular interest group evaluates the performance of legislators based on how often the legislators have voted with the group’s position on particular issues.