Chapter 10 Section 1 Questions 1-8

Chapter 10 Section 1

1.Why was James Madison against special interest groups?

He believed that the republican form of government under the Constitution would be sufficient safeguard against the potential abuses of these interest groups.

2. What is the difference between special interest groups and political parties?

-Interest groups do not nominate candidates for office

-Interest groups are usually concerned with only a few specific problems

-Interest groups do not try to gain members with different points of views

-Interest groups are organized on the basis of common values, rather than on geographic location

3. List three reasons why citizens join special interest groups?

-A group may help promote an individual’s economic self-interests

-A group centers around an individual’s beliefs, values, or attitudes

-A group promotes social opportunities

4. Describe the ways that leaders of an interest group unite the membership of the group.

They keep members informed of the group’s activities through newsletters, mailings, and telephone calls. They act as speakers for their group and try to improve its image in the media. They plan the group’s strategy, and raise money to run the organization. They oversee all financial decisions of the group.

5. Why are interest groups more effective in influencing government officials than are individual citizens?

Because they represent more than one individual, interest groups have a stronger bargaining position with leaders in government. Interest groups help bridge the gap between the citizen and the government.

6. Why would a professional association such as the American Bar Association, organized to influence licensing and training of lawyers, become a political interest group?

It is actively involved in political issues. While they are concerned primarily with the standards of their professions, they also seek to influence government policy on issues that are important to them.

7. List four special interest groups and describe what their interests are.

-The National Association of Manufacturers works to lower individual corporate taxes, limit government regulations of business, and raise taxes on imported goods.

-The Chamber of Commerce speaks for smaller businesses.

-The Business Roundtable, a group composed of executives from 200 of the country’s largest and most powerful corporations, meets to no doubt make taxes and such for their respective businesses less.

-The American Farm Bureau Federation speaks for the larger, more successful farmers is closely associated with the FDA.

8. If you were to join a special interest group what would it be and why?

I would join the International Brotherhood of Teamsters because I feel that it is important for people to come together to make sure working environments and benefits are fair.