Question 1

What are interest groups?

Accepted Answer

Organizations that aim to influence certain policies or advance a set of ideas

Raise awareness, provide information to the government, allow citizens to work together toward a common goal

Question 2

What are political action committees?

Accepted Answer

Organizations that pool campaign contributions and donate those funds to campaigns for/against candidates or legislation

(used by interest groups to influence elections)

Question 3

How can interest groups directly influence elections?

Accepted Answer

Encourage members to vote for specific candidates

Influence party platforms

Contribute money through political action committees

Question 4

What is lobbying?

Accepted Answer

Influencing a politician on an issue

Can be used by interest groups to advance their cause

(often through personal contacts, writing letters; controversial due to the influence of money on elections)

Question 5

How can interest groups use litigation to their advantage?

(litigation = taking something to court)

Accepted Answer

They can take an issue to court if they fail to gain support from Congress

(NAACP used this to argue against segregation)

Question 6

How can interest groups use the public to advance their cause?

Accepted Answer

They can appeal to the public to bring attention to an issue, or pressure lawmakers by rallying voters

Interest Groups, AP U.S. Government and Politics Flashcards