wilson brief 8e sg ch07
DESCRIPTION
hiTRANSCRIPT
para 1
118Chapter 7: Political Parties and Interest Groups
Chapter 7: Political Parties and Interest Groups117
CHAPTER 7Political Parties and Interest Groups
seq NL1 \r 0 \h Chapter Focus
First, this chapter provides a detailed exploration of one unique aspect of American politics: political parties, with emphasis on the two-party system. Second, the chapter surveys the wide variety of interest groups or lobbies that operate in the United States and also assesses the impact they have on the political system. After reading and reviewing the material in this chapter, you should be able to do each of the following: SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Define the term political party and contrast the structures of the European and American parties, paying particular attention to the federal structure of the American system and the concept of party identification.
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Trace the development of the party system through its four periods, and offer reasons that parties have been in decline since the New Deal period.
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Describe the structure of a major party and distinguish powerful from powerless party organs. Discuss the difference between representational and organizational party structures, and indicate why the Democrats use one system and the Republicans another.
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Define intraparty democracy and state its effect on the last few Democratic nominating conventions in the last few contests. Evaluate the relative strengths of state party bosses in recent years, and discuss the increasing importance of primaries in relation to the boss system at conventions.
5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Describe the machine, discuss its functions, and trace its decline. Contrast its structure with that of ideological and reform parties.
6
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Offer two explanations for the persistence of the two-party system. Explain why minor parties form and discuss different kinds of parties. Analyze why they are so rarely successful.
7
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Describe some of the issue differences between delegates at Democratic and Republican conventions, and indicate whether or not there are major differences between the parties.
8
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Explain why the characteristics of American society and government encourage a multiplicity of interest groups, and compare the American and British experiences in this regard.
9
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Describe the historical conditions under which interest groups are likely to form, and specify the kinds of organizations Americans are most likely to join.
10
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Describe relations between leaders and rank-and-file members of groups, including why the sentiments of members may not determine the actions of leaders.
11
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Describe several methods that interest groups use to formulate and carry out their political objectives, especially the lobbying techniques used to gain public support. Explain why courts have become an important forum for public interest groups.
12
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .List the laws regulating conflict of interest, and describe the problems involved with revolving door government employment.
seq NL1 \r 0 \h Study Outline SEQ NLI \r 0 \h I
seq NLA \r 0 \h .PartiesHere and Abroad SEQ NLA \r 0 \h A
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Party definition: a group that seeks to elect candidates to public office by supplying them with a label. It operates in three arenas: SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .In the minds of the voters
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .As an organization for recruiting and campaigning
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .As a set of leaders in government
B
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .European parties more centralized SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Party the only route to nomination
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Elected officials vote with the party
C
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .American parties quite decentralized: federalism, laws, and primaries weaken control of government
D
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Political culture SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Parties unimportant to average American
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Parties dominate more in Europe with dues and meetings
II
seq NLA \r 0 \h .The Rise and Decline of the Political Party SEQ NLA \r 0 \h A
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .The Founding SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Founders were worried about factions
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Jeffersons Democratic Republicans
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Hamiltons Federalists
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .By 1820 Federalist party ceased to exit
B
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .The Jacksonians: mass political participation because more people eligible to vote SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Political participation a mass phenomenon
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Political conventions emerge
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Jacksons Democrats
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Whigsopponents of Jackson
C
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .The Civil War and sectionalism SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Jacksonian system unable to survive slavery issue
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Republicans become dominant due to Civil War
D
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .The era of reform SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Progressive push measures to curtail parties (primary elections, civil service, etc.)
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Effects: made parties weaker but also political corruption reduced
III
seq NLA \r 0 \h .The National Party Structure Today SEQ NLA \r 0 \h A
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Party organization: a loose structure SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Role of national convention
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Role of national committee
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Republicans: bureaucratized party operating as consulting firm
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Democrats: factionalized party but changing to compete
5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .National committees raise both federal and soft money
B
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .National conventions SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .National committees issue call, set selection rules
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Actual formulas very complex
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Manner of choosing delegates is important
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Current Democratic rules: weaken influence of party leaders
5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Consequences of reforms: delegates ratify decisions of voters; parties attract different white-collar voters
IV
seq NLA \r 0 \h .State and Local Parties: Key Party Organizations in the United States SEQ NLA \r 0 \h A
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .The machine SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Recruitment via tangible incentivesmoney, jobs, and favors
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .High degree of leadership control
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Abuses controlled by reforms (example: Hatch Act)
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Both self-serving and public regarding
B
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Ideological parties SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Principle above all else but contentious
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Usually a third party
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .But some local reform clubs (New York, California)
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Often intense factionalism within clubs
C
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Solidary groups SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Most common form of party organization
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Members motivated by sociable enjoyment/friendships
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Neither corrupt nor inflexible, not hard working
D
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Sponsored parties SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Created or sustained by another organization
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Example: Detroit Democrats controlled by UAW
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Not very common
E
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Personal following SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Examples: Kennedys, Curleys, Talmadges, Longs; candidates need own money
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Viability today, affected by TV and radio
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Advantage: vote for the person but harder to know with so many candidates
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Disadvantage: takes time to know the person and disbands after election
V
seq NLA \r 0 \h .The Two-Party System SEQ NLA \r 0 \h A
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Rarity among nations today
B
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Evenly balanced nationally, not locally
C
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .A permanent feature due to electoral laws and public opinion
D
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .The two-party system caused by electoral laws SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Single member not proportional representation
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Plurality to win
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Electoral College good example
E
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .The two-party system caused by public opinion SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Two broad voter coalitions but back agreement on values
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Minor parties have difficult time since major party accommodates dissidents (see the Types of Minor Parties box)
VI
seq NLA \r 0 \h .Nominating a President SEQ NLA \r 0 \h A
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Are the delegates representative of the voters? SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Democratic delegates much more liberal
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Republican delegates much more conservative
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Explanation of this disparity? Revise rules on delegate selection
B
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Who votes in primaries and caucuses? SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Primaries now more numerous and more decisive
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Primary voters apparently more ideological
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Caucuses overrepresent activist opinion even more
C
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Who are the new delegates? SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .However chosen, todays delegates a new breedunlikely to resemble average citizen; usually ideologically motivated activists
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Increase in partisan loyalties and voting among Americans since 1980s
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Advantages of new system include significance of activists but favors candidate with strong views
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Disadvantage: may nominate presidential candidates unacceptable to voters or rank and file
VII
seq NLA \r 0 \h .Do the Parties Differ? SEQ NLA \r 0 \h A
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .George Wallace: not a dimes worth of difference
B
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Some differences between party rank/files
C
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Greater ones among activists/leaders/officials
D
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Candidate many need to appeal to extremes rather than center to win nomination
VIII
seq NLA \r 0 \h .Interest Groups
A
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .The proliferation of interest groups SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Many kinds of cleavage in the country
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Constitution makes for many access points
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Political parties are weak
B
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Interest group activity varies over time SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Since 1960, proliferation began
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .1770s, independence groups
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .1830s and 1840s, religious, antislavery groups
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .1860s, craft unions
5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .1880s and 1890s, business associations
6
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .1900s and 1910s, most major lobbies of today
C
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Factors explaining the rise of interest groups SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Broad economic developments
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Government policy itself
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Emergence of strong leaders, usually at certain times
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Expanding role of government in a given area
IX
seq NLA \r 0 \h .Kinds of Organizations SEQ NLA \r 0 \h A
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Institutional interests SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Defined: individuals or organizations representing other organizations
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Types: business firms (e.g., General Motors and trade/governmental associations)
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Concernsbread-and-butter issues
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Other interestsgovernments, foundations, universities
B
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Membership interests SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Americans join some groups more frequently than in other nations: sense of duty
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Most sympathizers do not join
C
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Incentives to join membership organizations SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Solidary incentivespleasure, companionship (League of Women Voters, AARP, NAACP, Rotary, etc.)
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Material incentivesmoney, things, services (farm organizations, retired persons, etc.)
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Purpose of the organization itselfpublic-interest organizations (e.g., Ralph Naders PIRGs)
D
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Influence of the staff SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Staff influence the greatest in groups based on solidary and material incentives
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Interest group behavior: more staff wants than members beliefs
X
seq NLA \r 0 \h .Funds for Interest Groups SEQ NLA \r 0 \h A
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Foundation grants SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Public-interest groups dependent
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .From 1970 to 1980, Ford Foundation contributed $21 million
B
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Federal grants and contracts SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .National Alliance for Business and summer youth job programs
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Money given to project, not group
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Cutbacks in early 1980s under Reagan administration
C
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Direct mail SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Unique to modern interest groups
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Letters must generate 23 percent check return
XI
seq NLA \r 0 \h .Problem of Bias SEQ NLA \r 0 \h A
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Reasons for belief in upper-class bias SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .More affluent more likely to join
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Business/professional groups more numerous; better financed
B
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Why these facts do not decide the issue SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Describe inputs not outputs; groups better at blocking than passing laws
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Groups often divided among themselves
C
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Important to ask what the bias is SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Many conflicts are within upper-middle class
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Pluralist view was probably wrong in the 1950s
XII
seq NLA \r 0 \h .Activities of Interest Groups SEQ NLA \r 0 \h A
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Information SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Single most important tactic; access to legislators depends on credible information
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Most effective on narrow, technical issues
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Officials also need cues; ratings systems
B
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Public support SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .In the past, lobbyists used mainly insider strategy
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Increasingly, lobbyists use outsider strategy
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Central to outsider strategy is grass-roots lobbying
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Some groups try for grass-roots support (abortion, Medicare, Social Security, environmental protection, and affirmative action issues)
C
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Money and PACs SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Greatest flow since attempted regulation
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Number of PACs quadrupled from 1975 to 1982
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Rise of the ideological PAC; most conservative
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Average corporate PAC donation modest
5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Most PAC donations go to incumbents in Congress
6
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .No evidence yet that PACs influence voters, except where voters have no interest and/or any guide for ideology
D
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .The revolving door SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Promise of future jobs to officials
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Few conspicuous examples of abuse
E
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Demonstrations SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Disruption always part of American politics
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Used by groups of varying ideologies, etc.
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Better accepted since 1960s and now conventional
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .History of proper persons using disruption: suffrage, civil rights, antiwar movements
5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Officials dread no-win situation
XIII
seq NLA \r 0 \h .Regulating Interest Groups SEQ NLA \r 0 \h A
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Protection by First Amendment
B
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .1946 law accomplished little in requiring registration
C
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .New lobby act enacted by Congress (Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995) SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Broadens definition of a lobbyist
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Lobbyists must report twice annually
D
seq NL1 \r 0 \h .Significant restraints prior to 1995 still in effect SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Tax code: threat of losing tax-exempt status
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Campaign finance laws limit size of contribution
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Limits of new law and no enforcement organization created
seq NL1 \r 0 \h Key Terms Match
Match the following terms and descriptions. SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____Any group that seeks to influence public policy.
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____Individuals or groups representing other organizations.
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____The sense of pleasure, status, or companionship arising from group membership.
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____Money, things, or services obtainable from interest group membership.
5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____An organization whose goals, if realized, would benefit primarily nongroup members.
6
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____Political party founded by Thomas Jefferson.
7
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____Group of reformers who were able to reduce the worst forms of political corruption within political parties.
8
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____A citizens sense that he or she can understand and influence politics.
9
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____Reform oriented legislation which took federal employees out of machine politics.
10
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____A political party organization that recruits its members by the use of tangible incentives and is characterized by a high degree of leadership control over members activities.
11
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____A political party organization built around allegiance to a particular candidate.
12
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____Simply refers to getting more votes in an election than the other candidatesbut not necessarily a majority.
13
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____A group that seeks to elect candidates to public office by supplying them with a label.
14
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____The ultimate authority in both major political parties in the United States.
15
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____Members of the House of Representations are elected from these.
16
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____Parties that value principle above all else.
17
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____Campaign money which is not regulated by the government.
18
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____Political party founded by Alexander Hamilton.
19
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____A closed meeting of party leaders to select party candidates.
20
seq NL_a \r 0 \h ._____Campaign money which is subject to regulation by the government.
a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .caucus
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .Democratic-Republicans
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .federal money
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .Hatch Act of 1939
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .ideological parties
f
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .institutional interests
g
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .interest group
h
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .material incentives
i
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .national party convention
j
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .personal following
k
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .political efficacy
l
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .progressives
m
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .political machine
n
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .political party
o
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .public-interest lobby
p
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .single-member districts
q
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .soft money
r
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .solidary incentives
s
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .Federalists
t
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .plurality
seq NL1 \r 0 \h Did You Think That . . . ?
A number of misconceptions are listed below. You should be able to refute each statement in the space provided, referring to information or argumentation contained in this chapter. Sample answers appear at the end of this chapter.1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .As interest groups have declined in relative importance, political parties have grown stronger.
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The Founders believed that a party system was essential for democracy.
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The delegates to national party conventions have accurately reflected the sentiments of rank-and-file members.
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .There is not a dimes worth of difference between the two major parties.
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Interest group activity has no protection under the Bill of Rights.
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 6
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The unorganized are unrepresented in American politics.
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 7
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The most effective way for interest groups to advance their causes is to buy influence with money.
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 8
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The use of public displays and disruptive tactics to further a political cause began in the 1960s with the protests against the Vietnam War and the civil rights demonstrations.
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ True/False questions
Read each statement carefully. Mark true statements T. If any part of the statement is false, mark it F, and write in the space provided a concise explanation of why the statement is false. SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFThe political parties of the United States are the oldest in the world among democratic nations.
______________________________________________________________________ 2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFAmericans do not usually join parties except by voting for their candidates.
______________________________________________________________________ 3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFThe Founders recognized the inevitability of political parties and encouraged their formation.
______________________________________________________________________ 4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFHamilton and his followers were known as the Democratic Republicans.
______________________________________________________________________ 5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFThe Whigs were strong supporters of Andrew Jackson.
______________________________________________________________________ 6
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFThe modern Republican party began as a third party.
______________________________________________________________________ 7
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFIn the world today, a two-party system is a rarity.
______________________________________________________________________ 8
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFBig-city machines were caused by the floods of immigrants from Ireland, Italy, and elsewhere in the late nineteenth century.
______________________________________________________________________ 9
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFParty machines tend to be highly ideological in their choice of candidates to support.
______________________________________________________________________ 10
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFToday, the old-style machine is almost extinct.
______________________________________________________________________ 11
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFOver the decades the Democrats and Republicans have been about equally balanced at the national and state levels.
______________________________________________________________________ 12
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFFrom 1968 to 1988, the Democratic party won five out of six presidential elections.
______________________________________________________________________ 13
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFThe greater ideological commitment of convention delegates compared with average voters is explained by the quota rules for delegate selection.
______________________________________________________________________ 14
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFToday, three-fourths of the states have primaries that choose the great majority of convention delegates.
______________________________________________________________________ 15
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFMost European democracies are two-party systems.
______________________________________________________________________ 16
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFInterest groups tend to proliferate more in cities such as Chicago, where the political party is strong, than in Los Angeles, where parties are weaker.
______________________________________________________________________ 17
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFOnly since 1960 have interest groups proliferated rapidly in the United States.
______________________________________________________________________ 18
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFThe National Independent Retail Jewelers and the League of Women Voters are examples of institutional interest groups.
______________________________________________________________________ 19
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFIdeological parties value principle above all else.
______________________________________________________________________ 20
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFThe American Association of Retired Persons is an example of an interest group that offers material incentives to prospective members.
______________________________________________________________________ 21
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFThere are no conservative organizations comparable to Ralph Naders ideological interest groups.
______________________________________________________________________ 22
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFInstitutional interests are individuals or organizations representing other organizations.
______________________________________________________________________ 23
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFDirect mail solicitations for interest group funding are as old as the Post Office.
______________________________________________________________________ 24
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFThere is no bias in regard to interest groups.
______________________________________________________________________ 25
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFA legislator would be more likely to support a proposed law if several ideologically similar lobbies all supported it.
______________________________________________________________________ 26
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFPACs reached huge proportions only after laws to regulate campaign contributions were enacted.
______________________________________________________________________ 27
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFIdeological PACs generally raise more money than business or labor PACs.
______________________________________________________________________ 28
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFMost money given by PACs to candidates running for Congress goes to incumbents.
______________________________________________________________________ 29
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFPoliticians generally are comfortable with situations in which disruptive tactics are pursued by interest groups.
______________________________________________________________________ 30
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .TFInterest groups receive broad protection under the second amendment.
______________________________________________________________________ Multiple Choice questions
Circle the letter of the response that best answers the question or completes the statement. SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h
SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The oldest political parties in the world are currently found in: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .India.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the United States.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .Great Britain.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .Switzerland.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .Russia.
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .In Europe candidates for elective office are generally nominated by: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .local referenda.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .aristocrats.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .party leaders.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .national primaries.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .direct democracy.
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .One striking difference between American and European political parties is:
a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .European parties do not directly choose the chief executive.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the American system centralizes political authority.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the American system decentralizes political authority.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .political parties in America are growing stronger.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .political parties in America directly choose the chief executive.
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .If an American political party wins control of Congress, it does not win the right to choose the:
a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .senate majority leader.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .majority party whips.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .house majority leader.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .speaker of the house.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .chief executive.
5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Thomas Jefferson, among other founders of our nation, was adamantly opposed to political parties because: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the Constitution made clear the dangers of partisanship in government.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .political parties during the early years of the republic were both strong and centralized.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .disputes over policies and elections were not easily separated from disputes over governmental legitimacy.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .political parties during the early years of the republic represented clear, homogeneous economic interests.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .it might cost him his bid to become president.
6
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Political parties have declined in significance as a result of changes in the __________ under which they operate.
a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .proportional
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .multi-party system.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .legal rules.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .national convention system.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .single-member districts.
7
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Compared to the Democratic party during the 1960s and 1970s, the Republican party was: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .more factionalized.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .better organized.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .more loosely organized.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .underfinanced.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .only dominant at the national level.
8
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Compared with the Republicans, the Democratic national party structure: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .has more participation by volunteer party activists.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .has more participation by the partys office holders.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .supplies more financial help to the partys candidates.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .gets more of its money from small individual contributors.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .receives more support from Veterans groups.
9
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Much of the money raised by political parties is regulated by the:
a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .Supreme Court.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .executive branch.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .federal bureaucracy.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .party chairman.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .Federal Election Commission.
10
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Ideological parties value _____ above all else.
a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .money
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .power
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .prestige
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .principle
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .winning
11
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The chief disadvantage of a solidary association is that its members: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .are looking for patronage.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .hold fanatical opinions.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .dislike machines.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .may not work hard.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .tend to be lower income.
12
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Almost all elections in the United States are based on: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the plurality system.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the majority system.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .proportional representation.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .a combination of systems.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .states rights.
13
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .That the two-party system has persisted in the United States is perhaps best explained by what two factors? SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .democracy and the decentralization of power
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the strength of political parties and the media
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .electoral laws and public opinion
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .religion and the First Amendment
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .military and economic power
14
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .A person wanting to win an election will usually try to form a(n) __________. SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .soldiery group.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .ideological party.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .purposive group.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .political machine.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .personal following.
15
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Party activists are not likely to: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .resemble the average citizen.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .take issues seriously.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .work very hard.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .support candidates with strong ideological appeal.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .use the media to promote their views.
16
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The chief disadvantage to parties of the current system of presidential nomination is that it: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .increases the chances of nominating a candidate unappealing to the rank and file.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .decreases the chances of a factions bolting the party.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .increases the chances of a factions bolting the party.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .affords little opportunity to minorities to voice their concerns.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .makes the choice of a vice-presidential candidate unimportant.
17
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The advantage of the new primary system that has developed in America is that it: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .increases the role that rank-and-file voters have in influencing the partys candidate choice.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .increases the chances that the party will nominate a candidate who is appealing to the average voter.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .increases the opportunity for those with strong policy preferences to play a role in the party.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .decreases the likelihood that one party or the other will gain control of the presidency for several terms.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .centralizes power in the hands of only a few party members.
18
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .How can the differences between the two major parties in America best be characterized? SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .There are very large differences in policy views.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .There are large policy differences among activists and much smaller ones among the rank-and-file.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .There are only trivial differences.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .There are differences on social issues but not on economic issues.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .There are differences only on use of force issues.
19
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .To obtain power within a political party, an individual must usually: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .move toward the center.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .move away from the center.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .avoid publicity.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .reflect the views of the average voter.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .use the media.
20
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Where political parties are strong, interest groups are likely to be: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .equally strong.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .independent.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .weak.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .more numerous.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .even stronger.
21
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .It has been observed that interest groups are created more rapidly in some periods than in others. This suggests that these groups: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .are the result of the diversity of American society.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .arise when labor is strong.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .arise when social conditions demand action.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .do not arise inevitably out of natural social processes.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .arise during specific cycles.
22
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The growth of numerous public-interest lobbies in the 1960s was an example of interest groups forming as a result of: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .government policy.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the emergence of talented leadership.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the enlargement of governmental responsibilities.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .broad economic developments.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .government scandals.
23.Institutional interests are defined as individuals or organizations representing: a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the Congress.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the President.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the Judiciary.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .other organizations.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the republican party.
24
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Compared with the British and Germans, Americans sense of political efficacya citizens sense that he/she can understand and influence politicsis: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .much less.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .slightly less.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .about the same.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .much greater.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .nonexistent.
25
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Most of the money PACs collect goes to:
a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .liberals.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .incumbents.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .conservatives.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .trade associations.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .businesses.
26
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .On most issues, how legislators vote can be explained primarily by their:
a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .PAC money received.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .years in office.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .personal ethics.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .personal morals.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .ideological outlook.
27
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Interest groups with large staffs are likely to take political positions in accordance with: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .rank-and-file opinion.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the view of the general public.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .staff beliefs.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .government policy.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .opinion polls.
28
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Which of the following interest groups is likely to have the most difficult time raising money? SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .a lobbying organization representing a nonprofit organization
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .a lobbying organization representing a for-profit organization
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .a membership organization relying on appeals to purpose
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .a membership organization relying on solidary incentives
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .a lobbying organization well connected to Washington
29
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Of the three major sources of funds available to interest groups, the one that is unique to modern interest groups is: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .foundation grants.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .federal grants and contracts.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .computerized direct-mail solicitations.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .public funding via the personal tax return.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .payroll deductions.
30
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .To say that the pressure system has an upper-class bias is to: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .state an important principle of lobbying.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .state an incorrect view of lobbying.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .say much about the people who join groups, but nothing about positions the groups will take.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .say much about the positions groups take, but nothing about the people who join these groups.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .compare apples to oranges.
31
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The single most important tactic open to interest groups is:
a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .the ability to supply credible information to the right person.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .bribery.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .phone calls.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .using the Internet.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .buying access to decision makers.
32
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .A political cue signal official as to:
a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .political scandals.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .intense media coverage.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .pork-barrel spending.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .what values are at stake with an issue.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .economic downturns.
33
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The scholarly evidence that PAC money buys votes in Congress is: SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .sketchy at best.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .fairly strong, but still inconclusive.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .substantial.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .conclusive.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .totally false.
34
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .This term describes when government officials take lucrative jobs in the private sector after they leave government. SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .The revolving door.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .The iron triangle.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .Soft money.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .Hard money.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .Incumbency.
35
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Interest group activity is a form of _____ protected by the _____.
a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .actual speech, First Amendment.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .exaggerated speech, Second Amendment.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .political speech, First Amendment.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .prolific, Fourth Amendment.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .slurred speech, Fifth Amendment.
36
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Public displays and disruptive tacticsmarches, sit-ins, picketing, etc.have always been a part of:
a
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .communist systems of government.
b
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .socialist systems of government.
c
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .only European politics.
d
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .only Middle Eastern politics.
e
seq NL_1_ \r 0 \h .American politics.
Essay questions
Practice writing extended answers to the following questions. These test your ability to integrate and express the ideas that you have been studying in this chapter. SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h
SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h
SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Why are more Americans likely to join an interest group than a political party? Why are parties growing weaker in America? In your opinion, are political parties becoming obsolete?
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The text lists and describes several types of local political party organizations (for example, machines). What are the major types of these organizations? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type in terms of (a) the degree of political participation they encourage, (b) their ability to give voters a reasonable choice of candidates and policies, and (c) their ability to introduce needed political reforms.
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .To what extent are the delegates who attend Republican and Democratic national conventions representative of average voters? Why should this be so? What reforms have been attemptedand by what partyin an effort to change this situation?
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Why is it so difficult to regulate interest groups? Do you believe that tighter regulation of interest groups is needed? Why or why not?
5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Explain the difference between organizational and membership-type interest groups and discuss how you might expect their conduct in the political system to vary.
6
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .In 1968 Alabama governor George Wallace stated that there was not a dimes worth of difference between the two parties. Do you agree or disagree with this statement as applied to toadys political environment. Please explain your answer in detail.
seq NL1 \r 0 \h
seq NL_EVEN \r 0 \h
seq NL_ODD \r 0 \h
seq NL_Eqn \r 0 \h
seq NL_Sec \r 1 \h Applying What Youve Learned
Political parties mean little to most Americans. Belonging to the Democratic or the Republican party is of no consequence to the average citizen. For this reason, more people are calling themselves independentsmembers of no party. Have political parties become irrelevant today? The text presents abundant evidence supporting the continued importance of political parties. To be sure, meaningful differences separate the two major parties of the United States. How can the general public be convinced of this?
From the material discussed in the chapter, construct a strategy to get people interested in becoming involved in party politics. At the least, your strategy should address the following concerns: SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .What advantages does active membership in a political party provide? Consider the different types of parties that exist at the local level and the benefits derived by members from each kind of party structure.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Should parties play more of a role in selecting candidates for the general election? Would this actually lower an already low voter turnout in America? Would it be beneficial by allowing only those who really care about the candidates to choose them? Could this actually strengthen parties?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Neither major party is representative of its typical voter in selecting candidates for presidential elections. What accounts for this problem? How can it be corrected to entice more people into active party participation? Consider the factors that have weakened parties as well as why this problem is a recent one.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .How would your strategy differ in attracting members to the Democratic versus the Republican party? What are the strengths and weaknesses of both parties in the way they are organized? How can the weaknesses be corrected without altering the basic character of each party?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
seq NL1 \r 0 \h Research and Resources
seq NL1 \r 0 \h Suggested Readings
Aldrich, John H. Why parties? The Origin and Transformation of Political Parties in America. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1995. Explains why parties form and are essential to democracy.
Bauer, Raymond A., Ithiel de Sola Pool, and Lewis A. Dexter, American Business and Public Policy. New York: Atherton, 1963. A study of how business organizations attempted to shape foreign trade policy, set in a broad analysis of how pressure groups and Congress operate.
Berry, Jeffrey M. Lobbying for the People. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1977. Discusses the general characteristics of more than eighty public interest lobbies, with a detailed discussion of two.
Briody, Dan. The Iron Triangle: Inside the Secret World of the Carlyle Group. John Wiley and Sons Inc., 2003. Provides a detailed example of the relationships that can be formed between industry, government, and the military.
Cigler, Allan J., and Burdett A. Loomis, eds. Interest Group Politics, 4th ed. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Press, 1995. A good collection of recent essays on interest groups.
Goldwin, Robert A., ed. Political Parties in the Eighties. Washington, D.C.: American Enterprise Institute, 1980. Essays evaluating parties and efforts to reform them.
Heinz, John P., et al. The Hollow Core. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1993. A close study of how interest groups affect national politics in agriculture, energy, health, and labor.
Key, V. O., Jr. Southern Politics. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1949. A classic account of how politics once operated in the one-party South.
Lowi, Theodore J. The End of Liberalism. New York: Norton, 1969. A critique of the role of interest groups in American government.
Olson, Manur. The Logic of Collective Action. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1965. A theory of interest-group formation from an economic perspective.
Ranney, Austin. Curing the Mischiefs of Faction: Party Reform in America. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1975. History and analysis of party reforms with special attention to the 1972 changes in the Democratic party rules.
Riodan, William L. Plunkitt of Tammany Hall. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1948 (first published in 1905). Amusing and insightful account of how an old-style party boss operated in New York City.
Schattsschneider, E. E. Party Government. New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1942. An argument for a more disciplined and centralization two-party system.
Schlozman, Kay Lehman, and John T. Tierney. Organized Interest and American Democracy. New York: Harper & Row, 1986. Useful summary of interest-group origins and activities.
Truman, David B. The Governmental Process, 2nd ed. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1971. An interpretation of American politics, first published in 1951, emphasizing the importance of groups and group conflict.
Wilson, James Q. Political Organizations, rev. ed. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1995. A theory of interest groups and political parties that emphasizes the incentives they use to attract members.
seq NL1 \r 0 \h Resources on the World Wide Web
Some political parties:
Democratic National Committee: http://www.democrats.org/Republican National Committee: http://www.rnc.org/Green party: http://www.greens.org/Libertarian party: http://www.lp.org/Reform party: http://www.reformparty.org/Some interest groups:
An overview: http://www.capweb.net/A few specific interest groups:
Conservative:
American Conservative Union: http://www.conservative.org/Christian Coalition: http://www.cc.org/Liberal:
American Civil Liberties union: http://www.aclu.org/Americans for Democratic Action: http://www.adaction.org/Environmental:
Environmental Defense Fund: http://www.edf.org/National Resources Defense Council: http://www.nrdc.org/Civil rights:
NAACP: http://www.naacp.org/Feminists:
National Organization for Women: http://www.now.org/answers
Key Terms Match SEQ NL_a \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .g
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .f
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .r
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .h
5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .o
6
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .b
7
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .l
8
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .k
9
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .d
10
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .m
11
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .j
12
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .t
13
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .n
14
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .i
15
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .p
16
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .e
17
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .q
18
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .s
19
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .a
20
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
Did You Think That? SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .It is just the opposite. Parties are decentralized and growing weaker in America.
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .They were suspicious of parties, viewing them as illegitimate factions. Neither the Federalist nor the Antifederalist party viewed political opposition as legitimate. Not until the 1830s and the rise of the Democratic and Whig parties was party competition for office routinized and legitimated as part of the American system.
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Those who are likely to be chosen convention delegatesparty activistsare more ideological or issue oriented than are the rank-and-file. Democratic delegates are more liberal and Republican delegates more conservative than party members. Paradoxically, the rule changes give activists more opportunity to make the party less representative of the sentiments of the rank-and-file.
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .On most issues, the differences between Democratic and Republican voters are not very large. Among party delegates, however, there are sharp differences on most issues, for reasons noted above. These differences often extend to party candidates as well.
5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Interest groups actually have very broad protection under the First Amendment.
6
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Sponsored groups may act as surrogates. Other groups may join with sponsored groups in coalitionsa situation that occurred in the early stages of the civil rights movement. There are executive branch agencies and members of Congress who also may take up the banner for a politically unorganized group.
7
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Money is probably one of the least effective ways for an interest group to advance its cause; passage of the campaign reform law in 1973 saw to that. More effective are activities that supply credible information to legislators and bureaucrats. Other important activities include the public support campaign, such as mail and telegram campaigns.
8
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Such activities are hardly new in American history; they were among the favorite tactics of the American colonists seeking independence. Many other groups over the past two centuries have used protest and even violence to further their causes, including pro- and anti-labor groups and the Ku Klux Klan.
True/False Questions SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h
SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h
SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .T
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .T
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. They opposed them.
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. They were known as the Federalists.
5
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. They were actually in opposition to Jackson.
6
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .T
7
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .T
8
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. They had been perfected prior to the arrival of these immigrants.
9
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. Traditionally, machines are nonideological; they are more interested in getting candidates elected than in supporting particular issues.
10
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .T.
11
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. Only at the national level.
12
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. It was the Republicans.
13
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. Even with the quota, great diversity exists.
14
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .T
15
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. Most European democracies are multi-party systems.
16
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. The party is stronger in Chicago, where interest groups must work within the party.
17
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. Also in the 1770s, 1830s1840s, 1860s, 1900s1920s.
18
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. The LWV is a membership interest group.
19
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .T
20
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .T
21
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. Mountain States Legal Foundation is a conservative answer to Nader.
22
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .T
23
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. These are a comparatively recent phenomena.
24
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. They do have an upper-class bias.
25
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .T
26
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .T
27
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .T. But they spend less on campaigns and give less to candidates.
28
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .T
29
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. They avoid such situations as politically risky.
30
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .F. Protection comes in the form of the First Amendment.
Multiple Choice Questions SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .b
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .e
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .b
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .a
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .e
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .d
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .a
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .e
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .a
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .a
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .b
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .a
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .d
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .d
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .d
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .b
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .e
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .a
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .d
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .a
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .a
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .c
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seq NL_a \r 0 \h .e
Applying What Youve Learned SEQ NL1 \r 0 \h 1
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Political parties at the local level offer some form of incentive to join, from solidary incentives to tangible rewards. The advantages of membership depend on the type of party structure in that area.
2
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Energy should be devoted at the local level because of the decentralized structure of political parties. At the local level, focus is on the appropriate incentive for the type of party structure in the area. At the national level, both presidential nominees and issues have much to do with attracting party support; this makes appealing candidates and issues the key to recruitment. The Republicans have had much success with computerized, targeted mailings.
3
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .The national conventions of both parties are dominated by delegates who are more ideological than the average citizen. The same is true of voters in primaries. The switch to primaries partially accounts for this trend, as does the fact that Democrats have evolved into a factionalized party in which groups are represented. Parties need to diminish the influence of ideologies. One way is to strengthen the power of party leaders, perhaps by selecting fewer convention delegates in primaries.
4
seq NL_a \r 0 \h .Republicans have a more bureaucratic party, leading to greater success at the national level; the party needs to strengthen itself at the local level. The Democrats are successful at the local level because of party identification but are hurt at the national level by their factional nature and their positions on social and tax issues. Republicans need to become more representative, Democrats more bureaucratic.
Copyright Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Copyright Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Copyright Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.