Ch. 16-Interest Groups (AP Gov)

Civic Virtue

The tendency to form small-scale associations for the public good.

Collective Good

Something of value that cannot be withheld from a nonmember of a group, for example, a tax write-off or a better environment.

Disturbance Theory

Political scientist David B. Truman's theory that interest groups form in part to counteract the efforts of other groups.

Earmark

Funds that an appropriations bill designates for a particular purpose within a state or congressional district.

Economic Interest Group

A group with the primary purpose of promoting the financial interests of its members.

Free Rider Problem

Potential members fail to join a group because they can get the benefit, or collective good, sought by the group without contributing to the effort.

Interest Group

An organized group that tries to influence public policy.

Lobbying

The activities of a group or organization that seeks to influence legislation and persuade political leaders to support the group's position.

Lobbyist

Interest group representative who seeks to influence legislation that will benefit his or her organization through political persuasion.

Patron

Person who finances a group or individual activity.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Federally mandated, officially registered fundraising committee that represents interest groups in the political process.

Public Interest Group

An organization that seeks a collective good that will not selectively and materially benefit the members of the group.

Social Capital

The myriad relationships that individuals enjoy that facilitate the resolution of community problems through collective action.

Trade Association

A group that represents a specific industry.