1. All of the following explain the proliferation of interest groups EXCEPT
(A) America is diverse, with countless immigrants, races, & religions.
(B) Contributions to some nonprofit groups are tax deductible.
(C) political authority is shared by several branches of gov’t, each of which might be targeted by interest groups.
(D) interest groups often run candidates for office to give their supporters a voice in gov’t.
(E) political parties are relatively weak, which helps explain the strength & number of interest groups.

2. Throughout American history, which of the following conditions has led to an increase in interest groups’ activity? Check ALL that apply; there are multiple answers.
(I) a strong economy with low inflation
(II) the rise of professional societies, such as the American Medical Association (AMA)
(III) gov’t policies that create new groups, such as veterans
(IV) leaders who are willing to make personal sacrifices

3. “Free riders” occur when interest groups fight for benefits to the public as a whole, such as consumer protection. How can interest groups prevent the free-rider problem?
(A) by ensuring that the benefits they seek will help only their members
(B) by providing people an incentive to join the interest group, such as a subscription to a magazine
(C) by limiting membership to a few carefully screened members
(D) by lobbying members of Congress only in the district where the interest group operates
(E) there is no practical way for interest groups to prevent the “free-rider” problem

4. Environmentalists, women, & union members have worked over the years to advance their interests. What is the best description of these causes?
(A) They are social movements that have spawned several related interest groups.
(B) They are PACs, which give money to political campaigns.
(C) They are social movements because all of them have liberal goals.
(D) They are interest goups because they lobby Congress for favorable legislation.
(E) They are social movements because they do not take strong positions & tend to support moderate policies.

5. Why are lobbyists useful to members of Congress in considering legislation?
(A) because most lobbyists are lawyers & can draft bills using technical legal language
(B) because lobbyists have bigger research staffs than members of Congress
(C) because lobbyists are policy generalists who have knowledge about a broad range of topics
(D) because members of Congress must listen to lobbyists in order to get electoral support
(E) because members of Congress are policy generalists & lobbyists are policy specialists with expert knowledge in their area

6. An interest group would use grassroots lobbying on all of the following issues EXCEPT
(A) abortion
(B) Medicare
(C) Social Security
(D) complex tax legislation affecting a few people
(E) affirmative action

7. A group representing a corporation, labor union, or special interest that raises & spends campaign contributions on behalf of candidates or causes is a . . .
(A) special interest group.
(B) grassroots lobbying committee.
(C) political action committee.
(D) social movement.
(E) tax-exempt entity.

8. Which of the following are sources of funding for interest groups? I. foundation grants II. federal grants III. federal contracts IV. direct-mail solicitations
(A) I, II, and III
(B) I and II
(C) II, III, and IV
(D) I and III
(E) I, II, III, and IV

9. Which of the following is a concern about the influence of lobbyists on gov’t?
(A) Many lobbyists are former federal officials who gave up their positions in gov’t to work for interest groups.
(B) Many lobbyists are attorneys who have undue influence because of their legal expertise.
(C) Many lobbyists also work as congressional staff members.
(D) Many members of Congress are former lobbyists who still have strong connections with interest groups.
(E) Because lobbyists do not have to register with the gov’t, it is difficult to control their activities.