Compare and contrast the pluralist and elite theories of interest group formation.
What will be an ideal response?
While both these theories seek to explain patterns of interest group behavior, they do so from different perspectives. Scholars of pluralist theory emphasize that interest groups are essential to a democracy because they ensure the representation of individual interests even if some individuals do not participate. Elite theorists dispute these claims and argue that an elite class dominates political activity, including interest groups. In other words, the system is far less pluralistic than it appears. Both theories have some basis in fact.
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Which of the following was an example of a valence issue helping a presidential candidate?
A. Richard Nixon was seen as more supportive of anticrime measures than his rival. B. Jimmy Carter appeared to favor honesty in government more than his opponent. C. Ronald Reagan was more closely identified with a strong economy than his opponent. D. George H. W. Bush was more closely linked to patriotism than his opponent. E. All of these are correct.
Historically, how do wealthy Texans influence state politics?
A) By contributing money to public education to stimulate voter participation across the socioeconomic spectrum B) By volunteering their time to participate in ground work for political campaigns C) By recruiting and funding candidates for public office or by seeking public office themselves D) By bribery and other forms of graft E) By abstaining from voting as a form of protest
Which city has the nation's longestÂstanding school choice voucher program?
a. Milwaukee b. Detroit c. Washington, DC d. Dallas
What do public opinion polls suggest about government efforts to regulate the economy and protect from negative externalities?
a. An overwhelming majority of Americans feel that the government engages in too much regulation. b. A majority favor more regulation of the food industry but less regulation with respect to drugs and the environment. c. The American public believes government should be doing at least as much as it is currently doing to regulate food, drugs, the environment, and workplace safety. d. Most Americans do not support any form of economic regulation.