Interest Groups

Voluntary association of people who come together with the global of getting the policies that they favor enacted.

Social Movements

Diffuse groups that educate the public and put pressure on policymakers in an effort to bring about societal change.

Policy Agenda

The set of issues to which government officials, voters, and the public are paying attention.

Collective Action

Political action that occurs when individuals contribute their energy, time, or money to a larger group goal.

Collective Good

Also called a public good; a public benefit that individuals can enjoy or profit from even if they do not help to achieve it.

Free Rider Problem

Individuals who enjoy collected goods and benefit from the actions of an interest group without joining.

Selective Benefits

Benefits available only to those who join the group.

Economic Interest Groups

Groups advocating on behalf of the financial interest of their member

Public Interest Groups

Groups that act on behalf of the collective interest of a broad group of individuals.

Single - Issue Groups

Associations focusing on one specific area of public policy, often a moral issue about which they are unwilling to compromise.

Lobbying

Interacting with government officials in order to advance a groups’ public policy goals.

Revolving Door

The moment of individuals between positions in government and lobbying positions.

Amicus Curiae Briefs

A brief filed by someone who is not a party to a case in an attempt to persuade the court to agree with the arguments set forth in the brief.

Iron Triangle

The coordinated and mutually beneficial activities of the bureaucracy, congress, and the interest groups to achieve shared policy goals.

Issue Network

The webs of influence between interest groups, policymakers, and policy advocates.

Grassroot Lobbying

Mobilizing interest group members to pressure their representatives by contracting them directly through phone calls, email, and social media.

Protest

A public demonstration designed to call attention to the need for change

Civil Disobedience

Internationally breaking a law to call attention to an injustice.

Occupy Wall Street

A protest movement against social and economic inequality, corporate influence in politics, and the power of large corporations.