Association
Groups of companies or institutions that organize around a common set of concerns, often within a given industry or trade.
Astroturf movement
A political movement that resembles a grassroots movement but is often supported or facilitated by wealthy interests and/or elites.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission
Was a 2010 Supreme Court case that granted corporations and unions the right to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections.
Collective good
A good such as public safely or clear air, often produced by the government, that is generally available to the population as a whole.
Contract lobbyist
A lobbyist who works for a contract lobbying firm that represents clients before government.
Disturbance theory
The theory that an external event can lead to interest group mobilizations.
Efficacy
The belief that you can make a difference and that the government cares about you and your views.
Elite critique
The proposition that wealthy and elite interests are advantaged over those without resources.
Fragmentation
The result when a large interest group develops diverging needs.
Free rider problem
The situation that occurs when some individuals receive benefits without helping to bear the cost.
Grassroots movement
A political movement that often begins from the bottom up, inspired by average citizens concerned about a given issue.
In-house lobbyist
An employee or executive within an organization who works as a lobbyist on behalf of the organization.
Inside lobbying
The act of contacting and taking the organization’s message directly to lawmakers in an attempt to influence policy.
Iron triangle
Three-way relationship among congressional committees, interest groups, and the bureaucracy.
Issue network
A group of interest groups and people who work together to support a particular issue or policy.
Legislative liaison
A person employed by a government entity such as a local government, executive department, or university to represent the organization before the legislature.
Lobbyist
A person who represents an organization before government in an attempt to influence policy.
Material incentives
Substantive monetary or physical benefits give to group members to help overcome collective action problems.
Membership organization
An interest group that usually consists of dues-paying members who organize around a particular issue or cause.
Neopluralist
A person who suggests that all groups’ access and influence depend on the political environment.
Outside lobbying
The act of lobbying indirectly by taking the organization’s message to the public, often through the use of media and/or by issue press releases, in hopes that the public will then put pressure on lawmakers.
Particularized benefit
A benefit that generally accrues to a narrow segment of society.
Pluralist
A person who believes many groups healthily compete for access to decision-makers.
Public interest group
An interest group that seeks a public good, which is something that accrues to all.
