Why do people join interest groups? Who joins groups, and does it ...

[ARLKQ]

Why do people join interest groups? Who joins groups, and does it matter?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What were the views of James Madison (as espoused in The Federalist Papers) on factions (interest groups) within the political system? How did he propose dealing with potential challenges presented by factions?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[ryansturges]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Identify and explain personal and material benefits, social benefits, and personal satisfaction as motivations for joining interest groups.
2. Explain that a majority of American adults belong to at least one organization and many belong to multiple.
3. Explain that there are sociodemographic patterns in group membership, with higher membership among those with higher income, more education, and higher status occupations, as well as among whites and older individuals.
4. Explain that membership patterns can be reflected in influence on governmental policy.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain that Madison viewed the formation of factions as inevitable.
2. Explain that Madison was concerned about factions attempting to control government and pursue specific interests.
3. Explain that Madison distinguished between majority and minority tyranny and was concerned primarily with majority tyranny since minorities could be voted down.
4. Explain that Madison viewed fragmentation of institutional power as critical in minimizing the potential for large permanent coalitions that would dominate politics.

[ARLKQ]

Correct answers!

[ryansturges]

Great! Please up vote