Which of the following is NOT a commonly advanced criticism of interest groups?
a. Using interest groups to make public policy is unfair because many groups are supported by the wealthy, making their influence disproportional.
b. The system of interest groups promotes the advancement of interests that do not always strive for the common good.
c. Interest groups involve too many people in the democratic process.
d. Too many groups are operating within interest groups, slowing down the policymaking process to a state of gridlock in many areas.
e. Interest group dominance of the political system is an affront to democracy.
Question 2
Which of the following would NOT be included in a list of positives (pros) concerning the existence and activities of interest groups?
a. Interest groups weaken the power of the federal government and therefore ensure that it does not grow too strong.
b. Interest groups provide all groups in society with an opportunity to win support for their ideas and positions.
c. Interest groups should be encouraged because they allow humans to seek out others who have ideas similar to themselves.
d. Interest groups provide for the right of association, which is a basic right protected by the U.S. Constitution.
e. Interest groups work within a balanced system that gives all groups a fair opportunity to compete.