Author Question: Does pluralism or transactions theory provide a more accurate representation of the interest group ... (Read 72 times)

clippers!

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 828
Does pluralism or transactions theory provide a more accurate representation of the interest group system today?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Studies have shown that political action committees (PACs) contribute disproportionately to incumbent candidates
 
  Why do PACs pursue this strategy in their campaign contributions? Which specific incumbents are most likely to receive money from PACs?



Tonyam972

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 342
Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Describe pluralism as a theory that assumes that political power is distributed among a wide range of diverse and competing interests.
2. Describe the major assumption of transactions theory, which is that public policies are the result of narrowly defined exchanges among political actors.
3. Explain how transactions theory contrasts with pluralism: given that those individuals with more time and money have lower transaction costs, they are more likely to be politically active, thus creating bias in the interest group system.
4. Argue which theory is a more accurate representation of interest group politics today, providing one or more examples of actual interest groups as support.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain that PACs are strategic in how they invest their funds; they want to get the most impact out of their contributions.
2. Note that incumbent candidates are more likely to win, so groups that donate to PACs are more likely to gain access to elected officials after the election.
3. Explain that PACs tend to give money to those who serve on committees that address issues that are important to the group sponsoring the PAC and to lawmakers who have previously supported the group's policies. Note that both of these groups are incumbents.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Thyroid conditions may make getting pregnant impossible.

Did you know?

Medications that are definitely not safe to take when breastfeeding include radioactive drugs, antimetabolites, some cancer (chemotherapy) agents, bromocriptine, ergotamine, methotrexate, and cyclosporine.

Did you know?

Each year in the United States, there are approximately six million pregnancies. This means that at any one time, about 4% of women in the United States are pregnant.

Did you know?

When blood is exposed to air, it clots. Heparin allows the blood to come in direct contact with air without clotting.

Did you know?

Signs of depression include feeling sad most of the time for 2 weeks or longer; loss of interest in things normally enjoyed; lack of energy; sleep and appetite disturbances; weight changes; feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness; an inability to make decisions; and thoughts of death and suicide.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library