Author Question: Discuss the advantages of contributing to a political action committee (PAC) over making an ... (Read 13 times)

jman1234 · **on:** Jul 9, 2018

Discuss the advantages of contributing to a political action committee (PAC) over making an individual contribution to a political candidate.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is the free-rider/collective action problem? Describe one way that an interest group can overcome this problem.

What will be an ideal response?

briezy · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 9, 2018

Answer to Question 1

An ideal response will:
1, Explain that PACs combine several individual contributions, resulting in a larger total contribution to a candidate than what one individual could do alone.
2, Note that because PAC contributions are larger, they tend to attract more attention from members of Congress.

Answer to Question 2

An ideal response will:
1, Explain that the free-rider/collective action problem occurs when individuals can receive the benefits of collective action without having to contribute to the effort. As a result, they have no incentive to participate.
2, Describe one way that an interest group can overcome this problem, such as by providing material benefits or other incentives to members. These benefits can be reserved to those who contribute, thus creating an incentive for individuals to join the group.