Author Question: Does pluralism or transactions theory provide a more accurate representation of the interest group ... (Read 73 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?

Vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate) should be taken before any drug administration. Patients should be informed not to use tobacco or caffeine at least 30 minutes before their appointment.

Did you know?

Though Candida and Aspergillus species are the most common fungal pathogens causing invasive fungal disease in the immunocompromised, infections due to previously uncommon hyaline and dematiaceous filamentous fungi are occurring more often today. Rare fungal infections, once accurately diagnosed, may require surgical debridement, immunotherapy, and newer antifungals used singly or in combination with older antifungals, on a case-by-case basis.

Did you know?

Approximately 15–25% of recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. However, many miscarriages often occur before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

Did you know?

Between 1999 and 2012, American adults with high total cholesterol decreased from 18.3% to 12.9%

Did you know?

Most fungi that pathogenically affect humans live in soil. If a person is not healthy, has an open wound, or is immunocompromised, a fungal infection can be very aggressive.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library