Use the table to answer the question.
Pros Cons
stimulate interest and awareness in public affairs
provide useful data to the government
a convenient and less time-consuming avenue for political participation
better organized and funded groups have advantage
majority opinions or most vocal members are represented
can misrepresent membership numbers
Which of the following statements about interest groups can be added to the Pros column of the table? Select all that apply.
Responses
Interest groups have used bribery and threats of revenge in the past.
Interest groups have used bribery and threats of revenge in the past.
Interest groups can provide a valuable check on the actions of government officials.
Interest groups can provide a valuable check on the actions of government officials.
Interest groups represent only those with vast resources.
Interest groups represent only those with vast resources.
Interest groups with opposing viewpoints can provide a more complete picture of an issue.
Interest groups can provide a valuable check on the actions of government officials.
Interest groups with opposing viewpoints can provide a more complete picture of an issue.
The following statements about interest groups can be added to the Pros column of the table:
- Interest groups can provide a valuable check on the actions of government officials.
- Interest groups with opposing viewpoints can provide a more complete picture of an issue.
To determine which statements about interest groups can be added to the Pros column of the table, we need to analyze each statement.
1. "Interest groups have used bribery and threats of revenge in the past."
This statement is not a positive attribute of interest groups and does not belong in the Pros column. It describes unethical behavior by some interest groups.
2. "Interest groups can provide a valuable check on the actions of government officials."
This statement highlights the importance of interest groups in holding government officials accountable and therefore belongs in the Pros column. It describes a benefit of interest groups' involvement in public affairs.
3. "Interest groups represent only those with vast resources."
This statement suggests that interest groups only represent individuals or organizations with significant financial means. It is not inherently positive as it implies a potential bias towards certain groups or interests, and thus it does not belong in the Pros column.
4. "Interest groups with opposing viewpoints can provide a more complete picture of an issue."
This statement emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives in shaping public policy decisions. It recognizes that interest groups with differing opinions can contribute to a more thorough understanding of various sides of an issue, which is a positive attribute. Therefore, it can be added to the Pros column.
Based on the analysis, the statements that can be added to the Pros column are:
- "Interest groups can provide a valuable check on the actions of government officials."
- "Interest groups with opposing viewpoints can provide a more complete picture of an issue."