Which of the following generalizations regarding interest group leadership is correct?
A) Interest group decisions are usually made by an active minority of the membership.
B) Leadership roles in interest groups are widely shared among many active members.
C) Elected officials are usually the leaders of interest groups.
D) Most interest group members can afford to devote time to interest group activities.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Research has shown that interest group decision-making is often dominated by a small, active minority of members who hold leadership positions within the group. This is known as the iron law of oligarchy. Therefore, option A is the correct generalization regarding interest group leadership. Option B is incorrect because while leadership roles may be shared among some active members, it is typically a small group that holds the most influence. Option C is incorrect because elected officials may be supportive of interest groups or even members themselves, but they do not necessarily lead interest groups. Option D is incorrect because many interest group members may not be able to devote significant amounts of time to group activities due to other obligations such as work or family.

Which of the Following Generalizations Regarding Interest Group Leadership Is