GOVT 2306 Chapter 12 Review: Interest Groups and Lobbying in Texas

Who or what can be a part of membership organizations? -individual citizens -businesses -federal agencies -local governments

-individual citizens -businesses

Most states have laws regulating what activity by interest groups? -lobbying -making financial contributions to political campaigns -designing issue advertisements -recruiting group membership

-lobbying -making financial contributions to political campaigns

As of 2017, there were almost _______ registered lobbyists in Texas. -200 -800 -2000 -4500

2000

Which of the following is an example of a government organization? -MADD -NEA -SLIGs -NRA

SLIGs

True or False: It is illegal for an interest groups to endorse an candidate running for office.

FALSE

True or False: Approximately 25% of Texas workers belong to unions.

False

True or false: All farming interest groups have the same policy goals.

False

Why is it unnecessary for the Texas Municipal League to maintain constant contact with it's members? -It is so decentralized that committees make all decisions. -It is not active enough to require it. -The leadership does not consult members on most issues. -Its processes are so organized that it functions efficiently without it.

Its processes are so organized that it functions efficiently without it.

Who is best known for arguing that "factions" would play an important role in American politics? -James Madison -Thomas Paine -Ben Franklin -George Washington

James Madison

All of the following groups would be considered powerful in Texas because the represent the traditionalistic political culture of the State, EXCEPT -Agriculural groups -Labor groups -Religious Groups -Professional groups

Labor groups

In the process of electioneering, money is usually funneled to candidates through -SLIGs. -lobbyists. -trade associations. -PACs.

PACs

How has PAC influence affected candidates' party loyalty? -PACs have decreased loyalty to parties since they finance races and help candidates much like parties do. -PACs have enhanced party loyalty because they support party activities. -PACs have eliminated party loyalty because they are so much -better funded than parties. -PACs have no overall effect on party loyalty.

PACs have decreased loyalty to parties since they finance races and help candidates much like parties do.

An organization that collects and distributes money to candidates is known as a(n) -interest group. -political action committee. -issue network. -political party.

Political Action Committee

Which of the following is true of campaign finance regulation in Texas? - Since the 2010 Citizens United decision, unions in Texas have been able to establish a PAC for electioneering purposes. - Texas lacks laws that enforce transparency on PACs with respect to disclosure of their donors. - The Texas Ethics Commission has often been criticized for enforcing campaign finance laws too rigidly. - The Citizens United decision invalidated the Texas law prohibiting direct campaign contributions by unions and corporations.

Since the 2010 Citizens United decision, unions in Texas have been able to establish a PAC for electioneering purposes.

Which of the following is not an example of a state and local interest group? -Texas Municipal League -Texas Association of School Boards -Texas Police Chiefs Association -State Board of Education

State Board of Education

How does compensation for legislative staff in Texas compare to that of other states? -The Texas legislature provides less money for staff salaries than most states. -The Texas legislature provides average compensation for its staff members. -The Texas legislature provides more money for staff salaries than any other state. -Compensation in Texas is comparatively low, but state employees enjoy strong union rights.

The Texas legislature provides more money for staff salaries than any other state.

True or False: In 2014, there were over 1400 registered PACs in Texas.

True

True or False: The amount of money contributed by PACs from 1998 to 2014 has more than tripled.

True

True or False: To be an effective lobbyist, the individual must be an issue expert.

True

A blog called Working Families for Walmart appeared to be a grassroots effort to support the organization. What was it, in reality? -a blog authored by a public relations firm hired by Walmart -a blog started by disgruntled Walmart employees -a parody authored by anonymous sources -a smear campaign authored by Walmart competitors

a blog authored by a public relations firm hired by Walmart

An "astroturf organization" is one that lacks -a big budget. -access to media advertising. -access to legislators or leaders in the executive. -a grassroots organization.

a grassroots organization

Nonmembership organizations represent -a place. -citizens as a whole. -a single company, organization, or individual.

a single company, organization, or individual

CASA is a good example of a -Citizen -Advocacy -Cause -Mixed economic/cause

advocacy

Which of the following is an example of a group that cannot draw strength from geographic distribution? -commercial shrimp fishermen -health insurance providers -the Texas Municipal League -the League of Conservation Voters

commercial shrimp fishermen

Interest group efforts to influence the outcome of elections is known as -campaigning. -influence peddling. -electioneering. -lobbying.

electioneering

The fact that oil industry lobby groups have been able to strongly influence the Texas Railroad Commission's three commissioners instead of having to influence the governor is an example of how ________ can increase interest group strength. -a fragmented government structure -poor legislative professionalism -wide geographic distribution -economic diversity

fragmented government structure

Because individuals may benefit from the work of interest groups whether or not they participate in the groups' activities, some groups have difficulty recruiting members due the _________ _________ problem.

free rider

_________________ ______________a characteristic of some interest groups, refers to the fact that the groups have members in all regions of the state.

geographical distribution

The Texas Municipal League, which represents Texas city officials, derives its greatest strength from -its influential membership. -its large numbers. -its free riders.

its influential membership

Which type of interest group has little power in Texas compared to many other states? -business organizations -trade associations -labor unions -religious groups

labor unions

The Texas Farm Bureau represents which segment of the Texas agricultural industry? -retail sales of farm goods -large agricultural producers -family farms and ranches -farm equipment suppliers

large farms and ranches

All of the following contribute to legislative professionalism EXCEPT -more staff support. -limited sessions. -higher pay. -longer sessions.

limited sessions

Interest groups such as LULAC and the NAACP most effectively achieve policy change through -Issue advertisement -Litigation -Lobbying -Electioneering.

litigation

When the economy of a state grows more diverse, -no single industry or group can dominate. -it is easier for a single rich interest to monopolize power. -the number of interest groups shrinks. -the influence of interest groups becomes greater.

no single industry or group can dominate

In Texas, how are public sector employee organizations classified, due to their inability to engage in collective bargaining? -trade associations -state and local associations -professional associations -`labor unions

professional associations

Peak business associations are interest groups that represent -statewide business interests. -national business interests. -seasonal business interests. -local business interests.

statewide business interests

States with ______ political parties tend to have weaker interest group influence. -weak -strong

strong

In terms of leadership and organization, the Texas Municipal League draws strength from its -loose-knit and flexible membership. -strong, proactive legislative committee. -involvement of key members on every decision and action. -quick adoption of stands on key legislative items.

strong, proactive legislative committee. quick adoption of stands on key legislative items.

When are PACs prohibited from making contributions to members of the Texas state legislature? -the period beginning 30 days before and ending 20 days after the regular session -in odd calendar years, i.e. 1971, 1973 -during the regular 140-day session only -never; they are free to contribute whenever they wish

the period beginning 30 days before and ending 20 days after the regular session

Interest groups need money for which of the following? -lobbying -public relations -electioneering -to pay grassroots members -to pay full-time staff

-lobbying -public relations -electioneering -to pay full-time staff

What are the three types of agricultural interest groups in Texas? -those that represent general farming interests -those that represent Texas in international trade and tariff discussions -those that represent suppliers -those that represent commodity groups

-those that represent general farming interests -those that represent suppliers -those that represent commodity groups

In the 2014 election, PACs donated just of $__________ million. -51 -68 -99 -159

159

As of 2017, there were __________________ registered lobbyists in Texas. -197 -1927 -19,270 -51,000

1927

Why does the Texas oil industry lobby focus on influencing the Texas Railroad Commission? -The Texas Railroad Commission oversees the state oil industry. -The Texas Railroad Commission is the most powerful agency in the state. -The Texas Railroad Commission has a particularly close relationship with the governor. -The Texas Railroad Commission controls transportation costs in the state, which includes the transport of oil.

The Texas Railroad Commission oversees the state oil industry.

Which of the following interest groups consistently donates the largest amount to politicians in Texas? -Texans for Lawsuit Reform -Texas Medical Association -Texas AFL-CIO -Texas Community College Teachers Association

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Which of the following is an example of a peak business organization? -Christian Coalition -Texas Medical Association -Texas Farm Bureau -Texas Association of Manufacturers

Texas Association of Manufacturers

Which of the following is an example of a specialized "educational" association? -Texas State Teachers Association -National Education Association -Association of Texas Professional Educators -Texas High School Coaches Association

Texas High School Coaches Association

Which of the following is a SLIG? -Texas Medical Association -Texas Automobile Dealers Association -Texas Municipal League -Texas Farm Bureau

Texas Municipal League

Which of the following statements is not true regarding unions in Texas? - According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2017 only 4.7% of wage and salaried employees in Texas belong to labor unions. - Texas law protections the right of public employees to strike so that employment conditions and be negotiated between employer and employee. - As a "right to work state", employees cannot be required to join the union as a condition of employment. - While private sector labor unions exist, they are not powerful and represent only a small fraction of workers.

Texas law protections the right of public employees to strike so that employment conditions and be negotiated between employer and employee.

The process in which policy is created through the combined efforts of interest groups, a state agency, and a legislative committee is called -"strange bedfellows." -capture. -entrapment. -the "Iron Triangle."

The "Iron Triangle"

Which statement best describes economic activity in Texas? -The oil and energy industries dominate the Texas economy. -The Texas economy is highly diversified, with a strong presence in several industries. -Texas relies on high-tech industries for economic growth. -Agricultural interests such as cotton and ranching dominate the Texas economy.

The Texas economy is highly diversified, with a strong presence in several industries.

How does economic diversity affect interest group power in Texas? -Texas has few interest groups and associations. -The diversified economy has increased the number of interest groups, thus diluting the groups' power. -The diversified economy opens the door for united interests such as the energy industry to dominate state politics. -Economic diversity discourages interest group formation and advocacy in the first place.

The diversified economy has increased the number of interest groups, thus diluting the groups' power.

How does the state's government structure alter the operations of interest groups in Texas? -The groups focus their attention on the leadership of the state agency regulating their industry. -The groups spend most of their time persuading the public and the court system. -The groups focus on lobbying the governor and executive appointees. -The groups focus exclusively on the state legislature.

The groups focus their attention on the leadership of the state agency regulating their industry.

How is interest group influence weakened in competitive, two-party states? -The parties assume a greater role in recruiting and supporting candidates, replacing a vital function of interest groups. -Interest groups face reduced funding. -The parties encourage elected officials to enact legislation weakening the power of PACs and interest groups. -The parties control industries that form and fund interest groups, reducing the probability of interest group formation.

The parties assume a greater role in recruiting and supporting candidates, replacing a vital function of interest groups.

How does the party structure in Texas affect interest group power and influence? -Interest groups aligned with the Democratic Party control the state's agenda. -The competitive party structure of Texas weakens interest group -influence. -Interest groups aligned with the Republican Party control the state's agenda. -The weakened structure of party competitiveness strengthens interest group influence.

The weakened structure of party competitiveness strengthens interest group influence.

How does the party structure in Texas affect interest group power and influence? -The weakened structure of party competitiveness strengthens interest group influence. -The competitive party structure of Texas weakens interest group influence. -Interest groups aligned with the Democratic Party control the state's agenda. -Interest groups aligned with the Republican Party control the state's agenda.

The weakened structure of party competitiveness strengthens interest group influence.

How has the interest group tactic of entertaining legislators changed over the years? - Although all forms of entertaining legislators are prohibited by law, the practice is stronger than ever before. - There is far less provision of entertainment, food, and bribes, but it is still a key part of the process. - Interest groups are now forbidden by law from entertaining or "wining and dining" legislators. - The process of giving legislators lavish entertainment and gifts has grown dramatically in recent years.

There is far less provision of entertainment, food, and bribes, but it is still a key part of the process.

The National Rifle Association (NRA), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and the National Education Association (NEA) are all examples of groups that are Multiple Choice nonmembership organizations. professional associations. active on both the state and national levels. barred from financial contributions to PACs.

active on both the state and national levels

Which of the following is one of the five types of lobbyist? -citizen -in-house -governmental -All of these answers are correct.

all of these

Which of the following can help offset the power of interest groups? economic diversity competitive political parties legislative professionalism All of these answers are correct.

all of these answers are correct

In an attempt to influence court decisions, interest groups may file "friend of the court" briefs, otherwise known as ______ briefs. -ad hominem -amicus curiae -stare decisis -sua sponte

amicus curiae

An interest group that appears to have many grassroots members but in fact does not have individual citizens as members is called what? -a "007" organization -an "astroturf" organization -a "Benedict Arnold" organization -a "sheep's clothing" organization

an "astroturf" organization

State and local interest groups (SLIGs) represent -the leadership (elected or appointed) of an organization. -the individual members of an organization. -an organization.

an organization

The process of electioneering begins with -candidate recruitment. -focus groups. -interest polling. -raising money for campaign costs.

candidate recruitment

The situation in which a state agency falls under the heavy influence of its constituency interest groups is called -an Iron Triangle. -capture. -rent seeking. -astroturf.

capture

When the relationship between a state agency and an interest group becomes very close, it is referred to as -entrapment. -"strange bedfellows." -the "Iron Triangle." -capture.

capture

When the relationship between a state agency and an interest group becomes very close, it is referred to as -the "Iron Triangle." -"strange bedfellows." -capture. -entrapment.

capture

______ refers to the various activities in which interest groups engage to try to influence the outcome of elections. -Collective bargaining -Rent seeking -Lobbying -Electioneering

electioneering

True or false: Because of the revolving door policy in Texas, retiring legislators must wait two years before becoming a registered lobbyist.

false

True or false: Under Texas law, members of state licensing boards are not allowed to be members of the interest groups that cover the subject matter of their licensing activities.

false

The Texas Farmers Union (not to be confused with the Texas Farm Bureau) represents which segment of the Texas agricultural industry? -farm equipment suppliers -large agricultural producers -retail sales of farm goods -family farms and ranches

family farms and ranches

Although entertaining members of the legislature is used by interest groups, bribery of a public official is -a misdemeanor -felony -even more effective and legal.

felony

Which of the following accurately describe the Texas Municipal League? -very large membership -focused committees -highly organized -influential members

focused committees highly organized influential members

The interests of state and federal agencies are represented by -government organizations. -nonmembership organizations. -membership organizations -political action committees.

government organizations

Communication with the general public that attempts to influence legislation by expressing a view about that legislation and urging the public to act is known as -electioneering. -volunteer lobbying. -citizen lobbying. -grassroots lobbying.

grassroots lobbying

Under lobbying regulations, what type of interest groups are required to register and file reports on their activities? -organizations that help recruit candidates for office -all interest groups -groups that have regular contact with legislators -any group participating in grassroots lobbying

groups that have regular contact with legislators

Which category of PAC spent the most money in the 2014 Texas election cycle? -ideological/single issue -energy/natural resources/waste -real estate -agriculture

ideological/single issue

What is the primary goal of lobbying? -shifting money from federal to state programs -influencing the outcome of political campaigns -influencing members of the legislature -swaying public opinion

influencing members of the legislature

A(n) ________ is an organization of individuals sharing common goals that tries to influence governmental decisions. -fraternity -political movement -interest group -political party

interest group

Attempts to discuss topics of interest with a member of the legislature in an ambush-style meeting in the public hallways outside a legislative chamber is the original form of what's still known as -lobbying. -"gottcha" politics. -influence peddling. -guerrilla influence.

lobbying

The practice of trying to influence members of the legislature is called ___________

lobbying

In its pursuit of electioneering, an interest group's most import resource is -money. -public relations. -lobbyists. -manpower.

money

What is the most important tool for interest groups seeking to influence election outcomes? -connections -lawyers -public relations -money

money

Under current Texas lobbying rules, an individual who crosses either the "compensation and reimbursement threshold" or the "expenditure threshold" while engaged in lobbying efforts -is guilty of influence peddling. -will be banned from further lobbying efforts for the period of two years. -must register as a lobbyist with the Texas Ethics Commission. -All of these answers are correct.

must register as a lobbyist with the Texas Ethics Commission.

What is the largest category of interest group? -social interest groups -nonmembership organizations -professional associations -government organizations

nonmembership organizations

Which of the following is the primary goal of most state and local interest groups? -lobbying state officials -lobbying federal officials -protecting local interests from state activities -winning federal grant money for local projects

protecting local interests from state activites

What is the primary goal of retail trade associations? -protecting their trades from undesirable state regulation -promoting a favorable business climate in the state -representing the interests of professionals -representing the rights of retail workers

protecting their trades from undesirable state regulation

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the AARP, and the National Rifle Association are all examples of which interest group type? -public interest -political interest -religious interest -racial and ethnic interest

public interest

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is an example of -a nonmembership organization. -a public interest group. -a government organization. -a trade association.

public interest group

The goal of ________ is to create a favorable public image for the group while moving public opinion on a specific issue. -mass mailings -positive media coverage -public relations activities -a focus group

public relations activities

All of the following are lobbying tactics EXCEPT Multiple Choice testifying before a legislative committee. encouraging interest group members to contact legislators about a bill. publishing a newsletter to keep interest group members informed. working with legislators to draft bills.

publishing a newsletter to keep interest group members informed.

Research suggests that when interest groups have submitted amicus briefs, they have been ______ in swaying courts. -quite effective -marginally effective -mostly unsuccessful -ultimately unsuccessful

quite effective

When individuals or groups try to secure benefits for themselves through political means, the process is called -capture. -rent seeking. -electioneering. -the iron triangle.

rent seeking

The Texas Automobile Association seeks to protect and promote the interests of its member businesses that are involved in the sales of goods and services and thus is an example of a -professional association. -nonmembership organization. -retail trade association. -peak business association.

retail trade association

The Texas Apartment Association, the Texas Restaurant Association, and the Beer Alliance of Texas are all examples of -professional associations. -retail trade groups. -peak business associations. -nonmembership organizations.

retail trade groups

Peak business organizations focus on which of the following goals? representing a specific profession that typically requires a state license or certification representing small businesses with a local or municipal focus supporting legislation that would foster a "good business climate" in Texas protecting the collective bargaining rights of members

supporting legislation that would foster a "good business climate" in Texas

The situation of individuals receiving the benefits of collective action without contributing is known as -the "welfare state." -the "free-rider problem." -"benefit stealing." -"coattailing."

the "free-rider" problem

What organization provides legislative staff assistance in research and information? -the Texas Legislative Budget Board -the Texas Legislative Council -the Texas Education Agency -the University of Texas, Austin

the Texas Legislative Council

Interest groups within a state tend to be less powerful when -the economy is dominated by a few industries. -government structure is fragmented. -the legislature is professional. -political parties are weak.

the legislature is professional.

What is the chief goal of grassroots lobbying efforts by interest groups? -to mobilize supporters to advocate for their organization -to sway voters toward one major party or the other -to influence which candidates stand for election -to influence which candidates the public votes for

to mobilize supporters to advocate for their organization

The Texas Trucking Association is an example of a _____________ association. -business -professional -trade -retail

trade

The Good Roads Association is an example of a(n) ________ __________ because it represents the specific business interests of highway contractors.

trade association

What is the primary distinction between trade associations and peak business organizations? -Peak business organizations represent white-collar industries while trade associations represent blue-collar trades. -Trade associations represent more specific business interests such as the oil industry. -Trade associations offer more benefits to members. -Trade associations focus on state issues while peak business organizations devote their resources to national policy.

trade associations represent more specific business interests such as the oil industry.

True or False: Today, traditional industries such as cotton and cattle continue to wield power over policy.

true

True or false: Nonmembership organizations do not have broad-based citizen support. True

true

Organized labor in Texas is -very weak. -modestly weak. -quite strong. -very strong.

very weak