Texas GOVT 2306 Chapter 6

Interest groups use - to combine contributions from many donors into one large contribution in order to - the group's impact on the candidate.

Bundling, Increase

What are "late-train" contributions?

Contributions to the winning legislative candidate

Why are former legislators perceived to be effective lobbyists?

Correct -They have intimate knowledge of the government process. -They are often close to or friendly with other lawmakers. Incorrect -They are willing to work for free. -They are shielded from corruption laws as former legislators.

Despite the attention paid to lobbyists by business interests, the interest groups that spend the most on lobbying are public interest groups.

False

Texas is near the top of the nation in measures of social connectedness that lead to civic engagement.

False

The rights to associate with others and to petition government are not guaranteed by either the U.S. or the Texas Constitution.

False

A(n) - is a private group that raises and distributes funds for use in a candidate's election campaigns.

Political Action Committee

The - is responsible for regulating the oil and gas industry in Texas. Critics have accused it of being -. Recent efforts at reforming it have been -.

Texas Railroad Commission Captured by Interest Groups Unsuccessful

Which of the following is the main goal of a lobbyist?

influencing governmental decisions on behalf of an interest group

What do interest groups most want from policy makers?

policies that are beneficial to their group

"Dark money," or political money where the donors of the money do not have to be disclosed, originated in which U.S. Supreme Court case?

Citizens United vs Federal Election Commission

Which of the following descriptions of interest groups are accurate?

Correct -Business interests often have more influence than other interests. -Groups that represent a narrow set of interests are often more successful than those that represent broad interests. Incorrect -Interest groups that advocate for major policy changes are more successful than those that advocate for the status quo. -Even when groups successfully organize large coalitions to achieve broad public interests, they rarely have a lasting impact.

Which of the following are changes in campaign financing allowed by the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision?

Correct -Certain types of interest groups can avoid having to disclose their political contributors. -Interest groups can spend unlimited funds on behalf of candidates so long as the efforts are not coordinated with a campaign. Incorrect -Incumbents now have an opportunity to see which political donors oppose them for re-election. -Citizen's United helped curb "dark money" in politics.

Which of the following are reasons for forming a political action committee (PAC)?

Correct -Substantial contributions from PACs mean greater attention from candidates. -PACs can send a message to a candidate. -PACs can serve as an intermediary between parties. Incorrect -PACs offer greater accountability and transparency.

Which of the following are arguments former legislators make to defend taking lobbying jobs after leaving office?

Correct -They are in the best position to educate legislators. -They possess unique knowledge. -They have a right to make a living. Incorrect -They are public servants who do not personally profit from their backgrounds

Which of the following are the most common ways lobbyists influence members of the Texas legislature?

Correct -campaign contributions -gifts -entertainment -information on pending bills Incorrect -bribery

Which of the following would be considered an interest group?

Correct -doctors who join together to lobby for more funding for hospitals -citizens from across Texas who join an organization that advocates school reform -members of a community who join together to advocate for improvements in their neighborhood Incorrect -politicians who believe in tax reform and pass laws to lower taxes

What are ways that political action committees (PACs) can engage in the electoral process?

Correct -issue advocacy -get-out-the-vote efforts -campaign contributions Incorrect -creating political parties -running candidates

Which of the following are examples of incentives that interest groups use to overcome free rider problems?

Correct -subscription to a magazine -listing an individual's name as a sponsor of an organization -invitation to special conferences Incorrect -denial of government benefits that derive from an interest group's lobbying

Which of the following is the primary goal of an interest group?

Influencing ALL branches of government

Which of the following terms refers to a regulatory agency that seems to serve, rather than oversee, the interests it monitors?

Interest Group Capture

What is the term used to describe former legislators who become lobbyists?

Revolving Door