chapter 6 interest groups in texas

What type of lobbying occurs when special interest groups orchestrate demonstrations to give the impression of widespread and spontaneous public support for the issues they support? a. Astroturf lobbying b. Grassroots lobbying c. Umbrella lobbying d. Clientele lobbying

Astroturf lobbying

Co-optation

Granting special favors in exchange for a benefit. "Buying off" critics.

Which of the following best describes the power an administrative agency has in implementing policy requirements set by law? Permission Accommodation Registration Discretion Authorization

discretion

Why is Texans for Public Justice considered a "public interest" group? Creating a society where equal rights are assured to people of all races improves diversity. The lower taxes it seeks will benefit everyone. Lobbying for higher public spending in education and social services benefits everyone. Its goal to check the influence of corporate money in politics should increase the power of all voters. Opening Texas to investment from out of state will boost the entire state's economy.

.Its goal to check the influence of corporate money in politics should increase the power of all voters.

Identify the example of a mixed interest group? a. A professional association for a particular occupation b. A group fighting discrimination against Latinos c. A group fighting for cleaner air d. A coalition of right to life groups

A group fighting discrimination against Latinos

political movement

A mass alliance of like-minded groups and individuals seeking broad changes in the direction of government policies.

conflict of interest

A situation in which public officers stand to benefit personally from their official decisions.

Which of the following statements supports the argument that Texas operates under a pluralist system? Lobbyists provide information to legislators. Interest groups have few active members. A wide variety of competing groups represent nearly every interest in the state. Interest groups have widely varying levels of resources and political access. Many interest groups focus on a single issue.

A wide variety of competing groups represent nearly every interest in the state.

What is an activity of interest groups? To influence government policy makers To mobilize citizens To testify before legislative committees To inform and educate public officials All of these are correct.

All of these are correct.

Which of the following best describes an interest group? A group of legislators who work together to shape public policy in the interests of their supporters An organization of individuals or businesses that seek to influence government policies in their favor An organization of government employees whose political views often shape the direction of policy A group of like-minded individuals who organize to help nominate and elect candidates for office A group of business owners who have contracts with state government

An organization of individuals or businesses that seek to influence government policies in their favor

astroturf lobbying

Any lobbying method initiated by an interest group that is designed to look like the spontaneous, independent participation of many individuals.

umbrella organizations

Associations formed by smaller interests joining together to promote common policy goals by making campaign contributions and hiring lobbyists to represent their interests.

late-train contributions

Campaign funds given to the winning candidate after the election up to 30 days before the legislature comes into session. Such contributions are designed to curry favor with winning candidates.

Which individual subscribes to the pluralist theory of interest groups regarding public policy in a free society? a. Maria thinks that public policy should be subject to strict scrutiny standards and voted on by the general public in yearly elections. b. Namrata thinks that public policy should be made entirely by lobbyists and competing interest groups and should not be left in the hands of corrupt politicians. c. Joel thinks that public policy should be made by the officials in power without the corrupting influence of competing interest groups. d. Colin thinks that public policy should be made by a multitude of competing interest groups, assuring that policies will not benefit a single elite at the expense of the many.

Colin thinks that public policy should be made by a multitude of competing interest groups, assuring that policies will not benefit a single elite at the expense of the many.

Which of the following scenarios most significantly confirms suspicion that elite theory is the best descriptor of Texas politics? Despite heavy lobbying from both sides, the legislature regularly sides with corporate interests over consumer interests. There are so many lobbyists representing so many groups that legislators often face gridlock as they try to choose a position. Nearly every Texan is involved in an interest group, and participation rates are going up. Confronted with significant grassroots opposition, state judges overturned a law that would have shielded banks from certain liability claims. All of these are correct.

Despite heavy lobbying from both sides, the legislature regularly sides with corporate interests over consumer interests.

Electioneering

Direct group involvement in the electoral process, for example, by helping to fund campaigns, getting members to work for candidates, and forming political action committees.

In the rule-making process, the legislature allows executive agencies wide latitude to make decisions within the broad requirements set out in the law. This is referred to as a. lobbying. b. implementation. c. discretion. d. co-optation.

Discretion

issue network

Dynamic alliances among a wide range of individuals and groups activated by broad public policy questions.

Why might economic interest groups find more success than public interest groups? Economic interest groups tend to seek broader policy changes. Economic interest groups tend to have more diverse membership. Economic interest groups often benefit larger numbers of people. Economic interest groups generally have more resources with which to lobby. All of these are correct.

Economic interest groups generally have more resources with which to lobby.

revolving door

Employment cycle in which individuals who work for governmental agencies that regulate interests eventually end up working for interest groups or businesses with the same policy concern.

Which of the following statements most accurately describes an advantage of interest groups? Interest groups are best able to represent geographic interests. Interest groups allow individuals to elect candidates to state office efficiently. Interest groups minimize competition in policy making. Interest groups help to inform and organize the most interested citizens. Interest groups help isolate officeholders from public opinion.

Interest groups help to inform and organize the most interested citizens.

Which of the following interest group tactics may explain why so many Texas judicial decisions have favored corporations over consumers and workers? Interest groups for consumers are generally more focused on legislation rather than litigation. Interest groups representing business actively campaign for and contribute financially to the election of judges favorable to their interests. Interest groups use the Texas Register to their advantage when it comes to filing lawsuits. Interest groups are often responsible for the legal fees associated with high-profile cases. Interest groups focus on influencing the laws of the state, so court battles often turn in their favor.

Interest groups representing business actively campaign for and contribute financially to the election of judges favorable to their interests.

What is one way that smaller interest groups can most effectively boost their political power? Organize members in a get-out-the-vote campaign Focus all available funds on campaign contributions Utilize volunteer lobbyists to meet with legislators on the opening day of the legislature Join together to form an umbrella organization to hire common lobbyists Speak out publicly against large interest groups to highlight corruption

Join together to form an umbrella organization to hire common lobbyists

An interest group representative arranges to meet with a state legislator to convince the legislator to support a particular public policy. This activity is referred as a. politicking. b. lobbying. c. issue networking. d. advocacy.

Lobbying

access

The ability to "get in the door" to sit down and talk to public officials. Campaign contributions are often used to gain access.

Which of the following best explains why some analysts may be concerned about the existence of iron triangles? Policies that are made within iron triangles often ignore the needs of interest groups in the state. The close relationships that develop within iron triangles tend to lead to policy making that is largely hidden from the public. Iron triangles contribute to a lack of communication between the legislature and the bureaucracy in charge of implementing laws that have been passed. The support between interest groups and bureaucracies tends to reduce the power of the executive branch. The work of iron triangles tends to be widely opposed by the public.

The close relationships that develop within iron triangles tend to lead to policy making that is largely hidden from the public.

Which of the following best describes why interest groups attempt to influence the executive branch in policy making? The executive branch adopts the appropriations bill. The executive branch can overturn policies that are seen as violating federal law. The executive branch shapes regulations as it outlines implementation for new policies. The executive branch can propose state constitutional amendments as necessary. All of these are correct.

The executive branch shapes regulations as it outlines implementation for new policies.

elitist theory

The view that the state is ruled by a small number of participants who exercise power to further their own self-interest.

pluralist theory

The view that, in a free society, public policy should be made by a multitude of competing interest groups, ensuring that policies will not benefit a single elite at the expense of the many.

Under which of the following circumstances would electioneering be an interest group's most valuable tool? Large protests are brewing over the passage of a law the group supported. A bureaucratic decision has threatened the interests of the group. There is an open-seat race in a competitive district where voter turnout is likely to be decisive. The legislature is considering a bill that would benefit large numbers of the group's members. The governor has announced that she will begin searching for an appointee for a vacant regulatory position.

There is an open-seat race in a competitive district where voter turnout is likely to be decisive.

clientele groups

These are the groups most affected by a government agency's regulations and programs, and they frequently form close alliances with the agency based on mutual support and accommodation.

Which of the following best explains why so many successful lobbyists are former legislators? They are likely to have a financial advantage over new lobbyists. They are allowed to attend meetings that are otherwise closed to the public. They are less likely to face charges of corruption. They have already made connections and developed relationships with current members of the legislature. They can bring an outsider's perspective to the legislative process.

They have already made connections and developed relationships with current members of the legislature.

Why do many public interest groups—such as the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund—often rely on the courts instead of the legislative or executive branches to advance their members' interests? They often need to defend legislative victories against opponents who bring suit against new laws. They often lack the funding to compete with other interest groups in lobbying and electioneering. They often spend vast resources on campaign contributions for candidates for the state judiciary. They often represent a majority interest that can sway the court. They often oppose federal court rulings and seek state remedies.

They often lack the funding to compete with other interest groups in lobbying and electioneering.

Why are groups such as Texas Right to Life and the National Rifle Association of Texas so successful in influencing legislators? Their groups are the best financed groups in the state. They employ the most professional lobbyists. They are the longest-standing groups in the state, which means they have strong connections to sitting legislators. They represent people on issues that members generally use as their primary "voting issue."

They represent people on issues that members generally use as their primary "voting issue."

What is the primary goal of interest groups' campaign contribution efforts? To gain access to officials in the future To defeat incumbents To shift public opinion on an issue To buy the votes of elected officials To influence future appointments to regulatory agencies

To gain access to officials in the future

Why is the Texas Register used by interest groups? To keep tabs on political appointments proposed by the governor as a means to identify new leaders with whom the group needs to gain influence To review rule changes proposed by state agencies in order to organize lobbying efforts against proposed administrative changes that are not in their interest To monitor community level changes in political affiliation, based on voters in primary elections, in order to strategize for future public relations campaigns To comply with federal lobbying regulations and report the names and affiliations of every lobbyist who works in the Texas legislature To publicize their political goals and gather support for their interests by sharing the stories of individual citizens aligned with their interest

To review rule changes proposed by state agencies in order to organize lobbying efforts against proposed administrative changes that are not in their interest

Because they have the money to maintain permanent headquarters in the state capital and can employ clerical and research staffs, groups such as the Texas Association of Business and the Texas Oil and Gas Association are considered to be among the most powerful interest groups in the state. a. True b. False

True

What are late-train contributions? a. Campaign funds given to the winning candidate after the election up to 30 days before the legislature comes into session b. Contributions given to a legislator by an interest group late in the legislative session with the hope that legislation favorable to the group will be passed before the legislative session adjourns c. Interest group contributions to a candidate's reelection campaign, given only after the candidate has supported legislation favorable to the interest group d. Special interest group fundraising parties that occur in the last 30 days before an election and are used to help get their candidate elected

a. Campaign funds given to the winning candidate after the election up to 30 days before the legislature comes into session

Which person exemplifies the reason why many people join noneconomic interest groups? a. Sandra strongly believes that life begins at conception. She joined the Texas Right to Life movement because of her beliefs. b. Lance is an electrician. He is a member of the local electrical union that fights for increased salaries and benefits for all electricians. c. Ann is a teacher. She is a member of the Texas State Teachers Association—a group that not only fights for fair teacher compensation, but also advocates for school safety and free lunch programs for students. d. Tyler is a wheat farmer. He joined the Texas Farm Bureau because the group represents farmers when legislative issues arise that deal with fair trade issues; he wants to make sure he is able to earn as much income as possible.

a. Sandra strongly believes that life begins at conception. She joined the Texas Right to Life movement because of her beliefs.

A group of wealthy Texans might contribute to a campaign in order to help their lobbyists "get in the door" and talk about their needs with legislative officials. This is known as gaining a. access. b. vetoes. c. favor. d. partisanship.

access

In Texas, which type of interest group is the most powerful and is frequently aligned with the Republican Party? a. Organized labor groups b. Business and professional groups c. Environmental groups d. Civil rights groups

b. Business and professional groups

The simplest way to classify interest groups is based on the number of members the group contains. a. True b. False

b. False

What does NOT have to be reported by lobbyists in the report they file with the Texas Ethics Commission? a. Their actual clients b. The exact dollar amount of compensation received c. Expenditures for communications designed to support or oppose legislation d. The policy areas of concern

b. The exact dollar amount of compensation received

Which tactic is especially effective in generating publicity for special interest groups because it creates a sort of "theater" that is well suited for television news and online media sites? a. Creating blogs and online forums b. Bribing lawmakers c. Organizing marches and demonstrations d. Sending letters to lawmakers

c. Organizing marches and demonstrations

Which theory views the state as being ruled by a small number of participants who exercise power to further their own self-interest? a. The pluralist theory b. The realist theory c. The elitist theory d. The co-optation theory

c. The elitist theory

Issue networks are likely to address a. global economic issues. b. county ordinances. c. broad public policy questions. d. minor legislative reform.

c. broad public policy questions.

A long-standing alliance among interest groups, legislators, and bureaucrats held together by mutual self-interest and who act as a subsystem in the legislative and administrative decision-making process is referred to as a(n) a. pressure group. b. umbrella organization. c. iron triangle. d. concrete coalition.

c. iron triangle.

What statement BEST describes the idea of co-optation? a. When organized interests attempt to delay the implementation of laws or rules by filing suit b. When lobbyists seek to influence the rule-making power of the executive branch along with trying to influence the policy-making power of the legislative branch c. When organized interests use the courts to further their causes and in doing so, solicit the media to bring public attention to the cause and put pressure on decision-makers d. When a government agency, established to regulate a particular industry, ends up being influenced and controlled by the agency it was supposed to regulate

d. When a government agency, established to regulate a particular industry, ends up being influenced and controlled by the agency it was supposed to regulate

Outraged by the number of fatalities in the state due to drunk driving, a group of concerned citizens voluntarily ban together to pressure lawmakers to increase spending on alcohol awareness programs. This group is an example of a. an iron triangle. b. an umbrella organization. c. a support group. d. an interest group.

d. an interest group.

Business and professional groups, educational groups, agricultural groups, or labor groups that seek financial advantages for their members are referred to as a. astroturf interest groups. b. noneconomic interest groups. c. mixed interest groups. d. economic interest groups.

d. economic interest groups.

Because they seek the betterment of society without affecting their members' finances, public interest groups such as Environment Texas are considered to be a. economic interest groups. b. mixed interest groups. c. private interest groups. d. noneconomic interest groups.

d. noneconomic interest groups.

Current Texas Governor, Greg Abbott declared ethics reform to be a top priority in his administration and he has made significant progress toward tightening the loose rules governing the behavior of lobbyists and public officials. a. True b. False

false

Interest group influence in the form of political participation through speaking, writing, and petitioning government for "redress of grievances" is a protected right guaranteed by which Amendment to the U.S. Constitution? a. First b. Second c. Fourteenth d. Nineteenth

first

In situations of co-optation, who has the upper hand in the regulation process? The governor Government regulators Interest groups Concerned members of the public Legislators

interest groups

What is the term that describes direct contact between an interest group representative and an officer of government? Electioneering Lobbying Advocacy Co-optation Litigation

lobbying

When an issue network taps into a large set of issues important to masses of people who are seeking broad changes in the direction of government policies, the issue network has blossomed into a(n) a. political movement. b. political action committee. c. iron triangle. d. clientele group.

political movement.

Because Texas does not require a "cooling-off" period nor ban legislators from becoming lobbyists immediately after leaving office, many ex-lawmakers in Texas become lobbyists for the very interest groups they once regulated. This is referred to as a. the iron triangle. b. astroturf lobbying. c. the revolving door. d. co-optation.

revolving door

Implementation

the process by which a law or policy is put into operation : The legislature gives the executive branch and its administrative agencies responsibility for carrying out broad public policies, enforcing state laws, providing public services, and managing day-to-day government activities

When many smaller interests, such as industries, wholesalers, producers, retailers, and professionals, join together to promote their common policy goals, it is called a(n) a. umbrella organization. b. business network. c. iron alliance. d. pressure group.

umbrella

discretion

which is wide latitude to make decisions within the broad requirements set out in the law. The legislative branch authorizes administrative agencies to establish detailed rules or regulations that determine how the law shall be applied to actual situations.