GOVT 2306 Chp 6 Interest Groups and Lobbying

An individual can have the greatest influence on public policy when they have what trait(s)?

- Persistence and a well-reasoned argument

Because Texas generally has low rates of (1) individual effects on the Texas political process are likely to be (2)

1- Civic engagement 2- Low

Watch the animation on lobbying in Texas, and then determine which of the following statements are accurate

Correct Answers: - Because of Texas's large population, a relatively large number of lobbyists seek to influence state government Incorrect Answers: - Texas has more lobbyists per 100,000 people than most other states - Because of Texas's large population, Texas has a large ratio of lobbyists per 100,000 people

Which of the following descriptions of interest groups are accurate?

Correct Answers: - Business interests often have more influence than other interests - Groups that represent a narrow set of interests are more often more successful than those that represent broad interests Incorrect Answers: - Interest groups that advocate for major policy changes are more successful than those that advocate 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 would be considered an interest group?

Correct Answers: - Doctors who join together to lobby for more funding for hospitals - Citizens from across Texas who join an organization that advocates for standardized test reform in schools - Members of a community who join together to advocate for improvements in their neighborhood Incorrect Answer: Politicians who believe in tax reform and pass laws to lower taxes

Select which individuals below may become lobbyists for interest groups through the "Revolving door" without restrictions?

Correct Answers: - Former Legislators - Former Senior legislative staffers - Former executive branch officials Incorrect Answer: - Former Senior state agency officials

Which of the following are examples of incentives that Interest groups use to overcome freerider problems?

Correct Answers: - Invitations to special conferences - An organizational magazine or newsletter - Listing an individual's name as a sponsor of an organization - Discounts on insurance and travel Incorrect Answer: - Denial of benefits that resulted from an interest group lobbying

Effective interest groups tend to have which of the following resources available to them?

Correct Answers: - Members - Money - Credibility Incorrect Answer: - Media

Analyze the figure below, and then determine which of the following statements are correct (contributions to incumbents figure)

Correct Answers: - The overall amount raised by Texas house incumbents is more money than both incumbents and challengers in the Senate races - approximately 80 percent of all donations made in races for the State legislature is given to incumbents Incorrect Answers: - In the Texas Senate races, more money was given to challengers than incumbents - Challengers in House races received more money than did incumbents in Senate races

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

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

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

Correct Answers: - 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 Answers: - Citizens United helped curb "Dark Money" in politics - Incumbents now have an opportunity to see which political donors oppose them for re-election

What is the usefulness of "late-train" contributions?

Correct Answers: -Help retire campaign debt of winning candidates. - Contributions to the winning candidates to try to build a relationship after the election Incorrect Answers: - Contributions to the Texas railroad commissioner's race - PAC contributions

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

False

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

Influencing governmental decisions on behalf of an interest group

What is the primary goal of interest groups when they interact with policymakers?

Policies that are beneficial for their group

What is Dark Money?

Political money were the donors don't have to be disclosed