Texas government chapter 6

Match each of the following examples of interest groups to the general type of interest group that best describes it.

Association of Texas Professional Educators- public-employee interest group Texas Medical Association- professional group Sierra Club- public interest group League of United Latin American Citizens- civil rights group

Analyze the infographic below, and then determine which of the following statements are accurate.

Correct The northeastern region of the U.S. has more lobbyists per capita than Texas. Texas has fewer registered lobbyists per capita than just about any other state. Incorrect California has more lobbyists per capita than Texas. Bigger states tend to have more lobbyists per capita than smaller states.

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 standardized testing reforms in schools. 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

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. -Groups provide valuable research and education to policymakers and the public on specific issues. Incorrect -Even when groups successfully organize large coalitions to achieve broad public interests, they rarely have a lasting impact. -Interest groups that advocate for major policy changes are more successful than those that advocate for the status qou.

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

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

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. Citizens United helped curb "dark money" in politics.

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.

What characteristics make former legislators effective lobbyists?

Correct They have intimate knowledge of the government process. They are often close to or friendly with other lawmakers. incorrect They have shown their ability to win over the public through their previous elections. They can draw significant salaries.

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

Correct gifts entertainment campaign contributions information on pending bills Incorrect Bribery

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

False

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

What argument was made by James Madison in Federalist 10 to support the idea that factions in a pluralistic society lead to better government?

The large number of varied interests would lead to competition and balance that would protect against individuals from any one group becoming dominant

Analyze the infographic below, and then determine which of the following statements about contributions to the Texas legislature in 2016 are correct.

correct Lawyers and lobbyists give about equally to Democrats and Republicans. Finance, insurance, and real estate interest groups contributed more money than any other interest groups. Labor contributed more money to Democrats than to Republicans. incorrect Democrats receive more funds from interest groups than do Republicans.

Watch the animation on campaign spending by employees of different industries, and then determine which of the following statements are accurate.

correct Most campaign donations go to Republicans in the Texas legislature. Groups representing finance, insurance, and real estate were the largest contributors in 2016 Incorrect Of the eleven major types of groups discussed, all contribute more donations to Republicans than Democrats in the Texas legislature.

Which of the following statements can be supported by the information provided in the table below?

correct The Supreme Court decision in Citizens United vs. FEC led to a dramatic increase in campaign spending by outside groups in presidential elections. Citizens United vs. FEC led to the creation of large and well-funded super PACs. Republican candidates for president have been the most likely to benefit from the impacts of the decision in Citizens United vs. FEC. Incorrect The Citizens United vs. FEC decision by the Supreme Court caused a dramatic increase in spending by super PACs between 2004 and 2016.

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

correct contributions to the winning candidates to try to build a relationship after the election help retire campaign debt of winning candidates incorrect PAC contributions contributions to the Texas railroad commissioner's race

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

correct members money credibility incorrect media

Which of these rights from the First Amendment most guarantees the right of individuals to become a part of interest groups?

right of the people to peacefully assemble