Chapter 6: Interest Groups and Lobbying

Which of the following descriptions of interest groups are accurate?

-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

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

-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.

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

-entertainment -information on pending bills -campaign contributions -gifts

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

-subscription to a magazine -invitation to special conferences -listing an individual's name as a sponsor of an organization -discount on insurance and travel

What is the significance of financial investment of groups like EMILY's List for candidates seeking office?

Early financial investments by donors give candidates the ability to build the necessary organization and momentum needed to win

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

False

What statement related to Texas's status as a one-party state correlates with reasons people give for not voting?

Republicans have won statewide for 25 years

What characteristics make former legislators effective lobbyists?

They have intimate knowledge of the government process.They are often close to or friendly with other lawmakers.

Because of their significant influence in Texas, particularly in the primary elections, Republican candidates must pay close attention to the issues that are important to which subset of voters?

evangelical christians

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

former legislators former senior legislative staffers former executive branch officials

The power of ____ means that groups are more likely to contribute to candidates or parties that are already in office even if a ____ may have views closer to their own positions.

incumbency advantage, challenger

What is the single biggest benefit of interest groups to policy makers?

information

Influential political scientist E. E. Schattschneider once stated, "The flaw with the pluralist heaven is that the heavenly chorus sings with a strong upper-class accent."Which of the following best expresses what he meant by this?

interest groups represent issues important to higher socioeconomic groups

The small staffs and limited office funds of most legislators often lead them to rely on ____ to provide _____ of legislation that legislators can tweak to make their own.

interest groups, first drafts

Which of the following is a primary criticism of the practice known as the "revolving door"?

officials take actions to improve their chances of lucrative lobbying futures

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

policies that are beneficial for their groups

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

right to associate w others

Interest groups may provide supporting individuals and groups with special recognition in publications, identifying them as sponsors of the group and supporters of the cause. What are these benefits called?

solidary benefits

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

to help retire campaign debt of winning candidates to build a relationship with a winning candidate after the election