Chapter 6: Interest groups and lobbying

Jack Abromoff

most notorious lobbyist sentenced to 5 years in prison "a lobbyists playbook" proves how corruption is evident at every level of the lobbying process

revolving door

the process by which legislators, their aides, or other policy makers leave government and find employment with groups that used to lobby them

incumbent candidates

those currently holding a political office and looking to get reelected in that office

individual lobbyists and interest groups

who has to register as lobbyists?

texas ethics commission

who regulates lobbyists?

activities involved in lobbying

campaign contributions, gifts, entertainment, etc. (can be seen as forms of bribery)

non-economically focused interest groups

civil rights organizations public-interest groups single-inters groups

political action committee

-a group that is organized primarily for the purpose of funneling money to political candidates -a private group that raises and distributes funds for use in election campaigns -getting campaign contributions to candidates

lobbyist

-an individual employed by an interest group who tries to influence governmental decisions on behalf of that group -exclude the voice of the people and influences legislature

interest group

-an organization established to influence the governments programs and policies -members pursue a common goal -it attempts to affect public policy -members seek to achieve their goal through the political process

electioneering

-efforts to influence the outcome of elections, especially through providing campaign funds -special interests that use money to fix election by influencing outcome of election

the grange

-influenced the writing of the texas state constitution of 1876 -this interest group, a powerful farmers organization, embodied a few members that were framers of the constitution -influenced the constitution by incorporating values such as pro-small farmer and opposition of a powerful state government

representation of interest groups

-large interest groups with a broad agenda might represent multiple issues because they have a hard time taking a stand for only one issue-less efficient/effective -small interest groups with a narrow agenda are more successful because they have a more cohesive plan for one issue

limitations on lobbying

-laws require lobbyists to report their activities in the spirit of full disclosure so that the public can see how much money is being spent to influence legislators -there are no restrictions on former law makers becoming lobbyists -there are few limitations placed on activities of lobbyists but all activity must be reported to the Texas Ethics commission -lobbyists much register with texas ethics commission, reveal their list of clients, and dispose how much they are compensated for their services

labor unions (public employee groups) and professional associations

behind business, where does labor fall as special interest?

a dangerous business

highlighted the gaps that exist between regulations and the enforcement of those regulations in a state dominated by strong business interests

economically focused interest groups

labor unions-public employee groups professional associations trade associations

late train contribution

lobbyists making contributions to both sides so no matter what, they are guaranteed a say in the legislature no matter who wins (playing both sides)

corrosive side of politics

lobbyists represent the _____.