GOVT 2306 Chap 6

In what ways are interest groups more effective than private citizens in influencing policy makers?

Interest groups can provide their knowledge and expertise on issues to policy makers.

Which of the following is an example of a civil rights group?

League of United Latin American Citizens

Which of the following statements is true?

Texas is known as a state that has long had powerful interest groups, mostly representing the business sector.

Why do interest groups hire former legislators and government officials as lobbyists?

These officials can use their friendships and personal connections to gain access to policy makers.

Large and organized interests groups are

able hire and develop a staff that can work more efficiently than any individual working alone.

For an interest group to be effective, it is most important that it have

access to politicians.

Bundling happens when

an interest group combines the campaign contributions from multiple sources into one larger donation.

Civil rights groups

are concerned about issues affecting the lives primarily of African Americans and Latinos.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

are formed by interest groups to donate campaign funds to political candidates.

In Texas, the most powerful interest groups represent which interests?

business

It is often claimed that __________-oriented interest groups, or "The Lobby," dominated the Texas legislature.

business

Texas lawmakers receive only $600 a month, plus an additional $150 a day when on legislative business,

but they are permitted to use campaign contributions from interest groups for expenses associated with holding office.

How do interest groups participate in elections?

by mobilizing voters and providing campaign funds

Which type of interest groups often use litigation to represent the interests of their members?

civil rights interest groups

Lobbyists are individuals

employed by interest groups to try to influence government policies.

Which sector spent the most on lobbying in 2013?

energy and natural resources

Lawmakers are permitted to use campaign contributions from interest groups

for expenses associated with holding office.

Because getting access to legislators and government officials is difficult, interest groups often hire

former legislators and government officials, who can use their friendships and personal connections to gain access

According to an idea known as the free rider problem,

individuals have an incentive not to take direct action if they can benefit without making any direct contribution.

Interest groups form to

influence government to adopt policies favored by the group's membership.

Interest groups are established in order to

influence the programs and policies of the government.

Dark money

is a form of political money where donors can remain anonymous.

Interest groups attempt to influence policy makers through a technique known as __________, during which a given group's representatives meet with legislators to present their demands, entertain the legislators, and demonstrate grassroots support for the group's policies.

lobbying

Individuals who are employed by interest groups to try to influence government policies are called

lobbyists.

Interest groups participate in elections by

mobilizing voters and providing campaign funds.

A _______________ is formed by an interest group to donate campaign funds to political candidates.

political action committee

Trial lawyers are which type of interest group?

professional

Public interest groups

promote consumer, environmental, and general public issues.

Common Cause is an example of a __________ interest group.

public

Professional groups

represent the interests of specific professions in the state, such as accountants, chiropractors, and dentists

Lobbying refers to

representatives of an interest group meeting with legislators to present their demands, entertain legislators, or demonstrate grassroots support for the group's policies.

Labor unions in Texas

spend less on lobbying and campaigns than do business, single-interest, and professional interest groups.

When political actions committees (PACs) engage in issue advocacy, they

spend money on a campaign issue, such as television advertisements, but do not coordinate these activities with the candidate.

Which of the following interest groups played an influential role in the Texas Constitutional Convention of 1875?

the Grange

Interest groups can mobilize various resources but NOT fund-raising. information. the individuals they represent.

the ability to vote on legislation concerning their members.

Interest groups tend to give the majority of their money to

the incumbent candidate.

Policy makers and elected officials benefit from developing relationships with lobbyists because

they gain information and expertise in areas of special concern to the group.

Why do interest groups provide members with symbolic benefits?

to strengthen the bonds between an individual and the group

How important is the role of providing information for lobbyists?

very important, as lobbyists have expertise on issues to offer members of the legislature

Compared to other states, laws in Texas that deal with lobbying by former government officials are

weaker.