Interest Groups

What is "grassroots mobilization"?

"Grassroots mobilization" is the use of strategic efforts by ordinary citizens, often on the part of an interest group, to organize political actions.

What are the three components that make up an iron triangle?

An iron triangle is so named because it delineates three primary players constituting it (legislators, bureaucrats, and interest groups) and implies how strong the links between these interested parties can be in resisting outside pressure.

Which interest groups are the most successful and influential in Texas?

Because of the efficiency needed to accommodate the short legislative sessions, interest groups that represent businesses—and can thus marshal greater financial resources—are the most successful in Texas.

How does the "lobby" in Texas compare to that of many other states?

Compared to many other states, interest groups in Texas have relatively strong political power and influence.

What three types of lobbyists constitute "the lobby" ?

Depending on the terms of their employment, in-house, contract, and public advocacy firm lobbyists are the three types that constitute "the lobby."

Why might public officials listen to interest groups?

Interest groups develop expertise on the policies they seek to influence and provide that expertise to public officials, thus reducing the information costs borne by legislators and their staffs in making policy.

How might interest groups be involved in campaigns ?

Interest groups might be involved with campaigns by making contributions that can be used to pay for advertising or fund public events for a candidate. They may also directly purchase ads meant to influence voters.

Which of the following is true regarding the relationship between public and private interest groups?

Public and private interest groups are not necessarily adversarial, as their goals may sometimes overlap, fostering cooperation between the two in a mutual effort to influence public policy.

What is a public interest group?

Public interest groups promote policies that produce widely distributed benefits that the general population can enjoy.

Which of the following is a way that interest groups commonly seek to get their members into government?

Representatives of organized interests and businesspeople who contribute to political campaigns frequently become appointees to boards overseeing areas of public policy related to their interests.

Sub Governments are often known by what other name?

Sub-governments are commonly referred to as "iron triangles" due to their three essential components, relative strength within government, and insulation from public pressures.

What is one way that Texas based interest groups may attempt to influence national policy?

Texas-based interest groups try to influence policy by filing lawsuits in the federal court system. This often occurs in the areas of voting and civil rights.

What is the distinction between an interest group and a group of people with common interests?

The distinction is based on political engagement. Interest groups, unlike people with common interests, are politically active—they pool their resources and engage in collective action.

Which of the following lobbying activities is illegal?

Trading a vote on public policy for money or other benefits is a felony in Texas.

Why is the influence of watchdog groups limited?

While watchdog groups do investigate how interests gain influence, including their appointment to state and local boards, these types of appointments are not illegal under state law.