Chp. 6 InQuizitive
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 reasons why interest groups form political action committees (PACs)?
- PACs can send a message to a candidate. - Substantial contributions from PACs mean greater attention from candidates. -PACs can serve as an intermediary between parties.
Match each of the following examples of interest groups to the general type of interest group that best describes it.
- Professional group Texas Medical Association - Civil rights group League of United Latin American Citizens - Public interest group Sierra Club - Public-employee interest group Association of Texas Professional Educators
Analyze the infographic below, and then determine which of the following statements are accurate.
- 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.
Analyze the figure below, and then determine which of the following statements are correct.
- The overall amount raised by Texas House incumbents is more money than both incumbents and challengers in the Senate races. - Approximately 80 percent of all donations made in races for the state legislature is given to incumbents.
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.
What is the usefulness "late train" contributions?
- help retire campaign debt of winning candidates. - contributions to the winning candidates to try to build a relationship after the election.
Study the information in the table, and then determine which statements can be supported by the information
-Texans express less trust and engagement in their society and social structures than most Americans. -Low levels of involvement and volunteer activities correlate with low voter turnout. -Of all civic engagement activities, Texans engage in political ones the least
Watch the animation on lobbying in Texas, and then determine which of the following statements are accurate.
Because of Texas's large population, a relatively large number of lobbyists seek to influence state government.
Which of the following are changes in campaign financing allowed by the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision?
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 is the primary goal of an interest group?
Effectively influence government policymakers
Texas is near the top of the nation in measures of social connectedness that lead to civic engagement.
False: "Texas near the bottom of social contentedness that lead to civic engagement."
Which of the following statements can be supported by the information provided in the table below?
Outside Campaign Expenditures in Presidential Elections -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.
What is the primary goal of interest groups when they interact with policymakers?
Policies that are beneficial for their groups
Which of the following are arguments former legislators make to defend taking lobbying jobs after leaving office?
They are in the best position to educate legislators. They possess unique knowledge. They have a right to make a living.
Because Texas generally has low rates of __________________________, individual effects on the Texas political process are likely to be ______.
civic engagement, low
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
Effective interest groups tend to have which of the following resources available to them?
members money credibility
An individual can have the greatest influence on public policy when they have what trait(s)?
persistence and a well-reasoned argument
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 peaceably to assemble
