Review #3 for Chapter 6

economic groups

*Business Groups -Texas Chamber of Commerce *Labor Unions -AFL-CIO, Harris County Branch

negative effects of interest groups

-Lobbying in Texas is done with very few rules and little oversight -Give unelected individuals tons of control over public policy with no chance for the public to reign them in

lobbyists

a person who takes part in an organized attempt to influence legislators

positive effects of interest groups

-Lobbyists provide much needed info that the legislature needs to do its job; without lobbyists, the legislature wouldn't be able to function -Lobbying is protected by the 1st Amendment and protects citizens' rights to petition their govt

free rider problem

People don't join interest groups because it costs money to join (monthly or yearly dues) and they can get the benefits for free; they are free-riders

why do people join interest groups

People join interest groups because they are strongly motivated by the group's goals or, perhaps, they believe they can exercise power within the group that they would not otherwise have. Groups also entice people to join them by offering group benefits or even by punishing those who do not join.

why are interest groups so powerful in Texas- special interest and the legislature, government structure, public attitudes, political cultural, political weakness

*Decentralized Govt -The Plural Executive gives lobbyists 7 govt officials they can lobby, not just 1 (the Governor), as in most states -Texas has a large bureaucracy that lobbyists also go after --If you can't get a bill passed exactly the way you want, you go to the bureaucratic agency implementing the law and try and get them to implement it how you want *Short Legislative Sessions -The legislature only meets 140 days every other year, so legislators are especially reliant on the info and expertise of lobbyists --This is also because legislators have a very small staff *Judicial Elections -Unlike at the federal level, or in other states, Judges in Texas have to run campaigns, so need $, which lobbyists can provide *Strength of the party system in Texas -Political parties are not that strong in Texas - can't control candidates (we are too stubborn and independent) so legislators rely more on the interest groups than the parties

Types of lobbyist

*In-house lobbyists -Hired by an interest group to work exclusively for the organization as a member of staff --Since these lobbyists are exclusively dedicated to the group, they are more likely to create and pursue a legislative strategy - writing their own legislation, getting a member of Congress to propose it, and then working to get it passed. *Contract lobbyists -These lobbyists are hired by interest groups as external contractors - political "hired guns" who work for more than one client (interest group) at a time, working on a variety of issues. --These lobbyists are less likely to pursue a legislative strategy because they work for so many different interests and usually work for a particular interest group for too short a time

incentives to join/benefits of interest groups

*Informational Benefits -Special newsletters, training programs and conferences, and other helpful info. you can't get if you aren't a member. The Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons (AARP) offers special info packets for members with things like, "how not to get taken advantage of on the internet." Made my Grandma read it twice *Solidarity Benefits -Meet ups and other benefits that emphasize friendship and networking. The Sierra Club organizes hikes for their members so you can do what you enjoy and meet others who enjoy the same *Purposive Benefits -These emphasize the purpose and accomplishments of the group --Interest groups are not stupid, they know that people prefer to do good if they can show off to others and let everyone know they are "good people doing good for the world." ---When they give you a "free" shirt or bumper sticker, they know you will display it to show how awesome you are and then the group gets free publicity to hopefully attract new members *Material Benefits -Special goods, services, or deals offered to members. These are the most effective benefits, as they are monetarily making it worth your while to join --The AARP are the masters of the material benefit. It costs $16 a year to be a member of the AARP and then you get discounts on everything - and when I say everything, I mean everything!

First amendment basis

*Interest groups and lobbying are protected by the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution -Right to petition the government for redress of grievances --the right to make a complaint to, or seek the assistance of, one's government, without fear of punishment or reprisals -Because lobbying is protected by the Constitution, it can't be outlawed and there are limits to how much it can be regulated

non-economic groups

*Professional/Career Groups -Professional --Texas Health Care Association -Government Employee --Texas Community College Teachers Association *Public Interest Groups -Environmental --Sierra Club -Public Advocacy/Govt Watchdog --Common Cause Texas *Social Groups -Racial and Ethnic Groups --NAACP -Women's Groups --Texas League of Women Voters *Texas Power Groups -The Texas Legislature, recognizing the power of certain interest groups, put together a list of power groups --These groups include certain categories of interest groups and are the most influential in the legislature: ---Business Groups ----Particularly real estate groups ---Professional Groups ----Like the American Medical Association, Texas

informal lobbying rules

Consider yourself an information source. Legislators have limited time, staff, and interest on any one issue. They can't be as informed as they might like on all issues—or the ones that concern you. YOU can fill the information gap. 2. Tell the truth. There is no faster way to lose your credibility than to give misleading information to a legislator. 3. Know who is on your side. It is helpful for a legislator to know what other groups, individuals, state agencies, and/or legislators are working with you on an issue. 4. Know the opposition. Anticipate who the opposition will be—organized or individual. Tell the legislator what their arguments are likely to be and provide then with answers and rebuttals. 5. Make the legislator aware of any personal connection you may have. No matter how insignificant you may feel it is, if you have any friends, relatives, and/or other colleagues in common, let them know! Our legislative process is very informal. While a personal connection may make no difference in your effectiveness—it may make the difference. 6. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something. If a legislator wants information you don't have or asks something you don't know, acknowledge that and then offer to get the information they are looking for. 7. Be specific about what you are looking for. If you want a vote, information, answers to a question—whatever it is—make sure you ask for it directly and get an answer. 8. Follow up. Find out if your legislator did what she/he said they would. Then, thank them or ask for an explanation as to why they did not vote as they said they would. 9. Don't burn any bridges. It is very easy to get emotional over issues you feel very strongly about. However, be sure that no matter what a legislator's decision on an issue, you end the conversation on good enough terms that you can go back to them. Remember that your strongest opponent on one issue may be your strongest ally on another. 10. REMEMBER YOU ARE THE BOSS! Your tax money pays legislators' salaries, pays for the paper they write on, the phone they call you on. YOU are the employer and they are the employees. You should be courteous, but don't be intimidated. They are responsible to you and nine out of ten, legislators are grateful for your input.

Regulation of lobbying- constitutional guarantees in the US and Texas Constitutions, Texas ethics commission rules, those who must register

First amendment- freedom of the press. No bribery

what counts as bribery

The offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of something of value for the purpose of influencing the action of an official in the discharge of his or her public or legal duties.

Interest groups

a group of people who act or work together in support of a cause

advocacy

is an activity by an individual or group which aims to influence decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions. Advocacy can include many activities that a person or organization undertakes including media campaigns, public speaking, commissioning and publishing research or conducting exit poll or the filing of an amicus brief.

Lobbying

is the act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in a government, most often legislators or members of regulatory agencies. Lobbying is done by many types of people, associations and organized groups, including individuals in the private sector, corporations, fellow legislators or government officials, or advocacy groups (interest groups).

theory of pluralism

is the idea that society is best served by having lots of different interests in society that are represented by groups who compete for influence with the govt. All the govt has to do is mediate between the different groups and use the info they provide to create useful, effective and worthwhile policies for the state or country.

direct means of influencing government

refers to attempts to influence a legislative body through communication with a member or employee of a legislative body, or with a government official who participates in formulating legislation.

indirect means of influencing government

refers to attempts to influence legislation by attempting to affect the opinion of the public with respect to the legislation and encouraging the audience to take action with respect to the legislation. In either case, the communications must refer to and reflect a view on the legislation.

revolving door

refers to the interchange of personnel, usually between businesss and government, but also between lobby groups, management consultants, think tanks and government, as well as between the media or public relations firms and government.