TX GOV Ch. 6 pt. II
What resource(s) are interest groups able to use to influence politics? members ability to raise money credibility All of these are correct.
Correct Answer: All of these are correct.
Which of the following is NOT a typical threat to an incumbent running for re-election? scandal the greater fund-raising opportunities of challengers redistricting controversial voting record
Correct Answer: the greater fund-raising opportunities of challengers
Which incentives do interest groups engage in to overcome the free rider problem? special discounts subscription to a magazine access to special information on the Internet All of these are correct.
Correct Answer: All of these are correct.
Which of the following is the best example of a public interest group? the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund the Texas Medical Association Common Cause Texans for Lawsuit Reform
Correct Answer: Common Cause
Civil rights groups such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund represent their groups' interests only through litigation especially in the federal courts. True False
Correct Answer: False
Gaining access to politicians through personal connections is a violation of Texas state laws. True False
Correct Answer: False
Some of Texas's biggest lobby spenders are groups that include the interests of consumers the environment or human services. True False
Correct Answer: False
Who argued in Federalist 10 that "factions" would play an important role in American politics? George Washington Ben Franklin Thomas Paine James Madison
Correct Answer: James Madison
What was the problem Speaker Sam Rayburn identified with the "steak men" at the beginning of the twentieth century? They were politicians who were in the pocket of the cattle industry. They were legislators who would "sell" their votes on a bill for free steak dinners. They were legislators who would attempt to cut all the meat out of the budgets. They were lobbyists who Rayburn said were full of "bull."
Correct Answer: They were legislators who would "sell" their votes on a bill for free steak dinners.
Dark money is political money that comes from donors who do NOT have to be disclosed. True False
Correct Answer: True
Interest groups typically have more time money and expertise to offer politicians than do average citizens. True False
Correct Answer: True
Political action committees help interest groups bundle campaign donations. True False
Correct Answer: True
Redistricting and scandal are the two greatest threats to an incumbent's electoral advantage. True False
Correct Answer: True
Interest groups are best seen as an organization established to influence the government's programs and policies basically the same as political part. largely irrelevant in Texas politics today. corrupt entities that harm democracy.
Correct Answer: an organization established to influence the government's programs and policies
One major way for interest groups to promote the political interests of elected officials who support their viewpoints and oppose the interests of those who do NOT is by engaging in campaign contributions. hiring staff personnel. buying media access. letter writing.
Correct Answer: campaign contributions.
According to Mancur Olson which of the following is a basic dilemma in interest group politics? free rider problem game theory proportional theory multi-party theory
Correct Answer: free rider problem
Most lobbyists are women. are less educated but politically astute. have expertise in policy matters or personal relationships with legislators. are corrupt.
Correct Answer: have expertise in policy matters or personal relationships with legislators.
Battleground Texas is the latest attempt by the Democratic Party to do all of the following EXCEPT identify potential Democratic voters. identify potential candidates. make voters familiar with Democratic positions. make voters familiar with Democratic candidates.
Correct Answer: identify potential candidates.
As in the U.S. Congress most campaign contributions in Texas go to incumbents. supporters of environmental interests. Democrats. political parties.
Correct Answer: incumbents.
The primary goal of interest groups is to influence all branches of government at all levels. mobilize citizens. testify before legislative committees. inform and educate public officials.
Correct Answer: influence all branches of government at all levels.
A private group that raises and distributes funds for use in election campaigns is called a(n) interest group. political action committee. campaign revenue association. advocacy association.
Correct Answer: political action committee.
Lobbyists can do all of the following EXCEPT provide information to politicians. write bills. testify at hearings. provide bribes to lawmakers.
Correct Answer: provide bribes to lawmakers.
Texans Advocating for Meaningful Student Assessment enabled people to join together and seek policy change in a number of ways EXCEPT by providing like-minded individuals an organizational structure for discussing problems and offering solutions. providing a vehicle for working with other organizations like the Texas Association of School Administrators which was also concerned with testing. raising money to help pay for their efforts. successfully removing the end-of-year course exams.
Correct Answer: successfully removing the end-of-year course exams.
The largest and most effective public employee interest group in Texas is made up of firefighters. police officers. teachers. justices of the peace.
Correct Answer: teachers.
The situation in which individuals receive the benefits of collective action without contributing is known as the "free rider problem." the "welfare state." "benefit stealing." "coattailing."
Correct Answer: the "free rider problem."
