Chapter 6 Flashcards
It is often claimed that ________-oriented interest groups, or “The Lobby,” dominate the Texas legislature.
business
Texas is known as a state that has long had powerful interest groups, mostly representing the business sector.
True
Policy makers and elected officials benefit from developing relationships with lobbyists for all of the following reasons
They gain information and expertise in areas of special concern to the group.
Interest groups often donate campaign funds.
Lobbyists provide volunteers and publicity for campaigns.
Lobbyists are individuals who
are employed by interest groups to try to influence government policies.
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.
In 2010, how many registered lobbyists in Texas were former legislators?
65
Because gaining access to legislators imposes on their time, lobbyists have responded primarily by
providing entertainment (e.g., dinners, golfing, etc.) for elected officials.
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.
Interest groups form to
influence government to adopt policies favored by the group’s membership.
Interest groups participate in the political process by engaging in all of the following activities
mobilizing voters.
providing campaign funds.
offering research and education programs.
Interest groups have certain advantages over private citizens, including
expertise.
____________ are considered to be the strongest and most influential interest groups in Texas.
Business and corporate interests
The Texas Medical Association is an example of a ____________ interest group.
professional
Which of the following is an example of a civil rights group?
League of United Latin American Citizens.
Common Cause is an example of a ___________ interest group.
public
Which of the following PACs spend the least amount of money on lobbying and campaigns in Texas?
labor
Campaign contributions come primarily from ____________ interest groups.
business or corporate
A _______________ is formed by an interest group to donate campaign funds to political candidates.
political action committee
Laws in Texas dealing with lobbying by former government officials are described by the authors of the textbook as ____________
weak.
Sam Rayburn served in the Texas House for six years of his long political career. He was concerned with corruption and refused to accept free meals and entertainment from lobbyists. He referred to his fellow legislators who would accept such gifts from lobbyists as
“steak men.”
The Grange was an early interest group that exerted influence over the Constitution of 1876 and focused on the concerns of
farmers.
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, to entertain the legislators, and to demonstrate grassroots support for the group’s policies.
lobbying
According to the authors of the textbook, when an interest group supports the losing candidate in an election, that interest group
will often make a substantial contribution to the winning candidate whom it formerly opposed.
In 2008, what percentage of the money given to Republican and Democratic legislative candidates came from PACs?
55 percent
