Chapter 6 - Interest Groups Flashcards
Amicus Curiae Brief
Persuasive doc intended to bring to the attention of a court relevant matters not already brought to its attention by the parties
Citizens United v. FEC
Landmark case
Supreme Court allowed unlimited political contributions by corporations, labor unions, and associations
Dark Money
Spending meant to influence political outcomes where the source of money is not disclosed
“Dominant/complementary” State
State in which factors are more favorable to the existence and overwhelming influence of special interest groups
Earmarks
Funds that an appropriations bill designates a for particular purpose within a state or congressional district
Electioneering
Activity that attempts to persuade people to vote for a particular candidate/party that is sympathetic to that group
Free Ride Problem
Situation where individuals are able to consume a good without paying
Grassroots Lobbying
Approach that asks the general public to contact legislators and government officials concerning issues at hands. as opposed to conveying the message to the legislators directly
Interest Group
Organization of individuals with shared goals that attempts to influence governmental decisions and public policy through a variety of activities
Ligiation
Process of resolving disputes between individuals, organizations, and government entities by filing a lawsuit with a court of law that is empowered to hear a case that ultimately will result in a desired judgment - to pursue their causes
Lobbying
Method by which interest groups attempt to influence government officials
“Open Shop” State
A state in which employees in the state maintain the option of whether or not to join a certified union
Political Action Committee (PAC)
A group specifically created to collect funds from donors and distributed them to parties and candidates who support its issues
Public Interest Group
A group that promotes the broad, collective good of citizens and consumers
Revolving Door
Movement of high-level employees from public-sector jobs to private-sector jobs and vice versa
Targeted Mass Mailings
Mailings that spotlight a specific audience profile and which speak directly to those individual prospects through specifically crafted, personalized mailers, by mailing pamphlet or other documents to a large list of individuals the group is attempting to influence
501(c)(3) Organization
Organization that qualifies as a public interest group that enjoys tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
Amount required registration if you are being paid to represent others as lobbyists
$1000
A formal association of individuals or organizations that attempts to influence government decision-making and/or the making of public policy is an:
Interest Group
Political Action Committee is initially created by the appointment of a:
Treasurer
The Texas Ethics Commission consists of
Eight (8) Commissioners
In Texas, political action committee can donate up to this amount to a candidate for state representatives during on election cycle
No limit
Major techniques used by interest groups to influence public policy:
Electioneering
Lobbying
Interest groups with a membership consisting of individuals engaged in the same industry are often called
Professional Associations
