Question 1

What are the main activities lobbyists engage in?

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

Which of the following can help offset the power of interest groups?
A) economic diversity
B) competitive political parties
C) legislative professionalism
D) All of these answers are correct.

Accepted Answer

All three of these factors can help offset the power of interest groups:
- Economic diversity can limit the influence of any one group by ensuring that no single industry or sector dominates the political landscape.
- Competitive political parties provide voters with a choice between different policy platforms, which can help to balance out the demands of different interest groups.
- Legislative professionalism refers to the level of expertise and independence of lawmakers, which can make them less susceptible to pressure from interest groups that may not have the public's best interests in mind.

Question 3

Having a large number of interest groups representing a particular interest,rather than a small number,
A) will probably make them more powerful.
B) has no relation to power.
C) will probably make them less powerful.
D) indicates that many people have similar concerns, thus raising the group's status.

Accepted Answer

Having a large number of interest groups representing a particular interest can lead to fragmentation and competition for resources, members, and attention, which can dilute their effectiveness and power. This is because resources such as funding and public support are finite, and when too many groups compete for these resources, it can weaken their collective influence.

Question 4

According to Chapter 305 of the current Government Code,an individual "who crosses either a compensation or expenditure threshold" while engaged in lobbying efforts
A) is guilty of influence peddling.
B) will be banned from further lobbying efforts for the period of two years.
C) must register as a lobbyist with the Texas Ethics Commission.
D) All of these answers are correct.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is C, as Chapter 305 of the current Government Code requires individuals who cross either a compensation or expenditure threshold while engaged in lobbying efforts to register as a lobbyist with the Texas Ethics Commission. It is not correct to assume that this individual is guilty of influence peddling or will be banned from further lobbying efforts for two years.

Question 5

Discuss how Texas regulates interest groups.

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

As an interest group,what is the Texas Municipal League's strength?
A) organization
B) size
C) status
D) number of groups

Accepted Answer

The Texas Municipal League's strength lies in its organization. It is a well-structured interest group that represents municipalities in Texas and advocates for their interests on various issues such as economic development, public safety, and municipal finance. Its organizational structure allows it to effectively communicate with and mobilize its members to achieve their objectives.

Question 7

Discuss the strength and role of private-sector and public-sector unions in Texas.What accounts for the relative strength or weakness of such unions?

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

When the relationship between a state agency and an interest group becomes very close,it is referred to as
A) entrapment.
B) "strange bedfellows."
C) capture.
D) the "Iron Triangle."

Accepted Answer

The term "capture" refers to a situation where an interest group becomes very influential over a state agency, to the point where the agency's actions benefit the interest group more than the public. This phenomenon suggests that the agency is "captured" by the interest group's interests.

Question 9

Compare and contrast retail trade associations and professional associations.

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

The process in which policy is created through the combined efforts of interest groups,a state agency,and a legislative committee is called
A) entrapment.
B) "strange bedfellows."
C) capture.
D) the "Iron Triangle."

Accepted Answer

The "Iron Triangle" refers to the relationship between interest groups, a state agency (usually a bureaucracy), and a legislative committee (or subcommittee). This relationship plays a significant role in policymaking as interest groups can influence the agency and committee to pursue policies that align with their goals. This close collaboration between these three groups can create a self-reinforcing cycle, which can lead to policy decisions that favor these groups but may not necessarily reflect the broader public interest.

Question 11

Commercial shrimp fishermen are more than likely limited in influence because of a lack of
A) geographic distribution.
B) money.
C) political party competition.
D) leadership.

Accepted Answer

Commercial shrimp fishermen are more than likely limited in influence because of a lack of geographic distribution. They are spread out over a wide area, making it difficult for them to organize and lobby for their interests.

Question 12

Discuss how money is an especially important power component of nonmembership groups.

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

Briefly describe at least five different types or subtypes of membership organizations.

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Texas required registration of interest groups for the first time in ________.
A) 1876
B) 1892
C) 1907
D) 1932

Accepted Answer

Texas first required registration of interest groups in 1907.

Question 15

All of the following contribute to legislative professionalism EXCEPT
A) limited sessions.
B) more staff support.
C) higher pay.
D) longer sessions.

Accepted Answer

Legislative professionalism is enhanced by factors that allow legislators to dedicate more time and resources to their duties, such as more staff support, higher pay, and longer sessions. Limited sessions, on the other hand, restrict the time available for legislative work, thus not contributing to professionalism.

Question 16

When the economy of a state grows more diverse,
A) it is easier for a single rich interest to monopolize power.
B) the number of interest groups shrinks.
C) the influence of interest groups becomes greater.
D) no single industry or group can dominate.

Accepted Answer

When the economy of a state grows more diverse, no single industry or interest group can dominate. This is because there is a greater distribution of economic power among various industries and groups, leading to a more balanced distribution of political power. Therefore, choice D is the best answer.

Question 17

Why and how do interest groups engage in electioneering?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

The Coalition of Health Insurance Choice (CHIC)mobilized opposition to
A) the Affordable Healthcare Act.
B) President Clinton's health care proposal.
C) "Obamacare."
D) Medicaid and Medicare.

Accepted Answer

The Coalition of Health Insurance Choice (CHIC) was specifically formed to mobilize opposition against President Clinton's health care proposal in the early 1990s.

Question 19

When are PACs prohibited from making contributions to members of the Texas state legislature?
A) never; they are free to contribute whenever they wish
B) during the regular 140-day session only
C) the period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the regular session
D) in odd calendar years, i.e. 1971, 1973

Accepted Answer

PACs are prohibited from making contributions to members of the Texas state legislature during the period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the regular session. This is known as the blackout period. Outside of this period, PACs are free to contribute to members of the Texas state legislature. Option A is incorrect as there are blackout periods during which PACs are prohibited from contributing. Option B is incorrect as it only refers to the regular session and not the blackout period. Option D is incorrect as odd calendar years have no relevance to when PACs can make contributions.

Question 20

The situation of individuals receiving the benefits of collective action without contributing is known as
A) the "free-rider problem."
B) the "welfare state."
C) "benefit stealing."
D) "coattailing."

Accepted Answer

The situation where individuals benefit from the collective action of a group without contributing is known as the "free-rider problem." This is because they are essentially "riding for free" on the efforts and contributions of others. This can be a problem for groups trying to accomplish something, as it can lead to a lack of motivation and resources, and ultimately hinder their success.

Quiz 10: Interest Groups and Lobbying in Texas

What are the main activities lobbyists engage in?

Which of the following can help offset the power of interest groups?

Having a large number of interest groups representing a particular interest,rather than a small number,

According to Chapter 305 of the current Government Code,an individual "who crosses either a compensation or expenditure threshold" while engaged in lobbying efforts

Discuss how Texas regulates interest groups.

As an interest group,what is the Texas Municipal League's strength?

Discuss the strength and role of private-sector and public-sector unions in Texas.What accounts for the relative strength or weakness of such unions?

When the relationship between a state agency and an interest group becomes very close,it is referred to as

Compare and contrast retail trade associations and professional associations.

The process in which policy is created through the combined efforts of interest groups,a state agency,and a legislative committee is called

Commercial shrimp fishermen are more than likely limited in influence because of a lack of

Discuss how money is an especially important power component of nonmembership groups.

Briefly describe at least five different types or subtypes of membership organizations.

Texas required registration of interest groups for the first time in ________.

All of the following contribute to legislative professionalism EXCEPT

When the economy of a state grows more diverse,

Why and how do interest groups engage in electioneering?

The Coalition of Health Insurance Choice (CHIC) mobilized opposition to

When are PACs prohibited from making contributions to members of the Texas state legislature?

The situation of individuals receiving the benefits of collective action without contributing is known as