Question 1

To avoid conflicts of interest, all lobbyists in Texas are required to represent only a single client.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 2

When individuals or interest groups take out ads concerning a campaign issue but do not tie them directly to any particular candidate it is called

Accepted Answer

A)   soft-money spending.
B)   bundling.
C)   issue advocacy.
D)   direct advocacy.
E)   hard-money spending. C

Question 3

Campaign donations are one of the most important ways to influence in politics. Describe the role of interest-group money in politics. What are political action committees, and what do they do? How can they shape elections?

Accepted Answer

Interest-group money plays a significant role in politics as it can be used to fund political campaigns and influence policy decisions. Interest groups, such as corporations, unions, and advocacy organizations, donate money to political candidates and parties in order to promote their specific agendas and gain access to decision-makers.

Political action committees (PACs) are organizations that raise and spend money to elect or defeat political candidates. They can be formed by interest groups, businesses, labor unions, or other organizations, and they are subject to regulations and restrictions on the amount of money they can raise and donate. PACs can also engage in independent expenditures, such as advertising and other campaign activities, to support or oppose candidates.

PACs can shape elections by funneling significant amounts of money into campaigns, which can give them significant influence over the candidates they support. Candidates often rely on PAC donations to fund their campaigns, and in return, they may be more likely to support the interests of the PACs that have contributed to their campaign. Additionally, PACs can run issue advocacy ads that can sway public opinion and influence election outcomes.

Overall, interest-group money and PACs play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape and influencing elections by providing financial support to candidates and by advocating for policies that align with their specific interests.

Question 4

What do interest groups want from policy makers?

Accepted Answer

A)   They want policy that is beneficial for their groups.
B)   They want information that benefits their groups.
C)   They want monies for their special projects.
D)   They want unlimited access to the policy makers.
E)   They want to help write policy that addresses their interests.

Question 5

Spending on issue advocacy ads by political action committees need NOT be reported by a candidate.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a description of an interest group?

Accepted Answer

A)   Its members pursue a common goal.
B)   It attempts to affect public policy.
C)   Members seek to achieve their desired goals through political means.
D)   It is usually made up of a large number of people.
E)   It is typically active only at the national level of government.

Question 7

It is vital for lobbyists to gain access to politicians and policy makers. Describe some of the ways in which interest groups and their representatives gain access in Texas politics. What are some of the potential abuses of this process?

Accepted Answer

The answer of It is vital for lobbyists to gain...

Question 8

What are the top two reasons Texans give for NOT voting?

Accepted Answer

A)   bad weather and inconvenient hours for voting
B)   busy and forgot to vote
C)   not interested/vote does not matter and don't like the candidates
D)   busy/conflict with work and not interested/vote does not matter
E)   inconvenient hours for voting and transportation problems

Question 9

One of the most influential professional groups in Austin is the

Accepted Answer

A)   Mexican American Legal Defense Fund.
B)   Texas Lawyers Association.
C)   Texas Medical Association.
D)   Teachers Association.
E)   Business Association.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a common way for interest groups to gain access to politicians and policy makers?

Accepted Answer

A)   hiring former politicians as lobbyists
B)   spending money on entertaining politicians
C)   building support on an issue with constituents
D)   forming political action committees that allow members to bundle large contributions to candidates
E)   running for office themselves

Question 11

No large interest groups in Texas represent the environment.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

Which of the following groups have had notable political success by litigating in federal courts?

Accepted Answer

A)   professional groups
B)   public employee interest groups
C)   civil rights groups
D)   chemical company lobbyists
E)   business lobbyists

Question 13

Which political action committees spend the least amount of money in Texas elections?

Accepted Answer

A)   single-issue political action committees
B)   labor unions
C)   business groups
D)   lawyers
E)   consumer groups

Question 14

The Texas Medical Association is best described as what kind of interest group?

Accepted Answer

A)   professional
B)   pubic employee
C)   public interest
D)   ideological
E)   civil rights

Question 15

Individuals are most likely to successfully lobby government when they

Accepted Answer

A)   are not challenged by powerful, organized interest groups.
B)   form their own political action committee.
C)   seek pardons or clemency.
D)   limit their requests to personal issues.
E)   write letters to legislators.

Question 16

Unlike private citizens involved in politics, better-funded interest groups have several advantages EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)   time.
B)   money.
C)   expertise.
D)   media access.
E)   continuity.

Question 17

Some have accused interest groups and lobbyists of undue influence over Texas government. Describe some of the regulations and restrictions that the law has placed upon lobbyists and interest groups operating in Texas.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some have accused interest groups and lobbyists...

Question 18

Entertaining politicians is one of the most critical ways for lobbyists to gain access.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

A private group that raises and distributes funds for use in election campaigns is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)   interest group.
B)   political action committee.
C)   campaign revenue association.
D)   advocacy association.
E)   8F crowd.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

A)   campaign contributions.
B)   hiring staff personnel.
C)   buying media access.
D)   letter writing.
E)   campaign consulting.

Exam 6: Interest Groups and Lobbying

To avoid conflicts of interest, all lobbyists in Texas are required to represent only a single client.

When individuals or interest groups take out ads concerning a campaign issue but do not tie them directly to any particular candidate it is called

Campaign donations are one of the most important ways to influence in politics. Describe the role of interest-group money in politics. What are political action committees, and what do they do? How can they shape elections?

What do interest groups want from policy makers?

Spending on issue advocacy ads by political action committees need NOT be reported by a candidate.

Which of the following is NOT a description of an interest group?

It is vital for lobbyists to gain access to politicians and policy makers. Describe some of the ways in which interest groups and their representatives gain access in Texas politics. What are some of the potential abuses of this process?

What are the top two reasons Texans give for NOT voting?

One of the most influential professional groups in Austin is the

Which of the following is NOT a common way for interest groups to gain access to politicians and policy makers?

No large interest groups in Texas represent the environment.

Which of the following groups have had notable political success by litigating in federal courts?

Which political action committees spend the least amount of money in Texas elections?

The Texas Medical Association is best described as what kind of interest group?

Individuals are most likely to successfully lobby government when they

Unlike private citizens involved in politics, better-funded interest groups have several advantages EXCEPT

Some have accused interest groups and lobbyists of undue influence over Texas government. Describe some of the regulations and restrictions that the law has placed upon lobbyists and interest groups operating in Texas.

Entertaining politicians is one of the most critical ways for lobbyists to gain access.

A private group that raises and distributes funds for use in election campaigns is called a(n)

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