Interest Groups and Lobbying in Texas Chapter 10 Interest Groups and Lobbying in Texas

Evaluate the role of interest groups in Texas. Upon completing this chapter, you will be able to… Evaluate the role of interest groups in Texas.

Introduction to Interest Groups Similar to political parties, but different goals Individuals sharing common goals “Lobby groups” and political action committees (PACs) First Amendment protection James Madison and Federalist No. 10 Key terms: interest group political action committee (PAC)

Interest Group Typology Membership Organizations Business Associations Trade Associations Retail Trade Associations Professional Associations Public Interest and Single Issue Groups (NAACP, LULAC, MALDEF, NOW, NARAL, ACLU, AARP) Non-membership organizations Government organizations Key term: state and local interest groups (SLIGs)

CORE OBJECTIVE Thinking Critically… Review Table 10.1. Are you a participant in a membership organization? If so, how does the organization represent your interests? If not, how are your interests represented at the state and federal levels of government?

Techniques Used by Interest Groups Lobbying Efforts on the part of ‘hired guns’ to influence policymakers. Electioneering Using direct mail and all the forms of media to influence the electorate as well as providing $ to campaigns Public Education and Public Relations: Grassroots Lobbying Key terms: lobbying electioneering

Taking Personal Responsibility… CORE OBJECTIVE Taking Personal Responsibility… Socrates suggested, “know thyself” and Shakespeare’s Hamlet admonished “to thine own self be true.” It is important to know what your interests are and how they are represented in government. Consider what you have read in this chapter and determine how interest group efforts align with your personal interests. If they do not, what can you do to ensure that government addresses your interests or the interests of those who share similar values?

Communicating Effectively… CORE OBJECTIVE Communicating Effectively… Review the data presented in Table 10.4. Which interest group category spent the most money in 2012. Discuss the impact that PAC spending has on government.

Regulation of Interest Groups Regulation of lobbying and campaign finance is managed by the Texas Ethics Commission Registration of PACs Commission’s lack of resources Impact of 2010 Citizens United decision---current law may need revision Key term: Texas Ethics Commission

Factors Influencing the Strength of Interest Groups Variety of resources available to interest groups The “free-rider problem” Status and size Number of groups representing a particular interest--- politics can make for “strange bedfellows”

Factors Influencing the Strength of Interest Groups Leadership and Organization Geographic Distribution Key term: geographic distribution

Being Socially Responsible… CORE OBJECTIVE Being Socially Responsible… How can geographic distribution of interest groups improve political awareness between culturally diverse populations?

Factors Influencing the Strength of Interest Groups Money Economic Diversity Political Party Competition Key term: astroturf

Factors Influencing the Strength of Interest Groups Professionalism of the State Legislature Fragmented Government Structure Key terms: fragmented government structure rent seeking capture