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

2. 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.

3. 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)

4. 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)

6. CORE OBJECTIVE
Thinking Critically…
Review Table 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?

7. 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

9. 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?

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

13. 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

14. 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”

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

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

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

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