Interest Groups

It is not uncommon in politics for individuals who share common goals to form organizations that attempt to influence politicians and ultimately public policy. Interest groups come under a tremendous amount of scrutiny at the federal level, but not in Texas.

• Interest groups in Texas are not involved in public policy.
• Interest groups in Texas do not face the same level of scrutiny as at the federal level.
• Interest groups in Texas are not allowed to influence politicians.
• Interest groups in Texas face more scrutiny than at the federal level.

What is Lobbying?

• Lobbying is the act of conducting scientific research.
• Lobbying is the act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in the government.
• Lobbying is the act of promoting products in the market.
• Lobbying is the act of organizing protests against the government.

What is a Lobbyist?

• A lobbyist is a person who works in a hotel lobby
• A lobbyist is a person hired to persuade legislators to support specific interests or causes.
• A lobbyist is a type of sandwich
• A lobbyist is a type of bird

What's an interest group?

• An interest group is a type of financial investment
• An interest group is a type of social media platform
• An interest group is a type of clothing brand
• An interest group is an organized group of individuals sharing common objectives who actively attempt to influence policymakers in all levels of government.

One's special interest is?

• Is another public's interest

• Is a piece of pie

• Is a great opinion that is preferred by everyone else

• Is not worth hearing

Where Constitutionally could interest groups be allowed?

• In an ice cream shop

• Public forums, where streets and parks are protected by freedom of speech

• Public hearings or town hall meetings

• At a kindergarten

What is a Special Interest Group?

• A group of voters within a political party

• A government agency that oversees elections

• An organization that seeks to influence public policy and legislation

• A group that organizes political campaigns

How does lobbying benefit democracy?

• By ensuring that all voices, regardless of wealth or power, are heard equally

• By providing lawmakers with expert information on complex issues on behalf of interest groups

• By allowing foreign governments to influence domestic policy

• By making the legislative process faster

How do interest groups benefit democracy?

• By ensuring a single political party's dominance

• By providing a means for collective action and representation

• By limiting public access to information

• By controlling the media

What is a strategy an interest group might use to influence an election's outcome (results)?

• pay candidates to quit running

• conduct public opinion polls

• run TV and newspaper ads

• hire high-powered lobbyists to influence legislators