Interest Groups in Texas - Multiple choice quiz

What is the best definition of a political interest group?

• A government agency that enforces laws
• A political party that runs candidates for office
• A business that provides goods and services
• An organization that seeks to influence public policy on behalf of its members

What is a PAC in the context of Texas politics?

• A Political Action Committee that raises and spends money to influence elections
• A committee that drafts legislation in the Texas Legislature
• A group of citizens who vote in every election
• A state agency that regulates campaign finance

What does 'cooptation' refer to in Texas government?

• The process by which regulatory agencies become dominated by the industries they are charged with regulating
• The act of merging two interest groups
• The replacement of elected officials with appointed ones
• The process of lobbying legislators for new laws

Which of the following best describes the roles of interest groups in Texas?

• They only fund political campaigns
• They write and pass all state laws
• They provide information, mobilize voters, and lobby policymakers
• They serve as official government agencies

How are interest groups regulated in Texas?

• Interest groups in Texas are not regulated at all
• Interest groups must be approved by the governor
• Interest groups can only operate during election years
• Texas requires interest groups to register and disclose lobbying activities

What is the difference between 527s and 501(c)(4)s in the context of political advocacy?

• 527s are government agencies, while 501(c)(4)s are private businesses
• 527s are labor unions, while 501(c)(4)s are corporations
• 527s are tax-exempt groups that influence elections, while 501(c)(4)s are social welfare organizations that can engage in some political activity
• 527s are only found in Texas, while 501(c)(4)s are national

What does the term 'revolving door' refer to in Texas politics?

• The process of passing laws in two chambers
• The movement of individuals between roles as legislators and lobbyists
• The transition from public to private sector employment in any field
• The election of officials from different parties

What is the distinction between public action and private consequence in the context of interest groups?

• Public action refers to activities that affect the public, while private consequence refers to the impact on individuals or groups
• Public action is always legal, private consequence is always illegal
• Public action is done by government, private consequence by businesses
• Public action is lobbying, private consequence is voting

What is a plutocracy?

• A government run by elected officials only
• A society where all citizens have equal power
• A system where corporations are banned from politics
• A system in which wealthy individuals or groups control political decisions

Which of the following are common strategies used by interest groups in Texas?

• Only running candidates for office
• Only organizing protests
• Lobbying, electioneering, litigation, and public education
• Only providing financial aid to members