Ch.12 Flashcards
Evaluate the role of Interest groups in Texas (22 cards)
Interest group (Lobby Group / Pressure Group)
an organization that seeks to achieve common goals by influencing government decision making
Political Action committees (PACs)
organizations that collect and distribute money to candidates
527 Group
Tax-exempt group organized under Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code to raise money for political activities (influencing policy or issues)
How are interest groups activities protected?
By the First Amendment, it protects their right to peacefully assemble and to petition the government.
Who was often called the “father of the Constitution”?
James Madison
What kind of issues do temporary interest groups usually rally behind?
Property tax reform, insurance reform, and amendments to state constitutions
What are Membership organizations?
Private groups whose members are individual citizens or businesses
What are Non membership organizations?
They represent individuals, single corporations, businesses, law firms, or freelance lobbies; their membership is not open to the general public
What are Government organizations? (Local / State Interest groups)
They represent local government as well as state and federal agencies. Memberships ranges from local elected officials to government employees
What is a peak business association? (Membership Org)
An interest group devoted to statewide business interests. EX: Chamber of Commerce. Mostly active at state level and are well financed
What do Trade associations do?
Represent specific business interest sectors
What are Retail trade associations?
A type of trade group that protects their trades from state regulation and support policies that affect them favorably.
What are Professional associations?
Trade organization that represents members who hold a professional license issued by the state and the state regulates their practice
What was the “No-pass / no-play” law? and Which interest group opposed it?
It required students to pass their classes or be barred from playing in sport or other extracurricular events. The THSCA (Texas High School Coaches Association) formed a PAC to combat this rule.
It passed anyway.
What is Collective Bargaining?
Process of negotiation “between an employer and a group of employees so as to determine the condition of employment
(Not a right in Texas)
How many wage and salaried employees belong to unions in Texas?
Only 3.8% in Texas
Where do strong anti-union beliefs come from in Texas?
It is a part of the traditionalistic / individualistic political culture in Texas
What are right to work laws?
Laws that prohibit a person being denied employment because of membership or non-membership in a labor union or other labor organization (Texas one of 27 states with this law)
What issues have motivated Hispanic Catholics to get more involved with state politics?
Economic advancement, local services, and abortion
What is the goal of Government organizations?
To protect local government interest from actions of the state legislature, the governor, and state agencies
What is Lobbying?
Direct communications with members of the legislative or executive branch of state government to influence legislation or administrative action
