Interest groups play a vital role in what systems of government?
Democratic systems of government
What are interest groups?
Organizations seeking to influence public policy
What is pluralism?
Classic view that see interest groups as balancing each other out, with no dominate group
Interest groups vary in what ways?
Size, organization, and financial resources
Interest groups and their lobbyists are commonly referred to as what in Austin?
The lobby
What interest groups are most influential in Texas?
Groups representing business interests
What two classifications can interest groups be put into?
Public and private
Private interest groups that promote policies to benefit their members are sometimes called?
Special interest groups
What is lobbying?
Direct contact with government officials
What does an in house lobbyist do?
Works only for their organization as a paid staff member
What is a contract lobbyist?
An external contractor or “hired gun” who can work for multiple clients
What are other types of influence?
Campaign contributions, candidate score cards, issue ads
What is a public demonstration do?
Technique made to reach a mass audience by media coverage
What is grassroots mobilization?
Effort to organize political actions by ordinary citizens
Who uses media campaigns?
Well funded interest groups
What is legal action?
Seeking change through the judicial branch
What is illegal action?
Bribery, violence and sabotage, sit-ins and occupations
What are iron triangles?
Organized sub governments
What is amicus curiae beliefs?
A brief presented by someone in influencing outcome
What is “the establishment”
Big business that dominated texas politics
What is the late train contribution?
Ritual of campaign contributions after the November elections
