Government Exam 2 Ch. 6

22 February 2023
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question
Which interest group depends on government spending and lobby policy makers? a. Road construction companies b. Social work advocates c. Arts and entertainment d. Advocates for less government spending
answer
a. Road construction companies
question
Which of the following statements about the population of Texas is incorrect? a. Texas has a highly dispersed age demographic. b. Texas is becoming more tolerant of the gay and lesbian population. c. Texas attracts people from various religious backgrounds. d. Texas has both a large poor and upper-income population.
answer
d. Texas has both a large poor and upper-income population.
question
Direct contact between an interest group representative and an officer of government is an example of a. lobbying. c. electioneering. b. pressure groups. d. advocacy.
answer
a. lobbying.
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Which of the following statements about the lobbying activities of special interest groups is incorrect? a. They lobby only members of the state senate. b. They petition members of the executive branch. c. They bring lawsuits to the courts. d. They rally the public for support.
answer
a. They lobby only members of the state senate.
question
Which of the following statements about interest groups is incorrect? a. Interest groups are considered political parties that nominate candidates for office. b. Interest groups seek to influence the outputs of government. c. Interest groups are not part of the government but seek to influence the government. d. Interest groups must work with political parties to achieve their goals.
answer
a. Interest groups are considered political parties that nominate candidates for office.
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Which of the following is not a positive aspect of interest groups? a. Increased political representation c. Narrow interests b. Education of their members d. Shared information and data
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c. Narrow interests
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Which of the following is employed to express the values of interest groups? a. Pressure groups c. Executive appointees b. Lobbyists d. Legislative assistants
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b. Lobbyists
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Business and agriculture interest groups are interested in all of the following except a. encouraging government regulations. b. securing benefits called subsidies. c. keeping their taxes low. d. receiving government contracts to increase profits.
answer
a. encouraging government regulations.
question
Education and local government groups lobby for all of the following except a. increasing salaries and benefits for their public employees. b. supporting their governments. c. encouraging unfunded state mandates. d. obtaining more local control or less state control over their affairs.
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c. encouraging unfunded state mandates.
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Labor unions seek legislation for all of the following except a. making it easier to organize. b. enforcing workplace safety packages. c. supporting the "right to work laws." d. obtaining generous workers' compensation.
answer
c. supporting the "right to work laws."
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Governor Rick Perry hired lobbyist, __________, to protect the interest of the Texas Department of Transportation. a. Robert Black c. Paul Burkes b. Robert Banes d. David Dewhurst
answer
a. Robert Black
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What type of interest group seeks the betterment of society as a whole or the reform of the political, social, or economic system in ways that do not directly affect their member's pocketbooks? a. Mixed-interest groups c. Economic interest groups b. Noneconomic interest groups d. Advocacy groups
answer
b. Noneconomic interest groups
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Which of the following is a way interest groups can be classified? a. Economic c. Mixed interest b. Noneconomic d. All of the above are true.
answer
d. All of the above are true.
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A(n) __________ is an individual who benefits from the work of an interest group, but who does not participate in the collective actions that made the benefits possible. a. co-unionist c. adventurer b. free rider d. profiteer
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b. free rider
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Noneconomic interest groups benefit from _______because it translates into greater political clout in the Texas's legislature. a. political savvy c. large membership b. free riderships d. political efficacy
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c. large membership
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Which is a reason why individuals are not motivated to participate in noneconomic interest groups? a. Passion c. Social pressure b. Selective incentive d. Economic well being for all
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d. Economic well being for all
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Interest groups pursuing social equality and economic goals are classified as what type of group? a. Non-economic groups c. Mixed or hybrid organizations b. Liberal groups d. Conservative groups
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c. Mixed or hybrid organizations
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Which of the following is not classified as a mixed interest group? a. Public interest c. Environment and recreation b. Education d. Race and gender
answer
a. Public interest
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People join interest groups a. to receive the monthly or quarterly magazine or newsletter. b. to be a member of a network of like-minded people. c. in order to protect their economic, recreational, social, or political interests. d. All of the above are true.
answer
d. All of the above are true.
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___________ is the promotion of a particular public policy position. a. Lobbying c. Hiring b. Advocacy d. Interest group
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b. Advocacy
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Which of the following is not classified as a non-economic interest group? a. Patriotic c. Public interest b. Recreation d. Religious
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b. Recreation
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The primary goal of interest groups is to a. influence all branches of government at all levels. b. mobilize citizens. c. testify before legislative committees. d. inform and education public officials.
answer
a. influence all branches of government at all levels.
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Why is it difficult for any one special interest group to dominate Texas state politics? a. There is a wide diversity of interests. b. Demographics are always shifting. c. We elect too many individuals to too many offices. d. We have too many elections.
answer
a. There is a wide diversity of interests.
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When interest groups employ lobbying officeholders to file suits in court, get their advocates appointed to state boards, testify before legislative committees, these are examples of a. direct means of influencing government. b. indirect means of influencing government. c. mixed interest means of influencing government. d. influencing government.
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a. direct means of influencing government.
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Which branch of government is responsible for the implementation of public policy? a. Executive branch or administration c. Judicial branch only b. Legislative branch or administration d. Bureaucracy only
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a. Executive branch or administration
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The power to make decisions on the basis of personal judgment rather than specific legal requirements defines a. implementation. c. delegation. b. discretion. d. co-optation.
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b. discretion.
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_______ is to legally transfer authority from one official or institution to another. a. Implementation c. Delegate b. Discretion d. Co-optation
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c. Delegate
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Special interest groups use the court system because of all of the following except a. the court system can give a more favorable interpretation of the law than that given by the enforcing agency. b. lawsuits are less expensive than trying to influence the legislature. c. the court system serves as a way to delay application of costly rules. d. the court system is a way to political capital for supporters.
answer
d. the court system is a way to political capital for supporters.
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The blurring of lines between the state and a special interest group is called a. a structured conspiracy. c. negative cooperation. b. co-optation. d. symmetry.
answer
b. co-optation.
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Which of the following has occurred when a public official makes a decision that might result in a personal economic advantage? a. Co-optation c. Public interest b. Conflict of interest d. Advocacy
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b. Conflict of interest
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_______ is the good of the whole society, without bias for or against any particular segment of the society. a. Co-optation c. Conflict of interest b. Public interest d. Public good
answer
b. Public interest
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Which is not an interest group activity? a. Creating a political action committee (PAC) b. Endorsing candidates c. Recommending that its members vote for a particular candidate d. Nominating candidates for office
answer
d. Nominating candidates for office
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Interest groups will seek to build a positive public image by which of the following means? a. Hiring public relations firms c. Print and broadcast advertisements b. Demonstrating good citizenship d. All of the above are true.
answer
d. All of the above are true.
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__________ is the fabrication of public support for issues supported by industry and special interest groups, but which give the impression of widespread public support. a. Electioneering c. Astroturf lobbying b. Concrete lobbying d. Collective lobbying
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c. Astroturf lobbying
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When an organization decides to endorse and recommend that its members vote for the candidate more disposed to support their values, this is an example of a. electioneering. c. concrete lobbying. b. astroturf lobbying. d. collective lobbying.
answer
a. electioneering.
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A lobbyist inviting a public official to lunch or a party to establish a positive relationship is an example of a. electioneering. c. a private demonstration. b. socializing. d. bribery.
answer
b. socializing.
question
Before a legislative session begins, a lobbyist must have successfully completed all of the following except a. memorizing the faces of the members, their non-legislative occupation, and the counties they represent. b. establishing rapport through contact with the members of the legislature. c. getting to know the family members of legislators because through them the member can be influenced. d. knowing the legislative issues, including the arguments of opponents.
answer
c. getting to know the family members of legislators because through them the member can be influenced.
question
A successful lobbyist will attempt all of the following except a. establish rapport with all members of the legislature. b. try to gain support or at least neutrality from legislative leaders on one's group's proposals. c. secure endorsement of the chair of each committee through which one's legislation must pass. d. secure the positive endorsement of community representatives for legislation sought by local governments.
answer
a. establish rapport with all members of the legislature.
question
Who hired HillCo to block the "sanctuary cities" bill in the legislature because they viewed it as a threat to their business interest? a. Neal Jones and Bill Miller c. Tom Craddick and Bill Miller b. Bob Perry and Charles Butt d. Neal Jones and Gib Lewis
answer
b. Bob Perry and Charles Butt
question
The Texas Register is used by a state agency to provide a. notice of intent to make a rule. b. guidelines issued by agencies to govern the actions of their employees. c. all executive agreements. d. a list of all state lobbyists.
answer
a. notice of intent to make a rule.
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Which of the following are least likely to subscribe to the Texas Register? a. Corporations c. Ordinary citizens b. Labor unions d. Interest groups
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c. Ordinary citizens
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For generations, __________ has (have) characterized the relationship between major industries in Texas and the state's political leadership. a. mixed or hybrid organizations c. lobbyists b. crony capitalism d. the revolving door
answer
b. crony capitalism
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Twice in the past 15 years, CBS has run programs about __________ on 60 Minutes alleging that the Texas Supreme Court identifies with specific interests? a. "courtroom contributions" c. "crony capitalism" b. "the future of Texas" d. "justice for sale"
answer
d. "justice for sale"
question
In the case of Caperton v. A.T. Massey the U.S. Supreme Court a. placed greater restrictions on campaign contributions in judicial races. b. banned contributions in judicial races. c. began to set parameters for the most egregious examples of conflicts of interest. d. removed all restrictions on contributions in judicial races.
answer
c. began to set parameters for the most egregious examples of conflicts of interest.
question
The right of the public in the United States to petition their government is found in which constitutional Amendment? a. First Amendment c. Fourth Amendment b. Second Amendment d. Fifth Amendment
answer
a. First Amendment
question
All of the following are exempt from lobbyists' reports except a. compensation received to prepare for lobbying. b. office expenses. c. costs above expenditure threshold of $500 per year. d. costs associated with events to which all members of the legislature are invited.
answer
c. costs above expenditure threshold of $500 per year.
question
According to state law, when registering, lobbyists are required to reveal to the state a. for whom the person lobbies. b. information about their clients and employers. c. the policy areas of concern. d. All of the above are true.
answer
d. All of the above are true.
question
According to state law, which of the following statements about lobbying is incorrect? a. Not all lobbyists are required by state law to register and report their activities. b. Lobbyists not paid wages or reimbursed for their expenses are not required to register with the state. c. Individuals and organizations that spend more than a specified amount of money attempting to shape public decisions are required to register. d. All lobbyists must file financial reports with the Secretary of State.
answer
d. All lobbyists must file financial reports with the Secretary of State.
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Which state agency has the responsibility to establish standards of conduct for lobbyists? a. Texas Public Policy Commission c. Texas Audit Commission b. Sunset Advisory Commission d. Texas Ethics Commission
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d. Texas Ethics Commission
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The members of the Texas legislature must be provided with a list of registered lobbyists and their clients by a. January 1 of each legislative session. c. March 1 of each legislative session. b. February 1 of each legislative session. d. July 1 of each legislative session.
answer
b. February 1 of each legislative session.
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Which industry groups in Texas had the largest number and maximum value of contracts signed with lobbyists? a. Insurance c. Energy/natural resources b. Real estate d. Computers and electronics
answer
c. Energy/natural resources
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Which characteristic of the structure of government in Texas makes it difficult for one interest to dominate the whole government? a. Separation of powers c. Appointed officials with fixed terms b. Checks and balances d. All of the above are true.
answer
d. All of the above are true.
question
Studies regarding the power of interest groups consistently show that a. where political parties are weak, interest groups are also weak. b. where political parties are weak, interest groups are strong. c. where political parties are strong, interest groups are also strong. d. All of the above are true.
answer
b. where political parties are weak, interest groups are strong.
question
The history of one-partyism in the state created all of the following except a. less incentive for average Texans to participate in political affairs. b. an incentive for average Texans to participate in elections. c. a history of elitist rule. d. strong special interests.
answer
b. an incentive for average Texans to participate in elections.
question
Why is it that the current system of a part-time legislature is unlikely to change? a. Current legislators have been successful under the current system. b. The public is unlikely to support change. c. Lobbyists prefer the current system. d. All of the above are true.
answer
d. All of the above are true.
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Texas law states that ex-legislators a. cannot become lobbyists. b. cannot become lobbyists for two years after leaving office. c. cannot be lobbyists for groups that they had power over when they were serving as legislators. d. can become lobbyists with no restrictions.
answer
d. can become lobbyists with no restrictions.
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The media is a _________ link between the people and the government. a. non-neutral c. totally pro-public b. totally pro-government d. neutral
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a. non-neutral
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Which is the public's watchdog institution? a. The bureaucracy c. The media b. Pressure groups d. The legislature
answer
c. The media
question
According to the text, which is most likely to occur? a. An elected representative would probably vote contrary to clear-cut constituent desires to please a special interest. b. An elected representative would probably not vote contrary to clear-cut constituent desires to please a special interest. c. An elected representative would probably vote in a manner that would please his or her colleagues. d. An elected representative would probably vote to please political party leaders.
answer
b. An elected representative would probably not vote contrary to clear-cut constituent desires to please a special interest.
question
When a special interest is seeking a change in policy that affects the balance of power in the political, social, or economic system, there will be a. much greater participation and conflict. b. less participation and conflict. c. much greater participation and less conflict. d. much less participation and greater conflict.
answer
a. much greater participation and conflict.
question
Which of the following concerning campaign contributions is incorrect? a. A candidate for state representative may well spend over $200,000 to win. b. Most campaign contributions for the state legislature and statewide offices come from small donors. c. Large donors contribute in order to gain access. d. Large donors represent banks, insurance companies, and other major business in Texas.
answer
b. Most campaign contributions for the state legislature and statewide offices come from small donors.
question
Which of the following concerning campaign contributions for state house and senate candidates is correct? a. Total contributions for senate races were greater than the total for house races. b. Total contributions for senate races were less than the total for house races. c. Total contributions for senate and house races were about the same. d. More money was raised in Texas for these races than any other state.
answer
b. Total contributions for senate races were less than the total for house races.
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The ability to contact an official either in person or by phone is called a. access. c. lobbying. b. contribution. d. political influence.
answer
a. access.
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Late train contributions are a. campaign funds given only to independent candidates. b. campaign funds given to PACs. c. campaign funds given by railroad interests. d. campaign funds given to the winning legislative candidate.
answer
d. campaign funds given to the winning legislative candidate.
question
Governor Perry executive order to vaccinate pre-teen girls with the HPV vaccine was considered an example of a a. cooperative effort with the legislature. b. cooperative link with the bureaucracy. c. conflict of interest. d. response to public demand.
answer
c. conflict of interest.
question
Research shows that the main element that determines the political power of a group is a. how long the group has been established. b. how much public officials need the group. c. how large the membership. d. where the group's headquarters is located.
answer
b. how much public officials need the group.
question
An organization created by interest groups to promote common goals is identified as what type of organization? a. Shield c. Life boat b. Umbrella d. Floater
answer
b. Umbrella
question
"Iron Triangles" are composed of which of the following? a. Legislative committee members, high-ranking bureaucrats, and representatives of special interests b. The governor, legislators, and representatives of special interests c. The governor, academics, and representatives of special interests d. None of the above is true.
answer
a. Legislative committee members, high-ranking bureaucrats, and representatives of special interests
question
Loose alliances of interest groups are called a. whistle-blowers. c. umbrella alliances. b. issue networks. d. loose connections.
answer
b. issue networks.
question
A mass alliance of like-minded groups and individuals seeking broad changes in the direction of government policies is called a(n) a. political demonstration. c. whistle-blower. b. political movement. d. umbrella alliance.
answer
b. political movement.
question
The right to bear arms was established by the ________ Amendment. a. First c. Fourth b. Second d. Fifth
answer
b. Second