...Lobbyists and Interest Groups in Texas I think there should be tougher restriction and rules for interest groups in Texas because of their freedom to influence the legislature in Texas. Interest groups in Texas have a huge amount of money to spend on political affairs and they can easily control the policy making process. Due to that, the voice of the general public is suppressed as lobbyist spend a huge amount of money on members of the legislator to influence them and make the law in favor of what they wanted. This ultimately means those groups who can spend more money can influence the government to adopt the policies that the group members wanted. The general public cannot fund enough to the member’s campaign so their views and interest are not given priority due to the influence of the big interest groups. There should be tougher rules on what lobbyist can do and their funding so that the policies favored by the general public are also adopted. Lobbyist groups have a huge amount of money. If we people are limited on what we...
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...Ameer 2 SLO#2: 1 Lobbyist and Interest Groups in Texas Lobbying is widely carried out in the state government of Texas these days. Lobbyists are a group of individuals that make efforts to influence the elected government legislators to divert decisions in their favor. Interest groups are specialized group that support a certain legislation and they succeed in their goal with the help of lobbyist. After carefully analyzing both the articles I believe that there should definitely be more strict observance of the actions of interest groups and the activities of lobbyists as a single association with immense amount of wealth can alter the decision in their favor contradicting the norms and values of the society. eg Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA) is an old running organization with thousands of members and millions in funds, can easily turn the tables in their desired way by buying off legislators. (Legislation 1) This can result in a gun law being passed that can cause a sense of unsafety in the region of Texas giving air and free space to terrorism. On the other hand, interest groups and lobbying may play a positive role as it unites a community with same voice under one flag and can easily provide access to elected leaders with professional services which otherwise would have been nearly impossible. But this can still prove more beneficial for...
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...anjay Subedi Professor S Sharifian Govt-2306-73004 5th April 2017 Lobbyists in Texas Legislators do not disclose all the information most of the time and as people cannot access most of their legislators, lobbyists act as the best bet towards getting their issues attended to. There has been a split on the importance of lobbyists and their influence on lawmaking; however, the lobbyists hold that the legislators cannot be influenced by entertainment and dinner. In some cases, this may be regarded to be true but how this translates to being just a simple gesture that does not require anything in return is a major problem in the society. While there has been an individual who has noted that the lobbyists influence the lawmaking decisions by the...
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...Lobbying and Interest Groups Lobbyists can have both beneficial and negative effects when it comes to influencing government legislation for the sake of their respective interest groups. A lobbyist is someone who gets paid to speak on behalf of an interest group’s goals. These lobbyists can be former state legislators, legislative aides, and gubernatorial aides who try to educate congressmen and women, as well as a governors, legislators, or aides on the position of the interest group they represent. Currently, there are 1,666 lobbyists in Texas. In addition, one must register, by law, as a lobbyist if they make more than $1,000 on behalf of their interest group per yearly quarter or spend $500 or more influencing government decision makers. Some of the theoretical costs of lobbying are that since not all interest groups have as much money as others, they can not take as elaborate of steps to try to influence government decision makers, such as paying for things like entertainment, “educational” trips, etc. Some of these benefits for the wealthier interest groups (ie: business interest groups) can lead to misconstrued information and possibly seem to appear unethical to the average citizen, even if no laws are broken. After all, the interest groups that can, will take advantage of loopholes. On the flipside, the benefits are that these government decision makers will become educated, aware, and more understanding as to what a certain interest group’s goals are. So in conclusion...
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...One of the biggest special-interest lobbyists groups is the Oil and Gas lobbyists. In 2009, annual lobbying for oil and gas was approximately $174 million. This year marked the highest amount ever spent on lobbying for the oil and gas industry. In 2013, annual lobbying spent was approximately $145 million. The attached chart shows the annual lobbying on oil and gas. Since 2007, the amount of money spent on lobbying for this industry has jumped drastically. It is easy to see how special-interests groups can influence policies even when the policies are opposed by voters. Currently, there are 762 lobbyists reported for the oil and gas industry (Oil and Gas, 2014). As these groups grow, the pressure on senators and delegates also grows. The amount of money used by lobbyist groups to influence policy change is absurd. In finance, cash is king. The same seems to be true for policy influence. Each special-interest group tries to find a way to influence policy. Some groups may be trying to improve regulations while others are trying to reduce regulations. Some groups believe fracking is the answer, while other groups are concerned with the environmental impacts. For politicians, finding a balance between lobbyist groups and their constituents is a juggling act. They must make justified decisions. Of course self-interest plays a crucial role because they want to be reelected. Large sums of money helps with campaigning. Social interest also plays a key role because in order...
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...companies, and the government that complies with the US constitution. In order to determine what action should be taken regarding the act of lobbying, one should question if the act should be outlawed entirely, remain in its current legal state, or reformed. The primary role of a lobbyist is to meet with lawmakers and their staffers on a regular basis. During these meetings valuable information is shared regarding specific issues. Many lawmakers heavily rely on lobbyists to provide vital information when writing legislation. John Kenneth White, a political scientist at Catholic University in Washington expresses how essential the act of lobbying is for politicians while in the process of writing legislation when he says: “They are not only necessary but inevitable” and “The founding fathers fully expected interest groups to organize to defend their property interest.” Professional lobbyists are people whose business consists of influencing legislation on behalf of a group or individual whom hires them. A major part of influencing legislation is providing politicians with valuable information regarding the issue. The act of lobbying has been present in American politics since the eighteen hundreds. Lobbyists believe their profession is morally ethical and benefits America as a whole (Katel). The act of lobbying has a long legal history in...
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...through bribery. Two important pieces of legislation became laws as a result of this controversy. The Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act of 1946 and the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 were created to prevent potential abuse within the political lobbying system. The purpose of lobbying is to communicate to public officials the special interests of specific groups. Special interest groups typically hire professional advocates, who then try to influence public officials to vote on specific legislation that the special interest groups support. In many cases, elected officials and their staff do not have the resources to fully research specific information on proposed legislation that they must vote on. The purpose of lobbying is to gather and analyze information, and then educate public officials on the important details of upcoming legislation. Lobbyists can represent groups of people, and as a result of the Citizens United V. Federal Election Commission Supreme Court ruling, corporations, associations, and labor unions. In many cases, lobbyists may represent both sides of proposed legislation. There are set limits on how much money lobbyists can contribute to individual candidates, and political parties (Federal Election Commission). The act of lobbying in the United States is legal and protected as free speech. According to the United States Constitution, Congress shall make no law abridging the right of the people to petition the government for a redress of grievances...
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...Are Interest Groups in the USA too powerful? "An interest group is an organized body of individuals who share some goals and who try to influence public policy." -- Jeffrey Berry - The Interest Group Society Interest Groups are groups where groups of individuals can come together where they can make their ideas, needs, and views known to elected officials. Many individuals in our modern times associate themselves with an interest group regardless of how specialised the views of the group. The main role of interest groups is to influence policy decision making. Some key interest groups in America include the ‘Association of Manufacturers’ which represents 14,000 companies in the US. Many academics would argue that business and corporation play a key central role in American politics. Major corporations carry the prestige of being key members in the US economy. As many people’s view on elected officials are made on economic performance, many fear that anti-business policies will harm their performance in later elections. It is also known that many corporations will help fund the candidates who are in their favour and support their views and therefore business can be very effective interest groups. There are also key single issue groups such as the NRA, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Interest Groups are distinct from political parties as they do not seek elected office and therefore their power is to influence decision making rather than holding the power over decisions...
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...Interest groups are created for the purpose of putting more political power and influence into the hands of the people. In recent years, however, these groups have increased their size and level of influence exponentially, to the point that many question whether or not they have accrued too much power. As an American, I tend to believe that the ability to participate in the political process is a valuable and unparalleled privilege, but upon closer examination of the extent of the sway of interest groups, I feel that Americans should be wary of such extraconstitutional groups with such immense political leverage. Further, interest groups’ leadership is comprised not of elected officials and civil servants, but of lobbyists whose sole intentions...
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...Define an interest group with examples. Interest group – usually a voluntary organization where members share a common interest in which they seek to influence public policy, without seeking political control. They have primary activities such as lobbying the members of the legislative bodies through contributions to political parties, trying to elect sympathetic or pliable politicians, and by conducting covert or open propaganda campaigns. (Interest Groups, n.d.) There are a few different types of interest groups and they are as follows: Economic Interest Groups This is the largest category that includes organizations that represent big businesses, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), as well as big labor – the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. (Types of Interest Groups, 2012) Public Interest Groups These groups usually do not expect to profit directly from policy changes. These groups gain financially by getting donations from individuals and foundations that support their activities. Groups such as Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), League of Women Voters, and Common Cause belong with the public interest groups. (Types of Interest Groups, 2012) Government Interest Groups Even with the structure of the federal system, it does not surprise us that there are organizations to bring issues of local and state government...
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...Professor Matthew Szlapak Public Policy Issues Public Policy Issue Paper The United States has always been powered by economics. It has been the driving force behind what is accomplished, and who accomplishes those tasks since the founding of America. While money cannot control everything it can determine how the working class operates. The middle class is ever disappearing due to corporate entities running politics, and the notion that a two-party system can benefit everyone. While everyone in America has a vote as to who represents them those representatives are controlled more and more by special interest groups and how much power and money those interests groups control. Two issues that fit right now are the amnesty for illegal immigrants and a higher minimum wage. Both of these issues tie political parties, economic community and special interest groups into the subject. Amnesty for illegal immigrants certainly reaches deep into the heart of public policy because it has to address specific criteria in order to grant access to law abiding illegals. This by itself is rather ironic given illegal immigrants broke the law to enter the United States. Determining who is granted such status is not an easy choice given all of America has an opinion. Some say no amnesty should be granted and the illegals should be deported, requiring them to follow the same guidelines legal immigrants had to abide by. Giving a free pass to some opens the doors to debate why laws...
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...Interest groups are diverse organizations formed to protect and promote the shared political objectives of their members. Interest groups have become important than political parties in some ways. Interest groups influence campaign assistance and direct democracy as well as legislatures in the lobby's beneath the capitol dome. Interest group influence is found throughout California's link the constitution. Such protections are often written into the Constitution making alteration difficult because of constitutional amendments require the approval of the electorate. Different interest have benefited throughout California's current full history. Agriculture interest have remain strong through all these periods. Banking and service businesses tower over manufacturing well high-tech industries have surpassed defense and aerospace. Vocation related associations are routinely lobby stay government. Public interest groups are also part of the ever-growing a mix. California politicians often find themselves in responding to the demands of interest groups rather than governing them. Interest groups vary in size, resources, and goals. Economic groups seek various financial gains our hope to prevent loss is dominate the state interest group environment. Often individual corporations or businesses with similar goals...
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... 1. Evaluate the role of interest groups in Texas. Chapter 7 discussed various forms of participation in the political process. Being an active member of an interest group is yet another form of political participation and a way to exert influence on the government. Chapter 7 also demonstrated that voter participation in Texas is relatively low. This lack of citizen involvement in elections leads to a corresponding increase in the importance and influence of interest groups in Texas politics. Indeed, it is frequently not the individual, or even the more broadly defined “public opinion,” that influences government, but rather these interest groups that have the ear of public officials. However, interest groups are not necessarily “others” but are often “us” as we act in concert with like-minded or similarly interested citizens. An interest group is an organization of individuals sharing common goals that tries to influence governmental decisions. This term is often used interchangeably with the term “lobby group,” although lobbying is a specific activity or technique (discussed later) whereby interest groups attempt to influence legislation. Sometimes the term political action committee (PAC) is also used to refer to interest groups. PACs are organizations that collect and distribute money to candidates and, as such, are a more specialized kind of interest group. Often, broad-based interest groups have PACs associated with them. Interest groups play an important role in a...
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...Conference of the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action in November 1999. This paper was submitted to the peer-reviewed academic journal Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly for consideration. ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬_______________________ Nonprofits’ Use of the Media in the Influence of Public Policy: Is there a correlation between exposure in the media and positive results? DAVID A. RICE STRATEGIC POLICY CONCEPTS Abstract: The extent to which interest groups and the media influence policymakers has been a popular topic of research. However, there has been little research on interest groups’ attempts to use the media for the specific purpose of influencing policymakers. This paper examines the attempts of nonprofit advocates in Massachusetts to use the media to influence public policymaking. The research was conducted through a survey of policymakers, the media, and registered lobbyists for nonprofit and for-profit interest groups in Massachusetts. The results of the survey indicate that the majority of nonprofit advocates do not use the media as a tactic to influence policymakers primarily because they do not believe policymakers are very influenced by the media. The results also found that policymakers would view nonprofit advocates as being more influential if they frequently obtained media coverage of the issues important to them. The paper posits that the nonprofit sector’s degree of influence in the policymaking...
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...Special Interest Shavonne Holman Professor Steven Holeman, Sr. POL110 March 2, 2013 Define an interest group, with examples. An interest group is an organization whose members share common concerns and try to influence government policies affecting these concerns. Interest groups are also known as lobbies; lobbying is one of the ways interest groups shape legislation and bring the views of their constituents to the attention of decision-makers. A great example of an interest group would be The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) which has about 32 million members. Interest groups are organizations that seek to influence the decisions of government. According to Truman, interest groups can be defined as groups that, based on one or more shared attitudes, engage in influencing political decision-making, in order to successfully implement certain political goals or values (Truman, 1993). They usually, but not always, are formally organized. The relation between interest groups and government and society is an affirmative one, although groups may at times employ destructive methods in order to accomplish their goals. The existing social order is accepted by interest groups, and governmental power and its institutions are utilized to attain advantages, protect members and to fight political opponents (Truman, 1993). Two kinds of organizations: Institutional Interest and Membership Interest. Institutional Interest are individuals or organizations representing...
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