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Standard and Short Edition:
1 American Political Culture
2 The Founding and the Constitution
3 Federalism
4 Civil Liberties
5 Civil Rights
6 Public Opinion
7 The Media
8 Political Participation and Voting
9 Political Parties
10 Campaigns and Elections
11 Groups and Interests
12 Congress
13 The Presidency
14 Bureaucracy In A Democracy
15 The Federal Courts
16 Government and Economy
17 Social Policy
18 Foreign Policy and Democracy
Texas Edition:
19 The Political Culture, People, and Economy of Texas
20 The Texas Constitution
21 Parties and Elections in Texas
22 Interest Groups, Lobbying, and Lobbyists
23 The Texas Legislature
24 The Texas Executive Branch
25 The Texas Judiciary
26 Local Government in Texas
27 Public Policy in Texas

Chapter 22: Interest Groups, Lobbying and Lobbyists

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Interest Groups in the Political Process

It is not uncommon in politics for individuals that share common goals to form organizations that will attempt to influence politicians and ultimately public policy. Interest groups come under a tremendous amount of scrutiny at the federal level, but not in Texas.

I. How much influence do interest groups have in Texas politics? What form does this influence take?

  • At one time, it was claimed that business-oriented interest groups dominated the Texas legislature.
  • “The Lobby” controlled the policy making process in Texas through political contributions, political pressure, and sometimes corruption.
  • Texas has long been a state where strong interest groups prevailed—the Grange in the late 1800s, the oil industry throughout the early part of the 1900s, and the dominance of the business interests inthe latter half of the 1900s.
  • Interest groups represent not only business interests but also professional interests, social groups, public employees, civil rights, and public interest groups.

 

II. How do lobbyists gain access to policy makers?

  • Interest groups develop strong relationships with policy makers by providing information, campaign funds, votes, publicity, and public research and education.
  • Interest groups have a number of advantages over individuals, including more time, money, expertise, and continuity.
  • Interest groups gain access to policy makers through the use of entertainment, building support among the policy makers’ constituents and hiring lobbyists.

 

Another Side to Lobbying: PACs

  • Interest groups also form political action committees (PACs) to contribute money to political campaign.
  • In 2004, there were 850 PACs in Texas, about half of which were business PACs. .
  • PACs may give money directly to candidates, or they may engage in issue advocacy, and “get out the vote”campaigns.   
  • Incumbents have a huge advantage when running for re-election.  An overwhelming percentage of PAC contributions go to incumbent candidates. 

 

Individuals as Lobbyists

  • While organized groups have an advantage in influencing the legislative process, single individuals can also have a remarkable impact on public policy.   
  • For individuals to influence policy takes personal persistence, compelling arguments, and it also helps if the individual does not have to struggle against a powerful organized interest.

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