6.6: Conclusion

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Interest groups have become firmly entrenched within the Texas political landscape. Their influence is both certain and controversial. Today, many observers of Texas politics continue to express concerns about the influence of groups and the value of pluralism as a mode of governance. Nevertheless, interest groups offer an important and unique linkage between Texans’ varied interests and public policy. This linkage does not diminish the important of other linkages, such as free and open elections. But the linkage offered by interest groups is unique in that it allows citizens to exert influence by interacting with one another and collectively attempting to influence the decisions and actions of the government. Interest groups are attributed with promoting political and social policies that have significantly improved the lives of literally millions of Texans. At the same time, the relationship between interest groups and government actors can become uncomfortably close and, for critics, utterly corrupt. While we recognize this possibility, we also acknowledge that—like everyone else in a democracy— interest groups must remain free to advocate on behalf of their own agendas.

Key Terms and Concepts

501(c)(3) organization – an organization that qualifies as a public interest group that enjoys tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

amicus curiae brief - a persuasive document intended to bring to the attention of a court relevant matters not already brought to its attention by the parties.

Citizens United v. FEC – The landmark case in which the Supreme Court allowed unlimited political contributions by corporations, labor unions, and associations. “dominant/complementary” state – a state in which factors are more than favorable to the existence and overwhelming influence of special interest groups.

dark money –spending meant to influence political outcomes where the source of the money is not disclosed

earmarks - funds that an appropriations bill designates for a particular purpose within a state or congressional district.

electioneering - any activity that attempts to persuade people to vote for a particular candidate or particular party that is sympathetic to that group.

free rider problem - a situation where individuals are able to consume a good without paying.

grassroots lobbying - an approach that asks the general public to contact legislators and government officials concerning issues at hand, as opposed to conveying the message to the legislators directly.

interest group - an organization of individuals with shared goals that attempts to influence governmental decisions and public policy through a variety of activities.

litigation - the process of resolving disputes between individuals, organizations, and government entities by filing a lawsuit with a court of law that is empowered to hear a case that ultimately will result in a desired judgment --- to pursue their causes.

lobbying - any method by which interest groups attempt to influence government officials.

“open shop” state – a state in which employees in the state maintain the option of whether or not to join a certified union.

political action committee (PAC) – a group specifically created to collect funds from donors and distribute them to parties and candidates who support its issues.

public interest group – a group that promotes the broad, collective good of citizens and consumers.

revolving door - the movement of high-level employees from public-sector jobs to private- sector jobs and vice versa.

targeted mass mailings - mailings that spotlight a specific audience profile and which speak directly to those individual prospects through specifically crafted, personalized mailers) by mailing pamphlet or other documents to a large list of individuals the group is attempting to influence.