What accounts for differences in interest groups' influence? Does ...

[tuffie]

What accounts for differences in interest groups' influence? Does it matter that not all groups have the same amount of influence?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Define lobbying and give the primary objectives of those who engage in lobbying. Who are some of the individuals who often become lobbyists in Texas, and does it matter?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[Jayson]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Identify and explain major factors in interest group influence including size of membership, cohesiveness, geographic distribution of membership, financial resources, reputation, and leadership and staff.
2. State and defend a position regarding variation in the power of interest groups.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Define lobbying.
2. Briefly contrast public perceptions of lobbying with scholarly ideas of lobbying.
3. Briefly identify and explain different forms of lobbying, linking the forms to the overall objective of influencing public policy.
4. Identify lawyers and former legislators as highly represented among the ranks of lobbyists.
5. Present and defend an argument about the importance of who is involved in lobbying.