Author Question: Government officials in Texas suspect that a few interest groups are working for their own personal ... (Read 66 times)

jhjkgdfhk · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

Government officials in Texas suspect that a few interest groups are working for their own personal interests rather than the welfare of the society. Explain how the concerned government body can regulate the workings of the interest groups.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How have interest groups added to the divisions within American culture?

What will be an ideal response?

ndhahbi · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer:
A. Regulations of interest groups
1. Lobbyist Registration Act (1970s)
a. passed in Texas to identify who was trying to influence legislation on behalf of client groups
b. registration was to control interest group actions
2. Texas Ethics Commission (1990s)
a. lobbyists and interest groups must report periodically
b. monitors activities and expenditures
c. tighter restrictions
3. Restrictions for interest groups and representatives
a. lobbyists must register if they receive more than 1000 per quarter as compensation for engaging in activities with legislative and executive members in hopes of influences legislation
b. must register if they spend more than 500 on communications aimed at influencing legislation
4. Certain actions prohibited
a. loans
b. transportation and lodging (some exceptions)
c. expenditures for entertainment, awards, gifts more than 500
B. Restrictions have reduced unlimited spending in Texas politics
1. experienced lobbyists for business and associations can still spend a lot of money in pursuit of influencing legislation

Answer to Question 2

Answer:
A. Interest groups have caused a fracturing of American culture
1. division in our society causes hostility
2. competing groups cause a confrontation in politics
3. heightens struggle for public services and resources
B. Society is already culturally and ethnically diverse
1. increased internal divisions caused by interest groups
2. make it even more difficult for people to come together
3. reduces chances for any consensus
4. social fabric would be better off without divisiveness caused by interest groups