PAF 112 - Final Exam Review

What is the main goal of a lobbyist?

To influence government policy on behalf of an interest organization.

What must lobbyists do before engaging in lobbying?

Register with the government.

Who typically represents government agencies when they lobby?

A legislative liaison.

Why do universities lobby the government?

To prevent budget cuts and secure research funding.

What is the benefit of associations lobbying as a group?

Strength in numbers—greater influence for tax breaks and regulations.

Who are "hobbyists"?

Volunteer lobbyists who are not paid but are registered.

What is inside lobbying?

Direct interactions with government officials, like testifying or drafting bills.

What is outside lobbying?

Influencing public opinion through media, coalitions, and member actions.

Name an example of a public interest group.

Sierra Club – Environmental protection.

What kind of benefits do private interest groups seek?

Particularized benefits like tax breaks or profit-driven policies.

What does the Lobbying Disclosure Act require?

Registration and disclosure from lobbyists, firms, and clients.

What are collective goods?

Public benefits that are nonexcludable, like clean air or public safety.

How many interest groups are estimated in the U.S.?

Over 200,000.

Give an example of a broadly focused interest group.

AARP – Advocates for people 50+ on many issues.

What actions do interest groups take to influence policy?

Track legislation, contact lawmakers, and mobilize members.

What are the two main types of lobbying?

Inside lobbying and outside lobbying.

What is a legislative liaison?

A government official who represents their agency in lobbying efforts.

Why do municipalities lobby?

To maximize their budget share or gain autonomy.

Why might a citizen become a volunteer lobbyist?

To advocate for a personal cause or community issue they care about.

Is lobbying limited to Washington, DC?

No, many interests lobby at the state level as well.

Do states define lobbying in the same way?

No, definitions of lobbyists and interests vary by state.

What made state-level lobbying more transparent?

The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 and state-specific registration rules.

What kind of data did the Lobbying Disclosure Act help improve?

Understanding of who is lobbying and how much time/money they invest.

Why is lobbying for collective goods challenging?

Because such goods are often underfunded and no one can be excluded from their use.

What is the difference between public and private interest groups?

Public groups aim for broad societal benefits; private groups aim for benefits for their members.

What defines an interest group?

A formal association seeking to influence policy and government decisions.

How do interest groups encourage political participation?

By organizing rallies, informing the public, and mobilizing members.

What’s the benefit of a narrow-focused interest group?

Greater specialization and expertise in a specific issue area.

What are examples of lobbying actions taken by interest groups?

Monitoring legislation, contacting lawmakers, and issuing press releases.

Why is the number of interest groups hard to track?

Because there's no central list and many groups form or dissolve frequently.

What was the "spoils system"?

A system where government jobs were given as rewards or purchased, rather than earned

What law ended the spoils system and began civil service reform?

The Pendleton Act (Civil Service Reform Act of 1883).

What did the Pendleton Act establish?

A merit-based system with competitive exams and protection from political firing.

What is "civil service tenure"?

Job protection after a 3-year probation—can only be fired for cause or workforce reductions.

What is public administration?

The implementation of public policy by government bureaucrats.

Who are considered public administrators?

Anyone in government carrying out essential public functions.

What percentage of federal workers are political appointees?

Less than 0.2%.

What percentage of federal workers are career civil servants?

99.8%

How many political appointees require Senate confirmation?

About 1,700.

What is the main goal of political parties?

To win elections and implement policy.

What trend is seen in Gen Z's party identification?

Leaning Democratic, though still forming clear preferences.

What does a national party organization do?

Oversees national campaigns, fundraising, and public image.

What happens at national party conventions?

Nominate presidential/VP candidates and announce platforms.

What is the difference between party conferences and caucuses?

Republicans use "conferences"; Democrats use "caucuses" for internal meetings.

What do party whips do in Congress?

Ensure members vote in line with party goals.

What is a divided government?

When the presidency and at least one congressional chamber are controlled by different parties.

What are the risks of divided government?

Legislative gridlock and government shutdowns.

Why did Senator Schumer support a GOP budget in 2024?

To avoid a government shutdown—though he faced backlash from his party.

What has contributed to rising political polarization?

Party sorting, media influence, and gerrymandering.

What role has media played in polarization?

Nationalized political identity through TV, internet, and cable news.

What is gerrymandering?

Drawing voting districts to unfairly favor one political party.

What is racial gerrymandering?

Manipulating districts to dilute the voting power of minority groups.

When was Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program established?

2022.

How much funding does ESA provide per student?

$7,000.

How many students were using ESA as of 2024?

Over 83,000.

What is the projected cost of ESA by FY2026?

Nearly $1 billion.

What federal grants support local policing?

COPS grants.

What did the DOJ report find about Phoenix Police in 2024?

Need for federal oversight, poor internal investigations, and misuse of force as de-escalation.

Why did Phoenix issue a report in January 2024?

To avoid federal oversight after the DOJ findings.