Question

Which of the following statements about lobbying the executive branch in the state of California are accurate?

- California's seven statewide elected administration offices make it difficult for interest groups to coordinate lobbying activities.
- Interest groups find it more difficult to lobby members of the executive branch because state campaign finance laws prohibit contributions to executive branch candidates.
- The size and technical expertise of California's executive branch forces lobbyists to develop expertise and relationships with numerous different agencies.
- Regulations from the Progressive era of the state's politics (the early 1900s) make it illegal for groups representing business interests to lobby executive branch agencies.

Answer 1

Interest groups in California need to navigate the complexity of a large executive branch with expertise and relationships, but modern lobbying restrictions do not completely prohibit contributions to executive branch candidates or make it illegal for business groups to lobby executive agencies.

Step-by-step explanation:

In determining which statements about lobbying the executive branch in the state of California are accurate, it is essential to consider various aspects of lobbying regulations and influences. Interest groups in California face the complexity of a large executive branch, which forces lobbyists to develop expertise in various areas and forge numerous relationships within different agencies. Although there are strict regulations in place, including the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 and President Biden's Executive Order 13989, which address campaign contributions and the 'revolving door' phenomenon, it's not accurate to say that campaign finance laws prohibit contributions to executive branch candidates outright. Moreover, modern lobbying restrictions are also more nuanced than the early 20th-century regulations, and they do not generally make it illegal for business interest groups to lobby executive agencies.