AP Government

Front

Interest groups differ from political parties because

Back

groups tend to be policy specialists while parties tend to be policy generalists

Answer explanation

Interest groups and political parties are both linkage institutions, but political parties focus on a wide variety of issues to attract many voters.

Front

Which of the following statements about pluralism is TRUE?
- Pluralist theory rests on many centers of power in American politics.
- Pluralists assume that no single group will become too powerful.
- Groups serve as a key linkage institution in pluralist theory.
- The extensive organization of competing groups provides evidence that power is widely dispersed among them.
- All of the above

Back

All of the above

Answer explanation

When groups become too powerful that becomes hyperpluralism and it leads to gridlock.

Front

A theory of government and politics contending that societies are divided among classes and that the wealthy class controls the government is called

Back

elite theory

Answer explanation

When you think of elite democracy, think of a system dominated by the educated, wealthy, and well connected.

Front

Elitist theorists argue that governments should be controlled by a select group of well-educated, cultured, wealthy persons who understand the laws of economics and can run the most efficient government.

Back

governments should be controlled by a select group of well-educated, cultured, wealthy persons who understand the laws of economics and can run the most efficient government.

Answer explanation

When you think of elite democracy, think of a system dominated by the educated, wealthy, and well connected.

Front

Which of the following is NOT a way in which a lobbyist can help a member of Congress? Introducing legislation in Congress, Assisting with the cost of traveling between their home district and Washington, D.C., Providing valuable information on specialized policy areas, Obtaining group support for the politician's reelection, Helping with political strategy

Back

Assisting with the cost of traveling between their home district and Washington, D.C.

Answer explanation

Lobbyists can NEVER give money directly to politicians in ANY form, including paying for rent, food, or travel.

Front

Many interest groups involve themselves in_______to help get those they consider to be the right people into office or to keep them there.

Back

electioneering

Answer explanation

Electioneering is the process of engaging in campaign work, which interest group an do in order to help candidates that support their ideas.

Front

Political action committee (PAC) money goes overwhelmingly to

Back

incumbents

Answer explanation

Incumbents (people who already hold the seat) are much more likely to win reelection and are also much more likely to receive money from donors.

Front

Which of the following do you need to do to become a Republican or Democrat? Give money, Add your name to a mailing list, Formally join the party, Prove that you've voted for the party, All you need to do is believe that you belong to the party of your choice

Back

All you need to do is believe that you belong to the party of your choice

Answer explanation

There are no formal requirements to be a democratic or republican .

Front

Almost all definitions of political parties have which of the following in common?
Options:
Parties have a mass following,
Parties try to win elections,
Parties have limited policy agendas,
Parties are run by elites,
Parties have formal organizations

Back

Parties try to win elections

Answer explanation

The main goal of ANY political party is to win elections.

Front

Linkage institutions

Back

translate inputs from the public into outputs from the policymakers

Answer explanation

It is in the word! These are instiutions that "link" people to politics.