Political Parties and Elections

What is an important difference between interest groups and political parties?

• Interest groups have more members than political parties.
• Interest groups have platforms addressing all issues of public concern.
  
• Interest groups are organized to elect their candidates to political office.
• Interest groups attempt to influence government directly on particular issues.

Which of the following is NOT one of the ways in which the media affect politics?

• By providing in-depth coverage of national issues
• By focusing public attention on particular issues
• By contributing to election campaign funds
• By providing information on both parties

Which best describes the main objective of a lobbyist?

• To raise campaign funds for political parties
• To influence public decision-making for the common good.
• To influence state legislators or members of Congress on issues
• To advise political candidates on how to manage their election campaigns

The graph below shows where Americans obtain their news. Use this graph to answer this questions and the next.
Based on the information in the graph, where should a candidate spend the most campaign funds for advertising

• Newspaper
• Television
• Internet
•  Radio

Based on the graph, how have Americans’ sources of news changed since 1992?

• There has been a significant decline in the readership of news magazines.
• More people are now listening to news on the radio than previously.
• The internet is gradually replacing newspapers as  a source of news
• People no longer obtain news information from television.

A U.S government poster from World War I is shown below.
Which propaganda technique is used in this poster?

• Celebrity testimonials
• Bandwagon claims
• Glittering generalities
•   Demonizing opponents

The statement below was made by President George W. Bush at the start of the 2004 Presidential election campaign against Democratic candidate Senator John Kerry.It’s a choice between keeping the tax relief that is moving the economy forward, or putting the burden of higher taxes back on the American people… It’s a choice between an America that leads the world with strength and confidence, or an America that is uncertain in the face of danger.  
How was this political communication intended to win public support for President Bush?

• By using political symbolism
• By pointing to specific issues
• By labeling his opponent as uncertain
• By providing detailed evidence of his achievements

In the 1950s and 1960s, one of the most important public issues facing Americans was the policy of racial segregation followed by Southern states.
What perspective did civil rights groups take on the issues of racial segregation in the South during this time period?

• They believed it was time for radical policy alternatives, such as moving all African Americans to the North.
• They felt it had become necessary to oppose segregation with marches, sit-ins, demonstrations, boycotts and civil disobedience.
• They believed Southern supporters of segregation should be threatened with acts of racial violence.
• They felt it would be better to be patient and accept gradual change in the South.

Below are views for and against a town ban on motorcycle traffic.
1.  Motorcycles are extremely dangerous and noisy. People can drive much more safely in cars. Motorcycles zoom in and out of traffic and may even lead automobile drivers to cause an accident. Motorcycles are dangerous, noisy and totally unnecessary. They should be banned.

2.  Motorcycles are individuals with rights just like everyone else. So long as they respect these rights, motorcyclists are entitled to enjoy the sport of motorcycling. We have no more reason to stoop motorcyclists than any other sport. Skiing and sky-diving may be dangerous but we permit those. Automobile drivers cause more accidents than motorcyclists. Should we ban automobiles?
Which conclusion can be drawn from these views?

• Most people enjoy riding motorcycles
• There are multiple perspectives on public issues.
• Motorcyclists generally fail to respect other people.
• Motorcycles are safer than most other forms of transportation.

Which statement reflects Republican views on the role of government?

• Republicans favor less government, lower taxes, and greater personal freedom.
• Republicans favor value-based governance, opposing excessive consumption and unregulated competition.
• Republicans favor national mass people's’ party, based on the working classes and against monopoly capitalism.
• Republican favor more affordable health care, increased public funding for education, and an end to discrimination in all forms.