MMS Civics: Public Opinion & Lobbying

An issue gaining in importance as a result of television news coverage is an example of what influence on public opinion?

• gender
• income
• interest groups
• mass media

Which of these interest groups is most likely to lobby with legislators on behalf of workers?

•  AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)
• American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
• American Heart Association
• American Medical Association

What is the name of an interest group that tries to influence the government to take actions that will benefit large numbers of people?

• economic group
• issues group
• public-interest group
• rights group

Interest groups use political action committees (PACs) to give money to candidates they favor.

• True
• False

What activity does an interest group most likely use to gain more members?

• bring suits in court
•  influence public opinion
• lobby government officials
• take part in electives

Which of the following is a personal-background factor that will influence opinions about public issues?

• mass media
• interest groups
• government officials
• occupation

What is one way that lobbyists influence government?

• preparing their own drafts of bills
•  recruiting volunteers through direct mail
• selling political advertisements
• staging public protests

What is one concern raised by critics of lobbying and interest groups?

• Contributions can corrupt government officials.
• Newspapers print libelous content with evil intent.
• People who join interest groups increase their influence.
• Public opinion is too easily influenced by the mass media.

What is the goal of lobbying?

• to get favored candidates elected to office
• to influence government policy
• to make a group’s views known
• to provide a watchdog over government officials

Interest groups can influence government by

• lobbying officials.
• passing new laws
• ruling in courts
• running candidates.