Unit 2: Engaged Citizens

Who do lobbyists represent in their attempts to influence government?

• Military Officers

• Elected Officials

• Interest Groups

• Circuit Judges

How does the media typically influence government?

• by reporting court procedures

• by making political contributions

• by investigating illegal business practices

• by broadcasting campaign advertisements

Which example represents the media acting as watchdog?

• A journalist discovers that an office holder held a hearing.

• A journalist discovers that an office holder accepted a bribe.

• A journalist discovers that an office holder decided to retire.

• A journalist discovers that an office holder voted against a bill.

How might a political action committee influence government?

• Send a letter to a U.S. Senator’s supporters

• Contribute money to a U.S. Senate campaign

• Write a letter to a newspaper about a U.S. Senator

• Contribute money to a charity in a U.S. Senator’s state

The statements below are taken from a government document.

"Executive Order 13490 -- Ethics Commitments

"By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

"Section 1. Ethics Pledge. Every appointee in every executive agency appointed on or after January 20, 2009, shall sign…and…pledge…

"As a condition, and in consideration, of my employment in the United States Government in a position invested with the public trust, I commit myself to the following obligations…

"I will not accept gifts from registered lobbyists or lobbying organizations for the duration of my service as an appointee."

Source: The White House

According to the statements, what impact have lobbyists had on government?

• Lobbyists impact how the media endorse elected officials.

• Lobbyists impact how individuals use the media.

• Lobbyists impact congressional lawmaking.

• Lobbyists impact judicial decision-making.

Which source would give the most accurate information about the views held by an incumbent running for Congress?

• Special interest group ratings of that Congress member

• A television commercial sponsored by a political party

• The voting record of the candidate while in Congress

• Flyers sent through the mail by the candidate

Which government action would this presidential candidate likely support?

• An executive order requiring that executive branch employees complete their work in an honest manner

• An executive order requiring that executive branch agencies guarantee equal employment opportunity

• An executive order requiring that executive agencies work together to coordinate ocean-related matters

• An executive order requiring that a commission be established focusing on Central America

The passage below is from a U.S. Supreme Court decision.

"The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has for many years imposed …a “fairness doctrine,” requiring that public issues be presented by broadcasters and that each side of those issues be given fair coverage."

Source: Red Lion Broadcasting Co., Inc. v. Federal Communications Commission (1969)

Based on the passage, what is a goal of the FCC regulation?

• to limit bias in political communication

• to promote bias in political communication

• to limit symbolism in political communication

• to promote symbolism in political communication

Civil Rights Group Poster What is the long term policy goal of the interest group?

• Electing Candidates

• Regulating Elections

• Improving Citizens' Lives

• Influencing Political Appointments

"…the news media seem to want to carry the negative." - Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld

What type of political communication is being referenced in the statement?

• Bias

• Persuasion

• Propaganda

• Symbolism