SS.7.C.2.10

Why are government leaders often influenced by special interest groups?

• Special interest groups use methods supported by voters
• Special interest groups control media coverage of political campaigns
• Special interest groups raise significant amounts of money for political campaign
• Special interest groups provide voters with information about qualifications of candidates

What is the core purpose of a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

• To train people to work at the polls on Election Day
• To raise money to contribute to political campaigns
• To design ballots for congressional elections
• To establish the rules for candidate debates

Which of the following is an example of the media exercising its "watchdog' role over government?

• A local radio talk show about uniforms in school
• A televised debate between presidential campaigns
• A newspaper story about the building if a new highway
• A local television news report about a city councilman taking bribes

Based on the government system in the U.S., which individual activity is used to directly influence legislative decisions?

• Watching political debates on TV
• Discussing political issues at work
• Collecting opinions for a yearbook
• Gathering signatures for a petition

The table shows lobbying methods and their associated costs and time required. 
Which are her best options?

• An online petition and letters to citizens
• Calling citizens by phone and letters to citizens
• Emailing the representatives and an online petition
• Group rally event and emailing the representative

Who do lobbyists represent in their attempts to influence government?

• Military officers
• Elected officials
• Interest Groups
• Circuit Judges

According to the table, what impact has media had on government?

• Government is less likely to regulate the press
• Government is more likely to regulate the press
• Government is less likely to respond to public concerns
• Government is more likely to respond to public concerns

Which question would a citizen want to ask to determine whether a lobbyist is working on behalf of the public interest?

• Has the lobbyist worked as a public official before?
• How long has the person been a lobbyist?
• How much is the lobbyist being paid?
• What organization hired the lobbyist?

You want to get a law passed on requiring gas detectors in all houses. What type of group would you most likely organize to help reach the goal?

• City Council
• Focus Group
• Interest Group
• Political Party

Who do lobbyists attempt to influence?

• interest groups

• the media

• lawmakers

• PACs