Unit 3 Political Participation

Study the circle graphs below. Based on the circle graphs, which of these statements is the most accurate?

• The Democratic Party has enough votes to amend the Constitution.

• The Republican Party has enough votes to override a Presidential veto.

• The Democratic and Republican Parties must work together to pass legislation.

• The Democratic and Republican Parties have enough votes to appoint a Supreme Court Justice.

Which action would a special interest group take to gain support for a law proposed in Congress?

• Meets with representatives to educate them about the bill

• Present the group’s position in lawsuits heard in court

• Donate money to a presidential re-election campaign

• Endorse political party candidates for the state legislature

What is a reason people join third parties?

• Third party candidates usually win elections

• The Democratic and Republican party dues are too expensive

• Third parties always raise a large sum of money

• The Democratic and Republican parties do not represent their views

Which headline describes an action most likely to have a positive effect on a presidential candidate’s campaign?

• Campaign opinion polls fall for presidential candidate

• Presidential candidate raises record amount of campaign funds

• Presidential debate schedule announced for upcoming campaign

• Interest group criticizes presidential candidate's record

Which of these explains a difference between political parties and interest groups?

• Political parties support candidates, while interest groups nominate candidates

• Political parties evaluate government policy, while interest groups set government policy

• Political parties influence laws, while interest groups ratify laws

• Political parties address many issues, while interest groups usually focus on one

The mass media is sometimes referred to as the “fourth branch of government” because it

• Is a powerful federal agency

• Endorses all governmental policies

• Is paid for with federal taxes

• Influences public opinion

Which of these is an example of lobbying by a special interest group?

• A hotel association develops a plan to attract more tourists

• An animal right organization presents its views to a legislator

• A neighborhood association backs a group of candidates for an upcoming election

• A group of citizens asks city officials for a schedule of public hearings

Which of these best explains why candidates for public office often spend more money on advertising during the last week of a campaign?

• Advertising costs are lower at the end of a campaign

• Advertising may persuade undecided voters to make a choice

• Campaign laws require that all money raised by a candidate be spent

• Campaign laws require that advertising be restricted to the end of the campaign