Interest Groups and PACS

Which best defines the purpose of Political Action Committees (PACs)?

• To raise and donate money to political compaigns
• Develop yard signs and other campaign materials such as doorhangers
• To influence legislators through lobbying
• To organize people into a political party and run election campaigns

Which of these describes the main purpose of an interest group?

• To influence government officials on a specific issue

• To form legislative committees that study public policy

• To regulate the economy by setting federal lending rates

• To select cases for hearing in appeals courts

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

• 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 issue.

• Political parties support candidates, while interest groups nominate candidates.

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

• A hotel association develops a plan to attract more tourists.

• An animal rights organization presents its views to a legislator.

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

• A neighborhood association backs a candidate for an election.

Which of the following best demonstrates the media focusing public attention on a specific issue?

• A debate is held between the Republican candidates seeking the nomination for Presidency.
• The local news station runs a week long story about the condition of schools throughout the state.
• A press conference is held to question the President on the removal of troops from Iraq.
• The governor is interviewed about his involvement in a scheme to redraw district lines to favor his party.

What is the media doing when it informs the public about the wrongdoing and mistakes of government?

• Voting
• Lobbying for an interest group
• Contributing to a campaign
• Holding government accountable

How does the media influence public opinion?

• Gives money to political parties
• Regulates the type of media people use
• Focuses attention on certain issues
• Tells people who to vote for

What is it called when individuals try to get legislators to introduce or vote a certain way on a bill?

• Interest groups
• Lobbying
• Demonstrating
• PAC

Which is NOT a function of PACs or special interest groups

• nominate their favorite candidate for office

• pay for television, radio, and internet ads supporting their preferred candidate

• make large contributions supporting their favorite candidate

• mail pamphlets supporting their preferred candidate.

Which scenario is an example of lobbying?

• President Trump imposes heavy tariffs on Chinese imports.

• Congress passes a tax bill.

• High school students from Parkland, Florida try to persuade members of the U.S. Senate to create tougher gun control laws.

• The federal government cancels the Affordable Care Act Assistance contract.