Civics Unit 11 - Media & Interest Groups

Which action BEST describes how interest groups promote change?

• they bribe government officials

• they intimidate opponents from voting

• they get their workers strike in order to affect change

• they campaign for a candidate who supports their position

Unlike political parties, interest groups...

• generally win control of the government.

• are specifically discussed in the Constitution.

• concern themselves with specific issues or problems.

• attract support from a wide cross-section of the population.

A "lobbyist" is BEST described as one who...

• puts pressure on lawmakers, attempting to affect public policy.

• uses the media to gives the public information a specific topic.

• uses the media to craft a good public image for an interest group.

• attempts influence the policies of labor unions and professional associations.

Which statement is an accurate comparison of political parties and the mass media?

• They both can act as government watchdogs.

• Neither has an impact on shaping public policy.

• The mass media cannot influence public opinion while political parties can.

• The primary purpose of political parties and the mass media is to campaign.

Critics of special interest groups have frequently tried to reduce their influence on elections by...

• limiting the number of elected offices.

• increasing the political campaign season.

• limiting the number of wealthy candidates for office.

• increasing the public's funding of political campaigns.

An individual strongly believes in Second Amendment protections. Which interest group would the individual MOST likely join?

• League of Women Voters

• Core of Racial Equality

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce

• National Rifle Association

Citizens rely on the media for information and the media has a strong impact on public opinion and the public agenda. How does the media play the watchdog role?

• by committing libel and slander

• by endorsing particular candidates

• by determining what issues are important

• by exposing government waste or corruption

Information presented by the media about important issues...

• can influence public opinion.

• is largely ignored by the public.

• reaches few people across the country.

• is usually responsible for low voter turnout.

Which statement BEST describes the role of the media in campaigns and elections?

• The media presents information about candidates and important issues.

• The media decides the outcome of elections based on poll data.

• The media creates ads for their favorite candidates.

• The media helps finance political campaigns.

When presented with media messages, Americans should keep in mind that...

• the First Amendment requires that news reports be accurate and free of bias.

• all people should evaluate media messages for accuracy and balance.

• media messages should never be taken seriously.

• propaganda is against the law.