4 Politics (Interest Groups)

A special interest group is the same as

• a political party

• a government agency

• a common concern organization

• a candidate's campaign team

What do lobbyists do?

• Schmooze government officials to get things for their interest groups.

• Clean the lobbies of the large government buildings.

• Litigate settlements between government and private industry.

• Find ways to make bureaucratic agencies leaner and more effective.

What do political parties have that special interest groups do not?

• goals and objectives

• candidates for office

• people from the organization representing their interests in government

• lobbyists

One of the most legitimately important functions common to all special interest groups is that they (note: LEGITIMATELY important...)

• provide information to government officials

• bribe people

• have voter registration drives

• are always about some political cause

Most special interest groups are formed to ensure

• the environment is kept clean

• manatees are protected in the wildlife

• people participate politically

• people's jobs and incomes are protected

The best kind of person to have working for your special interest group is

• a bureaucrat who consults on significant issues

• a lawyer who is really good at getting officials to agree with him

• a president who says a lot of nice things about your cause

• a doctor who can say authoritative things about health care

Probably the most powerful lobby in Washington DC is the AARP, and one reason is that ___ are the ones who vote most in this country.

• young people

• old people

• high income people

• low income people

The troubling thing about candidates raising money for their campaigns is really the most people who give money are ___ people who expect something in return.

• common

• rich

• smart

• working

The best thing about sending money to the World Wildlife Fund when thinking about manatees is that

• you'll get a nice plush toy manatee for your contribution

• you can join with others who like manatees and swim out with the manatees in your scuba outfits holding signs up out of the water that say "Manatees nearby! Don't bring your motorboats here!"

• you can feel really good about yourself and brag to everyone that you've spent money for a good cause

• you're contributing to the organization that will work hard to convince the government to actually protect manatees by setting up wildlife refuges prohibited to all motor boats

Elected officials do a lot to convince you they really listen to you, but in reality most will only listen to you if you

• give money to his/her campaign

• have something nice to say

• make a good argument

• live in the United States