Influences on American Politics

What is an important difference between interest groups and political parties?

• Interest groups have more members than political parties.

• Interest groups have platforms addressing all issues of public concern.

• Interest groups are organized to elect their candidates to political office.

• Interest groups attempt to influence government directly on particular issues.

Which of the following is NOT one of the ways in which the media affect politics?

• by providing information on both parties
• by contributing to election campaign funds
• by focusing public attention on particular issues
• by providing in-depth coverage of national issues.

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 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

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.

Bias means _____________ one view over another view.

• supplementing
• favoring
• opinioning
• hosting

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