SS.7.C.2.10

Based on the government system in the US, which individual activity is used to directly influence legislative decisions?

• watching political debates on TV

• discussing political issues at work

• collecting opinions for a yearbook

• gathering signatures for a petition

Why are government leaders often influenced by special interest groups?

• Special interest groups use methods supported by voters
• Special interest groups control media coverage of political campaigns
• Special interest groups raise significant amounts of money for political campaign
• Special interest groups provide voters with information about qualifications of candidates

What is the core purpose of a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

• To train people to work at the polls on Election Day
• To raise money to contribute to political campaigns
• To design ballots for congressional elections
• To establish the rules for candidate debates

Which of the following is an example of the media exercising its "watchdog' role over government?

• A local radio talk show about uniforms in school
• A televised debate between presidential campaigns
• A newspaper story about the building if a new highway
• A local television news report about a city councilman taking bribes

What is the name for representatives in interest groups who contact officials directly?

• Propagandists
• Lobbyists
• Pollsters
• Political Action Committee

Based on what you know, what would be a good counterargument?

• Elected officials are better able to measure public opinion if there are no interfering factions
• Lobbyists will balance one another in government influence if they are subject to fewer laws
• Political ads, despite their biases, are best able to inform citizens when there are no regulations
• The media, despite its biases, are best able to watchdog the government when they are free

The table shows lobbying methods and their associated costs and time required. 
Which are her best options?

• An online petition and letters to citizens
• Calling citizens by phone and letters to citizens
• Emailing the representatives and an online petition
• Group rally event and emailing the representative

According to the table, what impact has media had on government?

• Government is less likely to regulate the press
• Government is more likely to regulate the press
• Government is less likely to respond to public concerns
• Government is more likely to respond to public concerns

Which question would a citizen want to ask to determine whether a lobbyist is working on behalf of the public interest?

• Has the lobbyist worked as a public official before?
• How long has the person been a lobbyist?
• How much is the lobbyist being paid?
• What organization hired the lobbyist?

You want to get a law passed on requiring gas detectors in all houses. What type of group would you most likely organize to help reach the goal?

• City Council
• Focus Group
• Interest Group
• Political Party