Political Parties and Citizen Engagement

Sarah felt very strongly about an issue in the news. She wrote to her

representative in Congress and expressed her feelings on the issue. Then

she wrote a short editorial for the local newspaper and sent it off. Which

statement describes Sarah’s activities?

• She was acting as a lobbyist.

• She was forming her own political party.

• She was starting her own special interest group.

• She was influencing government as an individual.

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

influence government

• by providing information to the public

• by contributing to election campaign funds

• by focusing public attention on particular issues

• by making public officials accountable for their actions

“Italians make the best chefs in the world.” What does this statement show?

• a form of media

• an example of bias

• acting as a watchdog

• an example of symbolism

Which best describes the main objective of a lobbyist?

• to raise campaign funds for political parties

• to influence public decision-making for the common good

• to influence state legislators or members of Congress on issues

• to advise political candidates on how to manage their election campaigns

Do you think lobbying should be allowed?

Despite the Fourteenth Amendment, many

African Americans were still denied

the right to vote. The (a)   amendment addressed this problem directly

Look at the political world you live in today, women and people of color are more involved in politics than ever. Which amendments allowed women and African Americans the right to participate in democracy?

If the government want to take your private property for public use, they must:

• Give you a piece of cake

• Give you just compensative

• Hire a lawyer to prove they deserve your home

• Give you a new house

Which statement best defines “due process” of law

• Decisions affecting individuals are made by a jury of peers.

• Procedures used to enforce the law are fair, reasonable and just.

• People have guaranteed rights that can only be taken away in

  emergencies

• Government decisions affecting individuals are made in secret to avoid

  publicity.