Interest Groups

What political theory says that one will always dominate the political process due to resources?

• Pluralism

• Hyperpluralism

• Elitism

• Republicanism

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 these is an example of lobbying by an interest group?

• A hotel association develops a plan to attract more tourists.

• An animal rights organization presents its views to a legislator.

• A group of citizens asks city officials for a schedule of public hearings.

• A neighborhood association backs a candidate for an election.

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.

Which scenario is an example of lobbying?

• President Trump imposes heavy tariffs on Chinese imports.

• Congress passes a tax bill.

• High school students from Parkland, Florida try to persuade members of the U.S. Senate to create tougher gun control laws.

• The federal government cancels the Affordable Care Act Assistance contract.

Which of the following is not a criticism of a interest group?

• Ignoring the wider interest of society

• Producing confusing and deadlock in Congress

• Generating so much emotion that they make reasoned discussion difficult

• They have too little influence

What is an organized group of people who share a common goal and actively attempt to influence lawmakers?

• ideology group

• interest group

• political party

• political action committee

How do interest groups promote democracy?

• They help officials get elected
• They help make the president aware of items that were not previously part of his or her agenda
• They help to communicate the views of industry to staunch the regulatory direction of congress
• They help to convey the policy views of individuals and groups to public officials

Of all the activities that are employed by interest groups, the most significant one is: 

• Running candidates for office
• Providing information
• Offering campaign contributions
• Grassroots mobilization