8-1 Interest Groups

Private meetings, providing political information, and supplying nominations suggestions are examples of what process?

• political parties

• lobbying

• cohesiveness

• pluralism

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

Paid representatives of interest groups who make direct contact with senators and representatives

• Lobbyists

• Con artist

• Salesmen

• Shady characters

Interest groups use political action committees (PACs) to

• Provide expertise to members of Congress when they are writing legislation

• Lobby the executive bureaucracy when they are considering new rules and regulations

• Raise and spend money on election campaigns

• Generate research that can be used to influence public opinion

Whereas a party runs a slate of candidates for office and attempts to win control of the government, an interest group

• Attempts to affect election outcomes and influence government policy

• Creates a party to pursue the interest group’s objectives

• Generally avoids the electoral process and focuses instead on increasing benefits for members of the group

• Controls the nomination process to achieve its policy outcomes

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 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 manager their election campaigns