Topic 5: Monitoring Government (2.8 & 2.9)

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.

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

• a form of media

• being a watchdog

• an example of bias

• an example of symbolism

Which of the following is NOT one of the ways in which the media influence government?

• A. by providing information to the public

• B. by contributing to election campaign funds

• C. by focusing public attention on particular issues

• D. by making public officials accountable for their actions

The diagram gives details about the American political system. Which title completes the diagram?

• A. How interest groups influence elections

• B. How interest groups use publicity to win support

• C. How interest groups monitor government activities

• D. How interest groups lobby state and federal legislators

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 started a petition on the same issue, collected signatures from her neighbors, and sent it off. Which statement describes Sarah’s activities?

• A. She was acting as a lobbyist.

• B. She was forming her own political party.

• C. She was starting her own special interest group.

• D. She was influencing government as an individual.

Why is legislative protection necessary for whistleblowers?

• A. Most whistleblowers require some form of economic assistance.

• B. Whistleblowers would be afraid to report misconduct without protection.

• C. Interest group lobbyists often threaten the future security of whistleblowers.

• D. Such protection encourages greater transparency in state and local government.

The statement below was made by Ashley Moody, Florida’s Attorney General, in the introduction to Florida’s “Government in the Sunshine Manual” (2023). "Florida is nationally recognized for its strong support for government in the sunshine and this commitment is reflected in our statutes and Constitution. As Attorney General, I remain committed to the principles of transparency embodied in these laws and the benefits they secure for our state." Which is an important consequence of the “sunshine” described by Florida’s Attorney General?

• Farmers are able to grow citrus fruits and other crops.

• Individuals can attend civic meetings to influence public policy.

• Elected officials are limited in the number of terms they can serve.

• Whistleblowers do not have to fear retaliation from their employers.

How does the media hold government officials accountable?

• by voting them out of office

• by informing government officials on public issues

• by acting as a watchdog, reporting officials’ actions to the public

• by raising campaign funds to help re-elect the officials they prefer

What is one method that interest groups use to influence government?

• bribing legislators to support their proposals

• impeaching their opponents in the legislature

• sponsoring news programs on major television networks

• giving legislators the benefit of their subject-area expertise

A U.S. government poster from World War I is shown.

Which evidence supports the view that this poster is an example of wartime propaganda?

• the use of symbolism

• the use of bandwagon claims

• the mention of Liberty Bonds

• the exaggerated characteristics of the soldier