Unit II Indirect Politics

What is the primary function of standing committees in Congress?

• To conduct investigations into executive actions

• To review and amend proposed legislation

• To oversee the judicial branch

• To manage the budget of Congress

How do Political Action Committees (PACs) differ from Super PACs in terms of campaign finance?

• PACs can accept unlimited contributions, while Super PACs have strict limits.

• Super PACs can accept unlimited contributions and spend unlimited amounts, while PACs have contribution limits.

• Both PACs and Super PACs have the same contribution limits.

• PACs can only contribute to political parties, while Super PACs can contribute directly to candidates.

What is the difference between hard money and soft money in campaign finance?

• Hard money is donated directly to candidates, while soft money is donated to political parties for general purposes.

• Soft money is donated directly to candidates, while hard money is donated to political parties for general purposes.

• Hard money and soft money are both donated directly to candidates.

• Soft money is used for specific projects, while hard money is used for general party activities.

What was the primary goal of the McCain-Feingold Act (Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act) of 2002?

• To eliminate all forms of campaign contributions

• To increase transparency in campaign finance and reduce the influence of soft money

• To allow unlimited corporate contributions to political campaigns

• To abolish the Federal Election Commission

How does the media influence public perception of political issues and candidates?

• By providing unbiased and equal coverage of all political issues

• By selectively highlighting certain issues and framing narratives that shape public opinion

• By avoiding any influence on public perception

• By focusing solely on entertainment rather than political issues

What is the "iron triangle" in the context of U.S. politics?

• A coalition of three political parties working together

• The relationship between Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court

• The policy-making relationship between congressional committees, bureaucracies, and interest groups

• A triangular trade agreement between three countries

How do interest groups use indirect political strategies to influence policy decisions?

• By directly bribing policymakers

• By lobbying, conducting research, and mobilizing public opinion to indirectly influence policy decisions

• By avoiding any involvement in policy decisions

• By focusing solely on grassroots movements without engaging with policymakers

What role does bureaucracy play in the implementation of public policy?

• Bureaucracy creates laws and regulations without input from elected officials

• Bureaucracy implements and enforces laws and regulations created by elected officials

• Bureaucracy has no role in public policy implementation

• Bureaucracy only provides advisory opinions without any enforcement power

What is the primary function of a conference committee in Congress?

• To draft new legislation

• To reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill

• To conduct oversight of the executive branch

• To manage the budget of Congress

How do Super PACs influence elections and political campaigns?

• By directly coordinating with candidates and political parties

• By independently spending unlimited amounts on political advertising and advocacy

• By providing direct financial support to candidates

• By focusing solely on grassroots mobilization