Linkage Institutions Practice

What is the primary goal of the National Organization for Women (NOW)?

• To organize congressional hearings

• To pressure Congress and other legislative bodies to adopt laws benefiting American women

• To represent professional workers

• To protect workers in factories or businesses

What role do interest groups play in American democracy?

• They weaken the democracy by limiting access to the government.

• They make the democracy stronger by providing better access to the government for all Americans.

• They replace political parties as the primary force behind candidate selection.

• They solely focus on individual campaigns rather than the party.

What is one of the roles of political parties in American politics?

• To discourage citizens from voting

• To run candidates for political office

• To prevent policy alternatives

• To ensure all voters wear party 'labels'

How has the role of the media in political campaigns changed?

• The media now focuses more on the party than on the individual.

• The media has reduced its influence on political campaigns.

• The media has increased its influence by focusing more on the individual than on the party.

• The media has been replaced by political parties in terms of influence on campaigns.

What do critics believe about interest groups "buying" influence in government?

• They believe it strengthens American democracy by giving better access to the government.

• They believe it is a fair practice since everyone is free to form and join interest groups.

• They believe it corrupts government because it gives businesses and corporations a connection to government that ordinary people do not have.

• They believe it is essential for the selection of candidates in elections.

What is the most important reason for the two-party system in the WINNER-TAKE-ALL SYSTEM?

• The party with the most votes gets all the seats

• The party with the most votes needs more than 50 percent to win

• The party with the most votes wins even if it is only by one vote more than the opponents

• Third parties are guaranteed a minimum percentage of seats

How many different public offices do Americans collectively fill on all levels of government?

• More than 100,000

• More than 200,000

• More than 400,000

• More than 500,000

What is the purpose of "EXPLORATORY COMMITTEES" in political campaigns?

• To officially nominate the party's candidate for president.

• To conduct extensive polling and fund-raising activities.

• To organize the party conventions.

• To oversee the general election debates.

According to the text, what is one way the media sets the public agenda?

• By focusing on social issues and ignoring others

• By only reporting on government successes

• By emphasizing scandals and high-interest issues

• By rearranging the government's priorities

Which of the following is an example of lobbying?

• Interest groups sending representatives to state capitals

• The National Organization for Women working to get more women into elected office

• The AFL-CIO and the TEAMSTERS' UNION protecting workers

• The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts trying to persuade Congress in congressional hearings