2.8 Political Influences

What would be the most effective way for a special-interest group to try to influence the outcome of the presidential election?

• to conduct a public opinion poll

• to hire an union representative

• to hold a primary election

• to run television advertisements

The diagram below shows some activities in the political process. Which title completes the diagram?

• Ways that Corporations Influence Consumers

• Ways that Citizens Support Personal Businesses

• Ways that Interest Groups Influence Lawmakers

• Ways that Public Officials Support Government Reforms

Based on the government system in the United States, which individual activity is used to directly influence legislative decisions?

• watching political debates on television

• gathering signatures for a petition

• collecting opinions for a yearbook

• discussing political issues at work

Which of the following describes an action taken by an interest group?

• A group of citizens protesting in a presidential election.

• A group of people peacefully gathering signatures (petitioning) to support a change in local zoning laws.

• A company paying taxes to the federal government.

• A person attending a corporate meeting regarding economic development

Which statement BEST describes the role of lobbyists at the federal level?

• They are government employees who create legislation.

• They are hired by private citizens to represent them in court.

• They are hired by interest groups to influence government officials.

• They are journalists who report on the activities of Congress.

The photograph below was taken during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. Based on this photograph, which generalization can be made about how participating in this type of activity influences government?

• Participation demonstrates public concerns to elected officials.

• Participation restricts civil rights through organized assemblies.

• Participation discourages multiple perspectives about pending legislation.

• Participation increases money spent on advertising during election campaigns.

What would be the best title for this diagram?

• a. Groups that want to influence the government

• b. Groups of legislators wanting to introduce a bill

• c. Groups of young people registering to vote

• d. Groups that want to increase economic activity

Which is one of the ways that individuals are able to monitor the government?

• By voting in elections

• By attending civic meetings

• By acting as whistleblowers

• By contributing to political action committees

Which media activity is used to monitor legislative decisions?

• Holding candidates’ debates on television

• Reporting the results of major votes in Congress

• Measuring public opinion to predict election results

• Permitting candidates to show political advertisements

The diagram below illustrates a series of related events: What would be the title for this diagram?

• How the media acts as a watchdog

• How individuals monitor government

• How propaganda impacts public opinion

• How interest groups influence government