Political Parties and Public Policy Review

The main purpose of political parties are to control government by

• winning elections and holding office

• forming coalitions with other parties

• influencing public opinion through media

• drafting legislation for government approval

The media plays a very important role in the political process of elections. They help by:

• emphasizing selected issues

• conducting elections

• voting on behalf of citizens

• creating political parties

This group tries to shape public opinion and is made up of a group of people that share the same opinions.

• Political Action Committee

• Interest Group

• Social Movement

• Advocacy Coalition

Political parties play a key role in the government, and in helping their candidate win. They also:

• mobilize voters

• educate the electorate

• fundraise for campaigns

• create legislation

Individual contributions to political candidates and campaigns are limited as a direct result of __ reform.

• Electoral

• Campaign finance

• Voter ID

• Gerrymandering

One way interest groups influence public policy is by: identifying issues, contributing to campaigns, lobbying government officials.

• identifying issues

• contributing to campaigns

• lobbying government officials

• all of these

Individuals can influence public policy by all of the following EXCEPT: Participating in political campaigns by voting and campaigning, Expressing opinions by lobbying, demonstrating, and writing letters, Joining special interest groups

• Demonstrating apathy

• Participating in political campaigns

• Expressing opinions by lobbying

• Joining special interest groups

For voters in Virginia, you must be registered _____ days
before the election.

• 15

• 22

• 30

• 45

One way individuals can influence public policy is by

• participating in politics, expressing opinions, joining interest groups.

• voting in elections only.

• donating money to political campaigns exclusively.

• ignoring political issues altogether.

A person running for office.

• candidate

• voter

• official

• representative