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WorksheetsInterest Groups
Total questions: 36
Worksheet time: 25mins
Which of these describes the main purpose of an interest group?
To influence government officials on a specific issue
To form legislative committees that study public policy
To regulate the economy by setting federal lending rates
To select cases for hearing in appeals courts
Which of these explains a difference between political parties and interest groups?
Political parties evaluate government policy, while interest groups set government policy.
Political parties influence laws, while interest groups ratify laws.
Political parties address many issues, while interest groups usually focus on one issue.
Political parties support candidates, while interest groups nominate candidates.
Which of these is an example of lobbying by an interest group?
A hotel association develops a plan to attract more tourists.
An animal rights organization presents its views to a legislator.
A group of citizens asks city officials for a schedule of public hearings.
A neighborhood association backs a candidate for an election.
Every person has a equal chance of being picked for a survey:
random sample
straw poll
representative sample
push poll
What is the term for a set of beliefs and values that are shared by the population (example freedom and equality)?
political efficacy
political trust
political socialization
political culture
What is the term for a person's beliefs that can change how they feel about the government and make a change in public policy?
political efficacy
political trust
political socialization
political culture
Which of the following would be a reason that would most likely have someone vote?
higher level of education
lower level of education
public opinion
poll taxes
Which of the following ways to interest groups NOT impact through public policy?
providing campaign assistance
direct contact with policy makers
filing lawsuits in court
providing public pressure
All of the following indirect techniques are used by interest groups, EXCEPT:
groundswell of public pressure
providing political information
use constituents as lobbyists
building alliances with other groups
Leaders, patrons, funding, and members makes what successful?
political parties
interest groups
political efficacy
political socialization
What is an organized group of people who share a common goal and actively attempt to influence lawmakers?
ideology group
interest group
political party
political action committee
What stances would a Democratic politician take?
Choose the best two answers.
A new government program for the unemployed
An increase in defense spending
A health care system closely regulated by the government
Less government involvement in the economy
What is the relationship between interest groups, Congress, and the bureaucracy called?
Iron Triangle
Wooden Square
Glass Ceiling
Steel Circle
What is the purpose of lobbying?
to increase interest group membership
to influence the policy making process
to select the best candidates for office
to raise money for political campaigns
What is the role of political action committees (PACs)?
They arrange exhibits and forums to inform citizens about interest groups.
They fact-check the information given out by the government.
They run the primaries that parties use to select their nominees.
They raise money and advertise in support of political candidates.
How are political parties and interest groups different?
Political parties give money to the public, while interest groups charge the public for membership.
Political parties nominate candidates in elections to help gain and exercise power. Interest groups bring together citizens around a central issue or concern.
Interest groups do not interact with elected officials or attempt to change public policy. They are only concerned with social events.
Lobbying is primarily aimed at
Converting opponents to supporters
Changing the focus of the debate to a topic where the interest group can be more persuasive
Activating supporters to actually support the group’s interest
Blocking hostile proposals
A Super PAC
Provides unlimited funds to favored candidates
Spends its money on independent expenditures
Is a PAC representing a large corporation
Is a PAC representing a large group
Interest groups try to shape policy through all of the following EXCEPT
Lobbying
Giving voting cues to legislators
Introducing legislation
Trying to influence appointments to regulatory agencies
A ______ is something of value such as national security that cannot be withheld from a potential group member.
Group benefit
Political resource
Potential asset
Collective (or public) good
Which party is known for being conservatives?
democrats
republicans
What is the term for a political party pointing out how another party is not performing for the best of the American people? (its a function of a political party)
congressional oversight
watchdog
recruiting candidates
federalists motives
