Q&A Hero

Q: Which of the following is the most basic role of the media in the U.S.? A.criticizing the American government B.providing advertising opportunities for political candidates C.monitoring and communicating about events around the nation and world D.stirring public debate and gathering public opinion E.serving as an advocate and supporter of the government's programs

Q: The Telecommunications Act of 1996 abolished the older "fairness doctrine" that had been in effect since 1950. The ruling deregulated the information industry. What effect did this deregulation have on the Federal Communications Commission? A.The FCC was no longer needed and was disbanded. B.It transformed the FCC into a law enforcement agency. C.It transformed the FCC from a regulator of the industry into an aggressive supporter of competition within the industry. D.The FCC became a moderator of disputes between media outlets. E.The FCC was transformed into a labor union of sorts which acted as an advocate for customers of the media.

Q: What is the purpose of the Federal Communication Commission's "equal time rule"? A.It mandates the amount of time that a station is allowed to broadcast politically oriented programs. B.It mandates that media outlets must give free time to the government to advocate for its tax-supported programs. C.It mandates radio and television stations to sell or give equal amounts of air time to all political candidates who want to broadcast advertisements. D.It restricts the amount of political advertising that a newspaper may carry in comparison to television. E.It requires a station to allot equal time slots to every candidate who is running for political office regardless of party affiliation.

Q: What tools does the Federal Communications Commission have that it may employ for violation of its rules? A.The FCC may confiscate a media outlet and take over its operations. B.The FCC may force a media company to forward all profits to the federal government. C.The FCC may revoke a broadcasting license or impose a fine for each violation. D.The FCC has no power to employ sanctions against a media outlet. E.The FCC issues only advisement, referring all violations to the FBI.

Q: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was created in 1934 for what purpose? A.to control and eliminate controversial ideas on public television B.to produce a profit for the federal government by using television and other media C.to advance the use of radio as a popular media outlet D.to regulate the electronic media through licensing of broadcasters and creating rules for broadcasters to follow E.to launch and control communication satellites

Q: In his dissenting opinion in Abrams v. United States in 1919, then-Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes coined the term "free marketplace of ideas" as an argument for a free press. What is meant by this statement? A.Allowing people to freely communicate their ideas will provide a variety of ideas to consider. B.People and the media should be free to benefit financially from the marketability of media. C.The press should support our economic system of capitalism. D.In the open market the top retailers will put the smaller retailers out of business. E.All forms of media should be disseminated without cost.

Q: Which of the following is NOT considered a form of media? A.television B.newspapers C.the Internet D.telephone canvassing E.books and periodicals

Q: Which of the following is NOT one of the positive benefits of television and Internet news reporting? A.to help set the political agenda B.to allow citizens to witness destruction, such as the aftermath of a hurricane C.to observe an actual battlefield D.to help keep government accountable to the people E.to promote special interests that strongly affect American life

Q: Research indicates that when all forms of media are taken together, Americans devote how much time to media, including television, radio, the press, the Internet, and other forms? A.less than one hour per week B.about 100 hours per year C.about 500 hours per year D.about 3,500 hours per year E.over 10,000 hours per year

Q: In the late 1800s, a group of reporters appeared who often used questionable journalistic tactics to gain information, leading to credible accusations of fake interviews. This type of reporting became known as A.cutting edge reporting. B.muckraking. C.yellow journalism. D.in-depth journalism. E.media agitation.

Q: In the age of cable television and the Internet access, many questionable news sources have been created that primarily seek to dig up the dirt on a subject, such as the Drudge Report. This type of media is referred to as A.new age journalism. B.fictionalized journalism. C.sensationalism. D.illegal reporting. E."cutting the fat."

Q: Historically the news media have been effective as checks against governmental power and have been trusted by most Americans. Because of their protections by the First Amendment and their ability to check governmental powers, the media are often referred to as A.the agitator. B.the fourth branch of government. C.the government's police. D.the mediator of government. E.the voice of the people.

Q: What guarantees does the First Amendment provide to interest groups?

Q: How has the Internet changed how interest groups function?

Q: What are some of the reasons that certain interest groups are more powerful than others? Name several of the most powerful interest groups in existence today. What factors may have led to their rise in American politics?

Q: How do interest groups differ from political parties? How are they similar? Give some examples.

Q: How do interest groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) use litigation and the courts to advance their goals?

Q: Discuss the definition and purpose of a political action committee (PAC). By what limitations, if any, is a PAC legally bound?

Q: In regard to interest groups, what is the "iron triangle" of policy making? What constitutes the three groups and what is the role of each group?

Q: Which of the following is grassroots lobbying? A.Interest group activity aimed at getting citizens to contact their representatives B.Lobbying efforts aimed at those who can influence public officials, such as the major contributors to their campaigns. C.Lobbying efforts aimed at increasing agricultural subsidies D.Attempting to influence public policies by providing expensive gifts or junkets to members of Congress E.Lobbying efforts aimed at maintaining the status quo

Q: Modern grassroots lobbying most often involves A.political protests. B.using the Internet. C.freedom rides. D.campaign contributions. E.drafting legislation.

Q: Many of the most effective lobbyists are A.former members of Congress. B.purveyors of false or misleading information. C.current White House or Cabinet officers. D.socially awkward. E.uninformed about the issues for which they lobby.

Q: In which year did the highest percentage of the workforce belong to a labor union? A.1919 B.1929 C.1949 D.1969 E.1989

Q: Which of the following interest groups was the most instrumental in electing Republican members of Congress in 1994 and in electing George W. Bush? A.the National Association of Catholics B.the National Association of Protestants C.the National Association of Baptists D.the Organization of Christian Nations E.the Christian Coalition

Q: A well-known public interest groups that champions good government is called the A.National Association of Farmers. B.National Association of Workers. C.National Organization of Women. D.American Civil Liberties Union. E.Common Cause.

Q: The right of citizens to form interest groups and petition the government is protected by A.the First Amendment. B.the Fourth Amendment. C.the supremacy clause. D.the interstate commerce clause. E.the Interest Group Formation Act of 1845.

Q: Political action committees (PACs) were established in 1974 by the A.Clayton Act. B.Simmons and Gardner Act. C.Lobbying Disclosure Act. D.Open Government Act. E.Federal Election Campaign Act.

Q: Currently, the most powerful economic interest groups are A.labor unions. B.farmers associations. C.public interest groups. D.business groups. E.governmental units.

Q: Which of the following is a conservative interest group? A.National Organization for Women (NOW) B.American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) C.American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) D.National Rifle Association (NRA) E.NAACP

Q: Business groups, labor unions, trade associations, and other such groups are examples of ___________ interest groups. A.multi-issue B.single-issue C.public D.economic E.occupational

Q: How are interest groups different from political parties? A.They are not recognized by the federal government. B.They rarely participate in the political process. C.There are very few differences. D.They do not directly run candidates for public office. E.They are not concerned with "collective goods."

Q: Who was the D.C. Lobbyist who pled guilty to conspiracy, fraud, and tax evasion in 2006? A.Tom DeLay B.Robert Ney C.Conrad Burns D.Jack Abramoff E.Robert Putnam

Q: Which of the following is an example of persuasion campaigning by an interest group? A.targeted mass mailings B.membership drives C.fundraising D.candidate advocacy E.issuance of policy stance

Q: Which interest group is well-known for utilizing litigation and the courts as its primary means for reaching its goals? A.American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) B.National Rifle Association (NRA) C.Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) D.National Education Association (NEA) E.American Medical Association (AMA)

Q: Which of the following is the term used for "friend of the court" briefs, the companion briefs supporting an argument in an existing court case? Interest groups use these when the outcome of the case may have an impact on their issues. A.petition B.amicus curiae C.habeas corpus D.subpoena E.discovery

Q: The most successful grassroots lobbying organization, with 25 million members, is the A.American Association of Retired People (AARP). B.Sierra Club. C.Academy of Trial Lawyers. D.Police Benevolent Association. E.Conference of State Governors.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a method that interest groups use to lobby for their causes? A.litigating B.supporting candidates C.grassroots lobbying D.persuasive campaigning E.boycotting their own businesses

Q: Which term is used to describe how interest groups go about influencing government officials? A.networking B.negotiating C.associating D.lobbying E.campaigning

Q: Noneconomic interest groups that focus on specific and sometimes very narrow perspectives and issues, such as abortion or capital punishment, are referred to as A.public interest groups. B.issue or ideological groups. C.business groups. D.opinion associations. E.environmental advocacy groups.

Q: Noneconomic interest groups that exist to promote the broad, collective good of citizens and consumers are called A.collective bargaining groups. B.professional associations. C.public interest groups. D.ideological groups. E.issue groups.

Q: State laws vary in regard to mandatory union membership for certain categories of workers. Laws that allow an employee the option of joining a union are called A.open shop laws. B.closed shop laws. C.compulsory laws. D.union buster laws. E.voluntary association laws.

Q: Since 1940, what has been the trend in labor union membership as a percentage of the total workforce? A.It has sharply increased. B.It has slowly increased. C.It has remained about the same. D.It has slightly decreased. E.It has significantly decreased.

Q: Groups that represent a large number of individuals, such as state associations of teachers, often allow those who do not join the association to reap the benefits of the group's efforts. These individuals are referred to as A.scabs. B.free riders. C.picket busters. D.leeches. E.union busters.

Q: An interest group that typically focuses on one particular industry, with members of the group being drawn exclusively from that industry, is referred to as A.a trade association. B.an employee association. C.an economic association. D.a fraternity. E.a business and industry group.

Q: Which of the following would NOT be included in a list of economic interest groups? A.animal rights groups B.labor unions C.business and industry associations D.professional employee associations E.merchants' associations

Q: Groups that exist to promote economic conditions favorable to its members, and economic opportunities for its members, are referred to as A.economic interest groups. B.self-help groups. C.self-interest groups. D.business associations. E.labor unions.

Q: While membership numbers are important to an interest group, the wealth of its members is also important. Why? A.Wealth always has more influence than numbers. B.Wealth of membership impacts the level of financial contributions to campaigns for elected officials, thus balancing the offset of membership numbers. C.Wealth is a reflection of the profession of the membership. D."Money speaks louder than words." E.It is impossible to influence legislation without wealth.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a primary reason that size of membership makes an interest group more effective? A.The larger the membership, the more direct benefits to each member. B.A large membership has an advantage in raising funds to support its activities. C.Large membership alone makes elected leaders responsive to a group's concerns. D.There is "power in numbers." E.It is recognized that a large membership can exert influence by endorsing, or refusing to endorse, a particular candidate.

Q: The satisfaction that a group member receives from interacting with like-minded individuals for a particular cause is referred to as A.purposive benefit. B.material benefit. C.fraternity. D.solidarity benefit. E.bonding.

Q: One reason why interest groups are appealing is that they offer purposive benefits of membership, which are the rewards that benefit society as a whole rather than the individual directly. Which of the following is an example of a group largely driven by purposive benefits? A.Sierra Club B.American Medical Association (AMA) C.National Education Association (NEA) D.National Rifle Association (NRA) E.AFL-CIO

Q: Often an individual will join and support a certain interest group to receive tangible advantages from that membership. An example is a teacher who joins the National Education Association with the expectation of salary increases. These advantages are referred to as A.expectations. B.long-term benefits. C.perks. D.material benefits. E.intangible rewards.

Q: The number of interest groups is large. How many Americans are estimated as belonging to at least one group? A.only about 1 percent, though the number of interest groups is large B.about 20 percent C.about 50 percent D.about 80 percent E.nearly 99 percent

Q: Though the United States Chamber of Commerce sounds like a government agency, it is in fact a private interest group. Which group does the U.S. Chamber of Commerce represent in lobbying for preferential legislation and funding? A.retail and wholesale employees B.consumers and their safety concerns C.more than three million businesses D.Wall Street investment companies E.state government interests at the federal level

Q: Three sets of actors interact to produce policy: congressional committees, executive agencies of government, and private interest groups. This grouping of actors and interests is referred to as the A.impenetrable alliance. B.congressional bond. C.divine design. D.iron triangle. E.American brotherhood.

Q: According to federal law, what is the current maximum limit that a political action committee can contribute to an individual candidate's campaign? A.$250 B.$1,000 C.$5,000 D.$100,000 E.$1 million

Q: During periods of rapid growth in federal spending, such as the New Deal of the 1930s and the Great Society of the 1960s, what has been the corresponding response of interest groups? A.Since funding and services increased there was far less need for advocacy, thus the number of interest groups decreased. B.The number of organized and active interest groups increased significantly in order to advocate for or oppose the increased funding. C.Interest groups began to merge their organizations into the federal government's bureaucracy. D.Interest groups disbanded because, in effect, they had been successful in advocating for the creation of the new funding programs. E.There was little discernible difference in the organization or number of interest groups.

Q: Between 1960 and 2000, the number of official associations (interest groups) increased by about A.20 percent. B.60 percent. C.150 percent. D.300 percent. E.400 percent.

Q: Throughout the first half of the twentieth century, the concept of labor unions as interest groups continued to grow. What was the relationship between these groups and the goals of the business owners? A.Their differing goals, that of worker conditions versus maximizing profits, came into frequent and stark contrast. B.The two groups were commendable in their ability to work through differences. C.Congress intervened to enforce a peace. D.The differences usually led to violent confrontations between workers and the police, who were sympathetic to the business owners. E.The two groups ultimately had the same goal, which was the profitability of the company.

Q: The AFL-CIO, one of the largest labor unions in America and a major interest group, was instrumental in pushing for creation of a new Cabinet-level agency to advocate for its interests. This agency is the A.Department of State. B.Attorney General's Office. C.Department of Homeland Security. D.Department of Labor. E.Department of Commerce.

Q: Often an issue will gain significant support from across the spectrum of interest groups to the point that it becomes known as a movement. Which of the following would NOT be considered a social movement in American history? A.women's rights B.civil rights C.child labor laws and child protection D.prohibition of alcohol E.upgrading of the military

Q: Which of the following is an important difference between interest groups and political parties? A.Interest groups tend to have a narrow focus on special issues, while major political parties are generally all-encompassing with more broad ideological approaches. B.Interest groups are for-profit organizations, whereas political parties are non-profit entities. C.Interest groups are heavily regulated by federal election laws, whereas political parties enjoy considerable freedoms and prerogatives. D.Interest groups may contribute unlimited and unreported amounts of money to political campaigns, whereas political parties have strong restrictions. E.Approved interest groups receive funding from the federal government, whereas political parties must raise their funds privately.

Q: An example of a powerful interest group that advocates for Second Amendment rights is the A.National Rifle Association (NRA). B.American Association for Retired People (AARP). C.People for the American Way. D.Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA). E.Halliburton Corporation.

Q: Which of the following best describes the relationship of interest groups to political candidates and elections? A.Interest groups represent the primary funding mechanism for political parties. B.Interest groups are de facto political parties in that their functions are identical. C.Interest groups do not field candidates but have a vested interest in political parties, their candidates, and electoral outcomes, while political parties are created in order to field candidates for elective office and to influence policy development. D.Interest groups and political parties are mutually exclusive since their purposes and motives are opposites. E.Interest groups are strictly regulated by law, whereas political parties have little or no restrictions.

Q: Which of the following is one of the major differences between political parties and interest groups? A.Contributions to interest groups are tax deductible, whereas contributions to parties are not. B.Federal law makes it illegal for an interest group to entangle itself with politics and elections, while these activities are legal in the case of political parties. C.Interest groups do not run candidates for office as do parties, though interest groups will endorse candidates. D.Political parties are government agencies while interest groups are private entities. E.Interest groups have very little influence in the development of legislation in Congress, while this is not the case for political parties.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a commonly-advanced criticism of interest groups? A.Using interest groups to make public policy is unfair because many groups are supported by the wealthy, making their influence disproportional. B.The system of interest groups promotes the advancement of interests that do not always strive for the common good. C.Interest groups involve too many people in the democratic process. D.Too many groups are operating within interest groups, slowing down the policymaking process to a state of gridlock in many areas. E.Interest group dominance of the political system is an affront to democracy.

Q: Though they have created some controversies, many interest groups have a political arm which acts as an extension of their organization, referred to as a A.political action committee (PAC). B.political party. C.corporate benefit. D.socialist advocacy. E.committee of influence.

Q: Which of the following would NOT be included in a list of positives (pros) concerning the existence and activities of interest groups? A.Interest groups weaken the power of the federal government and therefore ensure that it does not grow too strong. B.Interest groups provide all groups in society with an opportunity to win support for their ideas and positions. C.Interest groups should be encouraged because they allow humans to seek out others who have ideas similar to themselves. D.Interest groups provide for the right of association, which is a basic right protected by the U.S. Constitution. E.Interest groups work within a balanced system that gives all groups a fair opportunity to compete.

Q: Public support for interest groups is varied. James Madison, especially in his Federalist No. 10, argued that A.interest groups are good for society because they give citizens alternative methods of influencing government. B.interest groups, because they are dangerous, should be banned by legislation. C.interest groups could not be eliminated without destroying liberty itself. D.interest groups lead to insurrection in government. E.interest groups are harmless methods of building camaraderie and fellowship among citizens.

Q: Robert Dahl, in his book A Preface to Democratic Theory describes a number of "access points" for special interest groups to influence policy. Which of the following is NOT one of these access points? A.courts B.executive branch offices C.political party organizations D.Congress E.news media

Q: Which theory says that public policy is a product of whatever the majority of citizens prefer? A.mass cooperation B.pluralism C.majoritarianism D.democracy E.conservatism

Q: Which theory says that public policy largely results from a variety of interest groups competing with one another to promote laws that benefit members of their respective groups? A.cooperativism B.majoritarianism C.pluralism D.capitalism E.legalism

Q: Alexis de Tocqueville in his 1835 book Democracy in America addressed, among other things, the existence of interest groups in America. What was Tocqueville's opinion of interest groups? A.Tocqueville praised the extent to which interest group activity underpins the American democracy. B.Tocqueville was very critical of interest groups and saw them as undermining the democratic process. C.Tocqueville viewed interest groups as creating a para-democratic force that could work for good or bad. D.Tocqueville viewed interest groups as nothing more than political parties. E.Tocqueville was shocked at the negative influences and forces that these groups had over innocent citizens.

Q: How are interest groups legally protected in the United States? A.through labor laws B.through strong public support because there is little desire among elected officials to enforce laws that regulate them. C.through the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right of the people "to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances" D.through most state governments, which do protect their rights, although the federal government bans lobbying by special interest groups E.through the U.S. Constitution, which creates and protects interest groups and vests them with powers to lobby Congress

Q: Which of the following is the most influential interest group that lobbies for the needs of the elderly? A.Social Security Administration B.the Catholic Church C.Blue Cross and Blue Shield D.American Association for Retired People (AARP) E.Congress

Q: An organization of people with shared goals that tries to influence public policy through a variety of activities is called A.a religious denomination. B.an interest group. C.a political action committee. D.a government. E.a corporation.

Q: Throughout American history, the most significant influences on the formation of public policy have been A.government agencies. B.influential members of Congress. C.state governments. D.leagues of municipal governments. E.private special interest groups.

Q: In the post-Civil War economic boom, Samuel Gompers helped to create and lead the American Federation of Labor (AFL). What was the impact of this interest group on labor relations? A.The AFL turned public sentiment toward the corporate owners and ultimately damaged worker morale. B.The government rejected the legitimacy of the AFL as well as that of any other labor union. C.The government responded to the labor union movement by protecting the corporate interests and banning the unions. D.The AFL brought many smaller worker trade unions into a large interest group with increased political clout and ultimately won support in Congress for dozens of worker benefits. E.Gompers and most of his supporters were eventually imprisoned.

Q: Which government agency created in the early 1970s is charged with establishing workplace safety standards and enforcing them? A.Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) B.Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) C.Employment Security Commission (ESC) D.Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) E.Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Q: What was the significance of Ralph Nader's work in the 1960s and 1970s? A.Nader was a Socialist candidate for president who turned many Americans toward his ideology. B.Nader recruited a small army of young college graduates to advance Socialist causes in the United States. C.Nader was a staunch defender of growing corporate influence in the United States following the war. D.Nader was an influential consumer advocate who recruited young activists to successfully challenge the safety and health problems created by large corporations during this era. E.Nader led the student takeovers of many of the university campuses during this era in protest of American involvement in Vietnam.

Q: Which of the following would NOT be included in a list of values that have been traditionally instilled in individuals through religion and religious institutions? A.individualism B.strong work ethic C.support of capitalism D.sense of morality and moral purpose E.partisanship