Interest Groups Quiz #2

2.

Which of the following statements represents the main function of special interest groups.

They eventually want to end up as political office holders.
They nominate candidates for political office.
They have the primary function of funding political campaigns
They want to influence officeholders and achieve legislative goals
They attempt to recruit an elite membership in order to become influential.

Correct Answer

A. They want to influence officeholders and achieve legislative goals

Explanation

Special interest groups aim to influence officeholders and achieve legislative goals. These groups are formed by individuals who share a common interest or goal and work together to advocate for their cause. They do this by lobbying, campaigning, and using various strategies to persuade elected officials to support their agenda. Their ultimate aim is to have an impact on the decision-making process and shape public policy in their favor.

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3.

A significant amount of PAC money most likely goes to

Candidates challenging Republican seats
Candidates challenging Democratic seats
Candidates who are new to the political scene
Candidates who have wide philosophical differences with the PAC
Candidates who hold incumbent status

Correct Answer

A. Candidates who hold incumbent status

Explanation

The correct answer is candidates who hold incumbent status. Incumbent candidates are those who currently hold the office they are running for. PACs (Political Action Committees) often support incumbent candidates because they have a proven track record and are seen as more likely to win re-election. Incumbents also have more influence and power, which can benefit the PAC's interests. Additionally, supporting incumbents allows PACs to maintain relationships and access to those in power, which can be advantageous in advancing their agenda.

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4.

All of the following statements concerning interest groups are true EXCEPT

They are all policy experts
They attempt to appeal to a broad spectrum of political interests
They often run their own candidates for political office
They lobby different levels of government
They have specific policy goals

Correct Answer

A. They often run their own candidates for political office

Explanation

Interest groups are organizations that aim to influence public policy. While it is true that interest groups lobby different levels of government, have specific policy goals, and attempt to appeal to a broad spectrum of political interests, the statement that they often run their own candidates for political office is not true. Interest groups primarily focus on advocating for their policy goals and influencing elected officials, rather than directly participating in electoral politics by running their own candidates.

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5.

An interest groups is most likely to have influence in Congress with which of the following situations?

An issue that is narrow in scope and low in public visibility
An issue that is part of the president's legislative package
An issue that hasbeen highly dramatized by the media
An issue that engages legislators' deeply held convictions
An issue that divides legislators along party lines

Correct Answer

A. An issue that is narrow in scope and low in public visibility

Explanation

An interest group is most likely to have influence in Congress with an issue that is narrow in scope and low in public visibility. In this situation, the interest group can focus their efforts and resources on lobbying specific legislators who have jurisdiction over the issue. Since the issue is not widely known or discussed by the public, there may be less public scrutiny and opposition, allowing the interest group to have a greater influence on the legislative process.

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6.

Special interest groups do all of the following EXCEPT

Testify at congressional hearings
Donate money to federal judges
Endorse candidates for political office
Try to influence the media
Work on the campaigns of candidates

Correct Answer

A. Donate money to federal judges

Explanation

Special interest groups engage in various activities to promote their interests and influence political decisions. They testify at congressional hearings to present their viewpoints, endorse candidates for political office to support those who align with their interests, try to influence the media to shape public opinion, and work on the campaigns of candidates to help them get elected. However, donating money to federal judges is not a common practice for special interest groups. This activity could potentially compromise the impartiality and integrity of the judiciary system.

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7.

Which of the following represents a major reason for the proliferation of special interests and lobby groups?

The reactive nature of interest groups and lobbyists to new issues.
The increase in donations received by interest groups from their membership.
The trust citizens have in the legislative process.
The ability of lobbyists and special interest groups to get members from their own group to run for political office.
The increasing demand for campaign reform.

Correct Answer

A. The reactive nature of interest groups and lobbyists to new issues.

Explanation

Interest groups and lobby groups proliferate due to their reactive nature towards new issues. When new issues arise, these groups form to advocate for their specific interests and influence the legislative process. They mobilize their resources, including financial support and grassroots organizing, to ensure that their concerns are addressed. This reactive nature allows them to adapt and respond to changing political dynamics, leading to their proliferation in society.

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8.

All the following arguments are essential to the special interest theory of politics EXCEPT:

Interest groups compete with each other.
Interest groups provide linkage between people and the government.
One or two interest groups may dominate the debate over legislation.
Interest groups encourage membership from diverse groups that may disagree with their goals.
Interest groups have been protected by Supreme Court decisions.

Correct Answer

A. Interest groups encourage membership from diverse groups that may disagree with their goals.

Explanation

The special interest theory of politics suggests that interest groups play a crucial role in the political process. The first argument states that interest groups compete with each other, which implies that they have different agendas and goals. The second argument highlights the importance of interest groups in providing a link between the people and the government, indicating their influence in shaping public policy. The third argument acknowledges that one or two interest groups may dominate the legislative debate, further emphasizing their power. The fourth argument mentions that interest groups encourage membership from diverse groups, suggesting inclusivity. Lastly, the fifth argument states that interest groups have been protected by Supreme Court decisions, indicating their legal significance. Therefore, the only argument that does not align with the special interest theory is that interest groups encourage membership from diverse groups that may disagree with their goals, as it contradicts the idea of interest groups having a unified agenda.

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9.

Which of the following situations represents a legislative victory for a special interest group?I. The NRA's repeal of the assult weapon banII. MADD's successful lobbying for a national drinking ageIII. The Veterans of Foreign Wars' successful fight for the Americans with Disabilities ActIV. The NAACP successfully lobbying for the Civil Rights Act of 1964

I only
II only
II, III, and IV only
I, II, III, and IV only
I and IV only

Correct Answer

A. II, III, and IV only

Explanation

The correct answer is II, III, and IV only. This is because these situations represent instances where special interest groups were successful in influencing the legislation. MADD's lobbying for a national drinking age, the Veterans of Foreign Wars' fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the NAACP's lobbying for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 all demonstrate legislative victories for these special interest groups. The NRA's repeal of the assault weapon ban, however, does not represent a legislative victory for a special interest group as it is not specified which group the NRA represents.

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10.

The major impact of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 was that it

Eliminated lobbyist gifts and vacations for legislators
Set strict contribution limitations for congressional campaigns
Created matching funds for congressional campaigns
Legitimized and increased the number of interest groups
Created strict registration procedures for lobbyists

Correct Answer

A. Legitimized and increased the number of interest groups

Explanation

The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 legitimized and increased the number of interest groups. This act aimed to regulate campaign financing and increase transparency in political campaigns. By setting limits on campaign contributions and requiring disclosure of campaign finances, the act made it easier for interest groups to participate in the political process. This led to the growth and legitimization of interest groups as they were now able to engage more openly in supporting or opposing candidates and issues.

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Interest Groups Quiz #2

Which of the following officials do lobbyists most succeed with?

Quiz Preview

Which of the following statements represents the main function of special interest groups.

A significant amount of PAC money most likely goes to

All of the following statements concerning interest groups are true EXCEPT

An interest groups is most likely to have influence in Congress with which of the following situations?

Special interest groups do all of the following EXCEPT

Which of the following represents a major reason for the proliferation of special interests and lobby groups?

All the following arguments are essential to the special interest theory of politics EXCEPT:

The major impact of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 was that it