unit 5 govt Flashcards
A corporate lobbyist would be LEAST likely to have an informal discussion about a pending policy matter with which of the following?
A federal judge in whose court a case important to the corporation is being heard
All of the following are commonly used by interest groups to influence the political process EXCEPT nominating candidates
The vice of the groupist theory is that it conceals the most significant aspects of the system. The flaw in the pluralist heaven is that the heavenly chorus sings with a strong upper-class accent. Probably about 90 percent of the people cannot get into the pressure system.The notion that the pressure system is automatically representative of the whole community is a myth fostered by the universalizing tendency of modern group theories. Pressure politics is a selective process ill designed to serve diffuse interests. The system is skewed, loaded, and unbalanced in favor of a fraction of a minority.
Which of the following activities would the author most likely be concerned about interest groups engaging in?
Forming iron triangles with bureaucratic agencies and (increasing pressure!!) congressional committees
Considering all elections at all levels of government, which of the following best describes electoral behavior in the United States?
The majority of the electorate does not vote in most elections.
Which of the following statements about political parties and the United States Constitution is true?
The issue of political parties is not addressed in the Constitution.
Which of the following provides the most accurate explanation of how consumer-driven media increases partisan polarization?
Consumer-driven media reinforces existing political biases in individuals.
Which of the following best describes the concept of political efficacy?
It is the belief that one can make a difference in politics by expressing an opinion and acting politically.
Which of the following is NOT an explanation for low voter turnout?
Laws protecting minority voting rights
In the process and structure of public policy-making, “iron triangles” refer to the networks of congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that strongly influence the policy process
Which of the following describes a consequence of the growing concentration of ownership of the news media?
There is increased similarity of network news coverage.
The term “horse-race journalism” refers to the tendency of the media to
cover campaigns by emphasizing the relative standings of the candidates in the polls rather than the issues they discuss (Horse race journalism is political journalism of elections that resembles coverage of horse races because of the focus on polling data and public perception instead of candidate policy, and almost exclusive reporting on candidate differences rather than similarities)
example of horse race media coverage?
News media outlets report the results of public opinion polls that show the relative popularity of presidential candidates.
(This is an example of horse race media coverage because the media is using polling results to show the popularity of candidates rather than focusing on candidate qualifications or policy issues.)
Lobbyists try to influence legislators mainly through providing legislators with information on technical issues
A person votes for Democratic candidates based on the belief that the policies of the Democratic Party WILL be personally beneficial. This type of voting matches which of the following voting behavior models?
prospective voting
Which of the following statements about political action committees (PACs) is true?
PAC spending makes up a higher percentage of congressional campaign funds than of presidential campaign funds.
