American Government

Which of the group(s) below is (are) considered interest groups? a. "Public interest" groups b. "Single issue" interest groups c. Foreign governments d. Economic and agricultural groups e. All are interest groups

a. "Public interest" groups b. "Single issue" interest groups c. Foreign governments d. Economic and agricultural groups

With regard to voting and religion, a. African American voters strongly support Democrats. b. evangelicals are both split politically between liberals and conservatives. c. fundamentalists most often are conservative. d. church attendance seems to influence voting patterns. e. all the above.

a. African American voters strongly support Democrats. b. evangelicals are both split politically between liberals and conservatives. c. fundamentalists most often are conservative. d. church attendance seems to influence voting patterns. e. all the above.

Which is (are) true? a. Lobbyists are hired to influence members of Congress. b. Lobbying was used for the first time in the 1980's. c. Rules and laws regulating lobbyists have been very effective. d. Corporate America spends approximately $1 million a day on lobbying. e. Both a and d

a. Lobbyists are hired to influence members of Congress. b. Lobbying was used for the first time in the 1980's.

Which of the following is (are) true? a. People's attitudes toward a candidate are based more on the candidate's experience and policy than upon emotions, such as trust, about the candidate. b. Economic concerns have been among the most powerful influences on public opinion c. Issues make little difference on presidential and congressional elections. d. Economic issues were not that important in the 2008 elections. e. None of the above

a. People's attitudes toward a candidate are based more on the candidate's experience and policy than upon emotions, such as trust, about the candidate. b. Economic concerns have been among the most powerful influences on public opinion c. Issues make little difference on presidential and congressional elections. d. Economic issues were not that important in the 2008 elections.

Which of the following is true? a. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, an action which led to a bus boycott. b. The Civil Rights Movement was led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. c. The philosophy of Dr. King was to fight back when being attacked or confronted by whites. d. The bus boycott in Montgomery failed in its attempt to help integration. e. Both a and b

a. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, an action which led to a bus boycott. b. The Civil Rights Movement was led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Which of the following statements is incorrect? a. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers are known as "umbrella groups." b. These two groups combine with other types of interest groups, such as public interest groups and professional organizations, in order to achieve their objectives. c. The U.S.Chamber of Commerce represents three million businesses. d. The National Association of Manufacturers represents only manufacturing concerns. e. The National Association of Manufacturers mobilizes lobbyists to work with members of Congress

a. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers are known as "umbrella groups."

Which of the following is (are) true? a. There was little evidence of a gender gap before the 1980s. b. Men approved of President Reagan's performance more than women did. c. Women are more likely to support Democratic causes. d. Women hold different attitudes on a range of issues from men. e. All the above

a. There was little evidence of a gender gap before the 1980s. b. Men approved of President Reagan's performance more than women did. c. Women are more likely to support Democratic causes. d. Women hold different attitudes on a range of issues from men.

General agreement among the citizenry on an issue is a. a consensus. b. divisive opinion. c. reconciliation. d. poll agreement. e. no longer public opinion.

a. a consensus.

The Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 was passed in response to a. a ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court that might have allowed same-sex couples to marry. b. the passage of Vermont's civil union law. c. the legalization of same-sex marriages in Massachusetts. d. the Supreme Court's striking down of anti-sodomy laws in Lawrence v. Texas. e. the establishment of civil unions in Minnesota.

a. a ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court that might have allowed same-sex couples to marry.

The Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution a. abolished slavery. b. forced states to alter their constitutions to end slavery by making the children of slave free while allowing slavery for existing slaves. c. mandated that all persons "will be treated as total equals form this date forward." d. allowed slavery to continue for twenty years at which time it would be ended. e. allowed slavery but banned the importation of slaves immediately.

a. abolished slavery.

When most national polling organizations conduct a scientific poll, they usually a. ask questions of a random sample of 1,000 potential voters. b. use loaded questions to increase accuracy. c. report detailed results with percentages carried out to at least two decimal places. d. desire a margin of error of about ten percentage points. e. rarely use the telephone for interviews.

a. ask questions of a random sample of 1,000 potential voters.

Public opinion affects the political process a. because it is a source of power for elected officials who take positions supported by the people. b. despite the fact that most candidates dismiss public opinion as an effective means of identifying issues of concern. c. because it allows the media to control the government. d. because it is more important than elections in bringing about change in the government. e. despite the fact that public opinion polls hardly ever reflect public opinion accurately.

a. because it is a source of power for elected officials who take positions supported by the people.

After the Civil War, civil rights legislation was passed by Congress a. but much of it was very ineffective and parts were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. b. and it played a major role in creating equality for African Americans. c. and was accepted by the American public. d. which prevented African Americans from being extended equal public accommodations. e. all of the above.

a. but much of it was very ineffective and parts were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

American political culture a. can be described as a set of attitudes and ideas about the nation and government. b. consists of symbols such as the American flag, the Liberty Bell, and the Statue of Liberty. c. provides support for the political system. d. all of the above e. none of the above

a. can be described as a set of attitudes and ideas about the nation and government. b. consists of symbols such as the American flag, the Liberty Bell, and the Statue of Liberty. c. provides support for the political system.

All of the following are true except that a. civil liberties and civil rights are the same thing. b. civil rights refer to the rights of Americans to equal protection under the law. c. civil liberties are limitations on the government—what government cannot do. d. civil rights specify what government must do to ensure freedom from discrimination. e. governments have to honor civil liberties, while they have the option to honor civil rights.

a. civil liberties and civil rights are the same thing.

Legislators and government officials are often more impressed by contacts from a. constituents than interest groups. b. aides to the Supreme Court than the bar association in their district. c. lobbyists who threaten to take their case to the public than their constituents. d. reporters who leak classified information to the press than the media in general. e. representatives from foreign governments than lobbyists from American interests

a. constituents than interest groups.

The Supreme Court's opinion in Adarand Constructors, Inc. v. Peña means that an affirmative action program must do all of the following except a. continue for a period of at least ten years. b. not use quotas. c. be changed or dropped once the program has succeeded. d. meet strict scrutiny. e. be tailored to meet a compelling government interest.

a. continue for a period of at least ten years.

Generating public pressure and awareness may a. convince policymakers that public opinion overwhelmingly supports the interest group's position. b. mislead the public on environmental issues. c. bypass the legislative process. d. force bureaucrats to answer to Congressional committees. e. lobby lawmakers directly.

a. convince policymakers that public opinion overwhelmingly supports the interest group's position.

The most numerous types of interest groups in the United States are a. economic interest groups. b. social interest groups. c. liberal interest groups. d. environmental interest groups. e. public-interest interest groups.

a. economic interest groups.

A random sample means that a. every person in the target population has an equal chance of being selected. b. there is no pre-planning in the selection process. c. every person in the target population who is encountered is selected. d. researchers decide how many persons of certain types they need in the survey. e. the poll is unscientific.

a. every person in the target population has an equal chance of being selected.

People who become members of interest groups for solidary incentives are joining a. for a sense of belonging to the group. b. to improve their economic opportunities. c. for ethical beliefs or ideological reasons. d. to obtain political, economic, or social change. e. as free riders.

a. for a sense of belonging to the group.

In generating public pressure a. groups may use advertisements in national magazines and newspapers. b. mass mailings may be sent to the general public. c. interest groups attempt to convince policy-makers that public opinion support the position of the group. d. all the above. e. none of the above.

a. groups may use advertisements in national magazines and newspapers. b. mass mailings may be sent to the general public. c. interest groups attempt to convince policy-makers that public opinion support the position of the group. d. all the above.

Political endorsements by interest groups are a. important because the group can publicize its choices in its membership publication. b. not very important because while candidates can publicize the fact that their campaign is endorsed by groups, they cannot identify the specific source of the endorsement. c. relatively ineffective today. d. a violation of campaign finance reform laws. e. allowed only in local elections, but forbidden in races for federal office.

a. important because the group can publicize its choices in its membership publication.

The Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Federation are examples of a. interest groups whose focus is preservation of the environment. b. economic interest groups. c. organizations which have only recently been created. d. relatively ineffective interest groups. e. professional interest groups.

a. interest groups whose focus is preservation of the environment.

All of the following are true of public opinion except that a. it plays a small role in our political system. b. it can be expressed by letters written to newspapers. c. it is shared in online forums. d. it can powerful. e. it can be shaped by political leaders.

a. it plays a small role in our political system.

Having a college education a. no longer means that an individual is likely to vote for a particular party. b. is associated with a greater tendency to vote Democratic. c. is associated with a greater tendency to vote Republican. d. is associated with opposition to cultural liberalism. e. is associated with a greater tendency to abstain from voting.

a. no longer means that an individual is likely to vote for a particular party.

The civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was based on the philosophy of a. nonviolent civil disobedience. b. divide and conquer. c. "equality for all, through strong force when necessary." d. equality of practice that did not have to exclude racial segregation. e. equality "by any means necessary."

a. nonviolent civil disobedience.

An opinion leader is a. one who is able to influence the opinions of others because of position, expertise, or personality. b. a pollster. c. always someone whose job is to sway public opinion, such as a member of Congress. d. a public relations expert. e. someone who relies on position or expertise, rather than something like personality.

a. one who is able to influence the opinions of others because of position, expertise, or personality.

With regard to interest groups, a. polls show that more than two-thirds of Americans belong to at least one group or association. b. the majority of groups or associations in the U.S are classified as interest groups. c. Americans don't understand the principles of working in groups. d. they range from parent-teacher associations to national environmental groups. e. Both a and d.

a. polls show that more than two-thirds of Americans belong to at least one group or association. d. they range from parent-teacher associations to national environmental groups.

The survey where researchers first decide how many persons of certain types they need and then send out interviewers to find the necessary number of those types is a. quota sampling. b. random sampling. c. patchwork quilt sampling. d. picket fence sampling. e. existential sampling.

a. quota sampling.

De facto segregation means a. segregation because of residential patterns and concentration of populations, not because of laws. b. segregation based on different native languages. c. racial segregation based on law. d. segregation of southern European immigrants. e. segregation to a minor degree.

a. segregation because of residential patterns and concentration of populations, not because of laws.

The use of ____ was instrumental in bringing about the integration of lunch counters, buses, and trains. a. sit-ins b. roadblocks at night in rural areas c. court injunctions that prohibited interstate travel in areas threatened by violence d. the threat of armed force e. public demonstrations featuring violence against whites

a. sit-ins

After the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment, various women's groups addressed all of the following issues except a. special legislation to protect the health of female factory workers. b. domestic violence. c. abortion rights. d. pornography. e. state and national laws to guarantee the equality of women.

a. special legislation to protect the health of female factory workers.

A major consequence of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a. the elimination of discriminatory voter registration tests. b. state governments passing laws that allowed considerable discrimination toward ethnic minorities. c. dozens of federal court decisions stating that it was not within the power of Congress to dictate to the states how they should conduct their elections. d. that the number of African Americans registered to vote declined dramatically. e. a constitutional amendment changing the voting age.

a. the elimination of discriminatory voter registration tests.

Since the early 1990s the American people have consistently shown more confidence in ____ than any other institution. a. the military b. the Supreme Court c. the public schools d. the media e. Congress

a. the military

In opinion polling, a difference between the sample's results and the true result may occur if a. the respondents were not chosen correctly. b. there was an inaccurate sampling. c. respondents were interviewed only by using the telephone. d. all the above. e. none of the above.

a. the respondents were not chosen correctly. b. there was an inaccurate sampling. c. respondents were interviewed only by using the telephone.

All of the following statements about the representation of poor people are true except that a. their representation comes largely from business groups. b. representation is difficult because the poor often cannot afford the time or money needed to join groups. c. the poor depend largely on indirect representations. d. most efforts on behalf of the poor come from a policy network of groups. e. many people who are classified as poor do not have the ability to find out which group might represent them.

a. their representation comes largely from business groups.

Legislation to regulate lobbying in 1946 a. was largely ineffectual. b. ironically caused an increase in the number of lobbyists in Washington, D.C. c. forced many interest groups to abandon attempts to influence the government. d. reduced the effectiveness of most interest groups. e. was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

a. was largely ineffectual.

Which of the following statements is incorrect? a. In the early grades children learn important things about American history and symbols of the U.S. b. In high school students have little exposure to ideas about the American political system. c. Those who receive more education are more likely to be interested in politics and be active participants in the political process. d. In middle grades student often learn about the structure of government and functions of different areas of government. e. Schools are major transmitters of political socialization.

b. In high school students have little exposure to ideas about the American political system.

Which of the following is (are) true? a. Today, most immigrants to the U.S. come from Europe. b. Major issues include debate about whether illegal immigrants should be given amnesty and be allowed to become U.S. citizens c. The number of multiracial person has been declining in recent years. d. All Hispanics are from Mexico. e. Both c and d

b. Major issues include debate about whether illegal immigrants should be given amnesty and be allowed to become U.S. citizens

Which of the following is (are) true? a. Public opinion means focusing on one identifiable opinion among all the competing ideas. b. Public opinion can be described as the aggregate of individual attitudes shared by some portion of the adult population. c. There is no single "public," but rather many different publics. d. Public opinion surveys only influential individuals. e. Both b and c

b. Public opinion can be described as the aggregate of individual attitudes shared by some portion of the adult population. c. There is no single "public," but rather many different publics.

Usually, the Gallup or Roper polls interview a. people three to four times to insure accuracy. b. about 1,500 people in a nationwide sample. c. over 100,000 people in each random sample for presidential elections. d. people who have been selected based on their intelligence. e. using quota samples.

b. about 1,500 people in a nationwide sample.

All of the following are true of interest groups except that they a. use a wide range of techniques and strategies to promote their policy goals. b. are extremely successful in persuading the president to endorse their programs completely. c. may try to block or weaken legislation. d. provide officials with information and assistance when needed. e. may lobby officials personally or use the general public to influence government on their behalf.

b. are extremely successful in persuading the president to endorse their programs completely.

Groups recognize that the greatest concern of legislators is to a. support the principles of their political party. b. be reelected. c. vote for the ideas of the constituents. d. be totally informed on issues they will have to vote on. e. please the congressional leadership.

b. be reelected.

In recent years, Hispanics have a. become less politically active and outspoken. b. begun to reverse their reputation for being politically inactive or disinterested. c. held fewer public offices at the federal, state, and local levels. d. held fewer public offices at the state and local levels but not the federal level. e. participated at lower levels as the number of new immigrants has increased.

b. begun to reverse their reputation for being politically inactive or disinterested.

In an attempt to achieve integration, a. students were sent to the school that was near to where they lived. b. busing students across neighborhoods was ordered by the courts. c. methods were taken that made all southern schools integrated. d. busing was peacefully accomplished in many big cities. e. all the above

b. busing students across neighborhoods was ordered by the courts.

In the 2003 decision of Lawrence v. Texas, the United States Supreme Court a. upheld a Texas law that made homosexual conduct a crime. b. declared laws against sodomy between consenting adults in private to be unconstitutional. c. invalidated anti-discrimination laws that protect homosexuals. d. upheld the Court's previous decision in Bowers v. Hardwick. e. indicated that states could declare homosexuality a crime

b. declared laws against sodomy between consenting adults in private to be unconstitutional.

Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique a. provided the credo for the National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs. b. described the unequal status of women in the United States. c. argued that women should not work outside the home. d. advocated socialism as a solution to women's problems. e. presented the position that birth control should not be readily available because it would encourage women to engage in marital infidelity and premarital sex.

b. described the unequal status of women in the United States.

All of the following are true of the 1964 and 1968 Civil Rights Acts except that a. the right to equality of opportunity in employment was included. b. discrimination in public accommodations was banned. c. it allowed state governments to control school integration. d. discrimination in housing was banned. e. it provided penalties for those attempting to interfere with civil rights workers.

b. discrimination in public accommodations was banned.

Here are the results of an opinion poll that asked if people were willing to allow government agencies to monitor telephone calls and email of ordinary Americans on a regular basis to help present terrorism. The results show an example of ____ opinion. (Willing: 41%; Not willing: 52%. Don't know/No answer: 7%.) a. consensus b. divided c. dubious d. favorable e. unified

b. divided

All of the following are true of women in the work place except that a. the glass ceiling refers to the fact that a small percentage of the top corporate officer positions are held by women. b. for every dollar earned by men, women earn about 77 cents. c. jobs that are traditionally held by women pay more than those traditionally held by men. d. pay discrimination is still an issue in the workplace for women. e. the Equal Pay Act states that there should be equal pay for equal work.

b. for every dollar earned by men, women earn about 77 cents.

The phrase "don't ask, don't tell" refers to a policy toward gay men and lesbians a. governing their employment by the CIA and the FBI. b. granting limited protection to members of the military. c. governing adoptions. d. that governs their admission as foreign citizens into the United States. e. adopted by the Hollywood movie industry.

b. granting limited protection to members of the military.

All are true of public opinion and polls except that a. polls show that people give Congress a high rating. b. in 2008 and 2009 polls showed that "most important problem" in the U.S. was the economy and unemployment c. public opinion can have an impact on government policies. d. public opinion can put limits on what government does. e. polls indicate that a majority of the public believe that public opinion should influence public policy

b. in 2008 and 2009 polls showed that "most important problem" in the U.S. was the economy and unemployment

Modern polling was developed a. in the 1890s by George Orwell and Theodore Roosevelt. b. in the 1930s by George Gallup and Elmo Roper. c. in the 1940s at Harvard University. d. in the 1960s at the Census Bureau. e. in the 1970s by Zogby.

b. in the 1930s by George Gallup and Elmo Roper.

A practice, policy, or procedure that denies equality of treatment to an individual or to a group because of gender a. is sexual harassment. b. is gender discrimination. c. violates Title IV. d. violates the Civil Rights Act of 1968. e. is considered illegal if engaged in by a private corporation but acceptable if engaged in by the government.

b. is gender discrimination.

The transfer of political values a. is more likely to occur from children to the parents. b. is more likely to occur from parents to children. c. is just as likely to occur from children to parents as it is to occur from parents to children. d. is exceptionally rare in families. e. never occurs from children to parents.

b. is more likely to occur from parents to children.

Political socialization a. does not usually affect ones political party identification. b. is the way that people acquire their political beliefs and values. c. is not transmitted by families but rather by associations with socialists. d. both a and b e. none of the above

b. is the way that people acquire their political beliefs and values.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) generally enters into legal disputes related to a. labor-management negotiations. b. issues arising from the Bill of Rights. c. foreign relations. d. manufacturing. e. consumer issues.

b. issues arising from the Bill of Rights.

Private opinion becomes public opinion when a. that opinion, regardless of its subject matter, is publicly expressed. b. it concerns public issues and is publicly expressed. c. an individual is polled by a major polling organization. d. it is not divided. e. it is articulated to at least ten other people.

b. it concerns public issues and is publicly expressed.

Successful interest groups and their representatives try to cultivate long-term relationships with a. foreign ambassadors. b. legislators and government officials. c. federal judges. d. business leaders. e. police commissioners and chiefs of police

b. legislators and government officials.

The law has given children certain defenses against criminal prosecution because a. parents punish children more effectively than the criminal justice system. b. of their presumed inability to have criminal intent. c. the Constitution does not provide for criminal prosecution of juveniles. d. juveniles are too costly to incarcerate. e. constitutional protections regarding education shield a number of juvenile behaviors.

b. of their presumed inability to have criminal intent.

The process by which people acquire political beliefs and attitudes is called a. opinion leadership. b. political socialization. c. agenda setting. d. peer grouping. e. consensus building.

b. political socialization.

The degree to which individuals express trust in the government is called a. partisan identification. b. political trust. c. universal suffrage. d. public opinion. e. political culture.

b. political trust.

All of the following are true of self-selection sample except that a. there is a concern with the promotion of surveys which use self-selected respondent. b. polls that use self-selected respondent have as accurate samples as those using other methods. c. Web sites and magazines that use self-selected respondents produce inaccurate results. d. consumers should be aware of surveys that use self-selected respondents. e. self-selected respondents are those people who choose themselves to be part of a poll.

b. polls that use self-selected respondent have as accurate samples as those using other methods.

In recent years, a. businesspersons have moved toward the Democrats. b. professionals with advanced degrees have moved toward the Democrats. c. businesspersons have remained largely Democratic. d. professionals with advanced degrees have remained largely Republican. e. it has become clear that there is no relationship between whether a person is a businessperson or a professional and the party they will endorse.

b. professionals with advanced degrees have moved toward the Democrats.

In the case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), the U.S. Supreme Court held that a. ethnic minorities have no rights to equal treatment by the government. b. public school segregation of races violates the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. c. the national government does not have the power to force any type of action on local school boards. d. separation of races for a reason such as education is not a violation of the Constitution. e. African Americans could not be denied the right to a college education.

b. public school segregation of races violates the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment

The Supreme Court ruled in the Bakke case that a. affirmative action programs were allowable in law schools but not to be utilized in medical schools. b. race cannot be the sole factor in admissions decisions. c. all affirmative action programs were ruled unconstitutional. d. race cannot be considered as a factor at all in making admissions decisions. e. quota systems are constitutional.

b. race cannot be the sole factor in admissions decisions.

The charge that some affirmative action programs discriminate against non-minorities is called a. racial profiling. b. reverse discrimination. c. quota-busting. d. anti-bias civil rights. e. adverse minority preference.

b. reverse discrimination.

The National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) and the National Rifle Association (NRA) are examples of a. economic interest groups. b. single-interest groups. c. public-interest groups. d. foreign interest groups. e. fringe interest groups.

b. single-interest groups.

Indirect techniques used by interest groups include a. approaching officials personally to press a case. b. strategies that use the general public or individuals to influence the government for the interest group. c. illegal tactics like bribes and payoffs. d. paying members of Congress as consultants in return for favorable votes on issues important to the interest group. e. demonstrations and boycotts

b. strategies that use the general public or individuals to influence the government for the interest group.

Traditionally, labor unions such as the AFL-CIO a. support Republican candidates. b. support Democratic candidates. c. support third-party candidates. d. support both major parties equally. e. do not endorse candidates.

b. support Democratic candidates.

According to Fortune magazine, the two most effective interest groups in the United States are a. the NAACP and NOW. b. the NRA and AARP. c. the American Legion and the American Library Association. d. the ACLU and the Sierra Club. e. the NRA and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

b. the NRA and AARP.

People who become members of interest groups for material incentives are joining a. for a sense of belonging to the group. b. to improve their economic opportunities or gain economic benefits. c. for ethical beliefs or ideological reasons. d. to institute change for political, economic, or social impact on the whole society. e. because they have been pressured to do so.

b. to improve their economic opportunities or gain economic benefits.

The 2007 alliance between the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and twenty labor unions a. was a result of limitations placed on rural union activities in the West. b. was viewed by union leaders as a way to expand union membership. c. reflected the unions' desire to benefit from the lobbying power of the conservation group. d. was a coalition of convenience with no expected long-term effects. e. is puzzling given the small number of hunters and fishers who belong to labor unions.

b. was viewed by union leaders as a way to expand union membership.

The white primary in southern states allowed a. all races to participate in elections on an equal basis. b. whites to exclude African Americans from voting in Democratic primaries. c. voters to select ballots for each party based on different skin colors. d. African Americans the opportunity to vote for the first time. e. whites to exclude African Americans from voting in the general elections.

b. whites to exclude African Americans from voting in Democratic primaries.

Which is (are) true of health care reform? a. Republicans argued that health care reform should be passed because most people wanted it. b. The issue of health care was an excellent example of consensus in public opinion. c. Health care reform is an example of how public opinion polling is limited in influencing policy-making. d. Polls showed that there was no support for any of the elements in the health care package. e. All the above

c. Health care reform is an example of how public opinion polling is limited in influencing policy-making.

Which of the following is (are) true? a. Older Americans tend to be more liberal than younger Americans. b. Older Americans tend to be less concerned with their economic situations and are likely to have grown out of the social values they were taught in their youth. c. More important than age is the impact of significant political events that shape the political attitudes of an entire generation. d. The 1960s and 1970s, dominated by events such as Vietnam and Watergate, gave rise to widespread cynicism about the government. e. Based upon the economic prosperity that occurred under Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, many young people chose to identify with the Democratic Party.

c. More important than age is the impact of significant political events that shape the political attitudes of an entire generation.

Why did the Literary Digest incorrectly predict that Alf Landon would defeat Franklin Roosevelt in the presidential election of 1936? a. During the polling period it really looked like Roosevelt would be defeated and the poll simply reflected that particular situation. b. The editors of the Literary Digest were biased against the policies of Franklin Roosevelt. c. The Literary Digest only polled its subscribers, who were more affluent than the average American and thus more antagonistic toward Roosevelt's policies. d. The Literary Digest was determined to take a position that was opposite from the preference of the New York Times Book Review, which favored Roosevelt. e. The owner of the Literary Digest insisted on allowing his grandson, an individual of limited talent and mathematical skills, to conduct the poll.

c. The Literary Digest only polled its subscribers, who were more affluent than the average American and thus more antagonistic toward Roosevelt's policies.

Currently, which of the following regions are more supportive of the Republicans than the democrats? a. The West Coast and the Northeast b. The South and the Northeast c. The South, the Great Plains, and the Rocky Mountain states d. The Midwest and the West Coast e. The West Coast, the Great Plains, and the Rocky Mountain states

c. The South, the Great Plains, and the Rocky Mountain states

Which of the following is (are) true? a. The struggle for women's rights first began in the 1970s. b. Women's rights were included in the Constitution. c. Women have had to struggle for equality just like other groups in the U.S. d. The first political right that women fought for was for the right to make a decision about abortion. e. Both b and c

c. Women have had to struggle for equality just like other groups in the U.S.

A lobbyist is a. any association of individuals. b. inevitably affiliated with one of the two major political parties. c. an individual or organization who attempts to influence legislation and administrative decisions. d. a member of Congress who challenges the majority position. e. a member of the congressional leadership who is in a position to shape the legislative agenda in a way that benefits powerful interest groups.

c. an individual or organization who attempts to influence legislation and administrative decisions.

An interest group is a. any association of individuals. b. a group of people who want to gain control of the government. c. an organization that actively attempts to influence government policy. d. any organization that requires members to pay dues. e. an organization set up to support a specific candidate for public office.

c. an organization that actively attempts to influence government policy.

In 2003, the United States Supreme Court considered two different admissions polices adopted at the University of Michigan and a. for the first time, ruled that an affirmative action was unconstitutional. b. ruled that "diversity" could not be a compelling government interest. c. approved affirmative action plans that took race into consideration as part of a complete examination of the applicant's background. d. approved a plan that automatically awarded points toward admission to minority applicants. e. ruled that the time had come for all affirmative action programs to end, since government could do nothing more to alleviate the effects of past discrimination.

c. approved affirmative action plans that took race into consideration as part of a complete examination of the applicant's background.

Single-issue interest groups a. focus on goals to help those people who are not married. b. include the League of Women Voters, which lobbies for government reform. c. are narrowly focused, usually one just one issue. d. have members who tend to care intensely about their issues. e. both c and d.

c. are narrowly focused, usually one just one issue. d. have members who tend to care intensely about their issues.

African American leader Malcolm X a. supported the group known as the "Uncle Toms." b. agreed with King's philosophy of nonviolence. c. believed in "black power" and racial separation. d. believed in the philosophy of "turn the other cheek." e. was one of King's closest colleagues.

c. believed in "black power" and racial separation.

A poll tax was used to a. prevent northern immigrants from moving to the South and voting in local elections. b. determine who was intelligent enough to vote. c. dissuade African Americans from voting. d. force individuals to buy property in order to be eligible to vote. e. raise funds for voter registration among the minority community.

c. dissuade African Americans from voting.

The poor tend to be a. economically and socially conservative. b. economically and socially liberal. c. economically liberal and socially conservative. d. economically conservative and socially liberal. e. similar to the overall population in political preferences.

c. economically liberal and socially conservative.

People who become members of interest groups for purposive incentives are joining a. for a sense of belonging to the group. b. as free riders. c. for ethical beliefs or ideological reasons. d. to improve their economic opportunities. e. because they have been pressured to do so.

c. for ethical beliefs or ideological reasons.

Many people believe that the media's influence on public opinion a. has remained constant. b. is decreasing. c. has grown to equal the influence of the family. d. is negligible. e. is not, nor has it ever been, a significant factor.

c. has grown to equal the influence of the family.

The modern movement for the rights of gay men and lesbians began a. when gay veterans of World War II organized in the 1950s. b. with the growth of the Civil Rights Movement in the early 1960s. c. in 1969, following a riot that broke out when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a New York gay bar. d. in 1986, with a campaign against sodomy laws. e. in 1996, with the campaign for same-sex marriage.

c. in 1969, following a riot that broke out when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a New York gay bar.

The process of giving legislators a score based on the percentage of times he or she votes favorably on legislation of concern to the interest group is called a. campaign assistance. b. legislator evaluation. c. interest group ratings. d. lobbying. e. power rankings.

c. interest group ratings.

On the issue of sexual harassment, the Supreme Court has ruled that a. employers are not responsible for harassment undertaken by their employees. b. individuals cannot be sexually harassed by members of their own gender. c. it is considered sexual harassment when words or actions of a sexual nature interfere with the employee's work or create a "hostile environment." d. it is not illegal to condition promotions on sexual favors. e. laws against sexual harassment violate the First Amendment's protection of free speech.

c. it is considered sexual harassment when words or actions of a sexual nature interfere with the employee's work or create a "hostile environment."

The tests commonly administered as a precondition for voting were called a. poll tests. b. constitutional exams. c. literacy tests. d. primary tests. e. registration tests.

c. literacy tests.

With regard to child custody and visitation rights, a. the federal government has banned states from allowing gay men and lesbians custody. b. most states have prohibited allowing gay men and lesbians custody. c. most states do not deny custody solely on the basis of sexual orientation. d. the Supreme Court has ruled that sexual orientation must be considered when deciding custody or visitation issues. e. the Supreme Court has ruled that sexual orientation can never be considered when deciding custody or visitation issues.

c. most states do not deny custody solely on the basis of sexual orientation.

All of the following are true of civil rights of immigrants except that a. Hispanic Americans have the same rights all other Americans. b. immigrants who are not citizens have fewer rights than any other identifiable group in the U.S. c. protections in the Bill of Rights are limited to only those who are U.S. citizens. d. the Supreme Court has ruled that constitutional guarantees apply to every person in the U.S. e. the Supreme Court has stated that Congress may make rules as to aliens (immigrants) that would be unacceptable if applied to citizens.

c. protections in the Bill of Rights are limited to only those who are U.S. citizens.

Since 1960, the greatest growth in unionization has occurred among a. military personnel. b. professional athletes. c. public employees. d. private sector employees. e. information technology employees.

c. public employees.

All of the following statements about of public-interest groups are true except that a. a variety of lobbying organizations have been formed "in the public interest." b. one of the most effective public-interest groups was formed by Ralph Nader, who has been a candidate for president. c. public-interest groups work for issues that will benefit only their members. d. public-interest groups are concerned with the overall community. e. conservative public-interest groups have formed in response to Nader organizations.

c. public-interest groups work for issues that will benefit only their members.

Legislation to reform the regulation of federal lobbying in 1995 resulted in all of the following except that a. lobbyists were forced to register. b. lobbyists had to produce semiannual reports. c. religious groups had to register as lobbyists. d. a lobbyist was defined as someone who spent more than twenty percent of his or her working time lobbying Congress or the executive branch. e. an accompanying move was made to limit gifts to members of Congress.

c. religious groups had to register as lobbyists.

The Fourteenth Amendment does all of the following except a. proclaim that all persons born in the United States are citizens of the United States. b. provide that no state shall deprive individuals of the privileges and immunities enjoyed by citizens of the United States. c. state that the right to vote shall not be abridged on account of race. d. dictate that no state shall deny any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. e. provide that no state shall deny any person equal protection of the laws.

c. state that the right to vote shall not be abridged on account of race.

Interest groups often hire former government employees or former members of Congress as lobbyists for all of the following reasons except that a. the lobbyists "know their way around Washington." b. these individuals often retain friendships with former colleagues. c. the groups cannot possibly be effective if they do not hire these people. d. these lobbyists often have expert knowledge. e. these lobbyists often understand the regulatory process

c. the groups cannot possibly be effective if they do not hire these people.

Politically, the organization of working-class interests is known as a. a boycott. b. service sectoring. c. the labor movement. d. lobbying. e. climate control.

c. the labor movement.

All of the following are true about technology and opinion polls except that a. there is a problem with the proliferation of "non-polls" on the Internet. b. Web sites, such as Mister Poll, undercut the efforts for legitimate pollsters to use the Internet scientifically. c. the media are careful to disregard non-scientific polls and to report on only scientifically conducted surveys. d. Every media outlet that maintains a Web site allows anyone to submit his or her opinions. e. Many Americans find polling results to be interesting.

c. the media are careful to disregard non-scientific polls and to report on only scientifically conducted surveys.

All of the following are true of interest groups except that a. the structure of American government gives interest groups a number of areas in which to attempt to influence government policies. b. interest groups attempt to influence government at all levels—local, state, and national. c. there are approximately 1,500 interest groups. d. the First Amendment encourages Americans to form and participate in interest groups. e. membership in an interest group makes individual opinion appear more powerful.

c. there are approximately 1,500 interest groups.

All of the following are true of lobbyists except that they a. may help draft legislation for public officials. b. may be members of some of Washington, D.C.'s law firms that specialize in providing services to government officials. c. they do not always tell the truth when providing information to public officials. d. meet with public officials to inform them of the interests of their clients. e. may testify before congressional committees.

c. they do not always tell the truth when providing information to public officials.

American women are more likely a. to support capital punishment. b. to support restrictions on access to abortions. c. to support social welfare programs. d. to support interventions abroad. e. to support legislation restricting the rights of homosexuals.

c. to support social welfare programs.

All of the following are techniques used by interest groups to involve the general public except a. attempting to mobilize large numbers of constituents to write, phone, or send e-mails to their legislators b. using demonstrations, rallies, and marches. c. violently protesting so officials will know the unhappiness of the public. d. getting people to boycott a business. e. commissioning polls and publicizing the results for the public to see.

c. violently protesting so officials will know the unhappiness of the public.

Common Cause, a public-interest group, a. helped with ratification of the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution, establishing prohibition. b. members are concerned with passing legislation to obtain a major revision of the Internal Revenue Service. c. works to make governmental institutions more responsive to the public. d. is one of the smallest public-interest groups. e. both a and b.

c. works to make governmental institutions more responsive to the public.

Which of the following is (are) true of interest groups? a. Only a few interest groups attempt to influence public officials in the government at the same time. b. Interest groups only lobby the national government because at that level issues are more important than at other levels of government. c. Having a large number of members helps an interest group have influence with government officials. d. All interest groups need members to pay high dues so they can have a strong financial base. e. All the above are true.

d. All interest groups need members to pay high dues so they can have a strong financial base.

All of the following are true about labor unions except that a. the number of members in labor unions has been declining. b. American labor unions continue to support candidates for Congress. c. labor unions provide volunteers for campaigns and campaign contributions. d. a large turnout of union members will increase the final vote totals for Republicans. e. there has been a growth in the unionization of public employees.

d. a large turnout of union members will increase the final vote totals for Republicans.

Determining which public policy questions will be debated or considered is known as a. consensus building. b. opinion leadership. c. public opinion. d. agenda setting. e. political socialization.

d. agenda setting.

Interest groups a. would greatly increase in numbers if the Supreme Court would reverse its position and allow the First Amendment to be interpreted to protect their activities. b. function with the disadvantage that our government operates with so few points at which pressure can be applied to influence the decisions of government. c. are the only entities that have the constitutional right to bring a suit against the federal government when policies are pursued that are unpopular with the American people. d. allow individuals' opinions to appear more powerful as they join with other like-minded individuals and attempt to influence the course of governmental policy. e. are viewed by the pluralist theory as largely irrelevant in explaining the actions of American government and politics.

d. allow individuals' opinions to appear more powerful as they join with other like-minded individuals and attempt to influence the course of governmental policy.

Jewish voters tend to a. vote for candidates that are politically conservative. b. vote at a lower rate than Protestants. c. focus almost totally on domestic issues. d. be more liberal than average on economic and cultural issues. e. be similar to the overall population in political preferences.

d. be more liberal than average on economic and cultural issues.

Which types of interest groups are defined as economic interest groups? a. business, labor, and public interest groups b. labor, agriculture, and single-issue groups. c. business, labor, and foreign governments. d. business, labor, and professionals. e. professionals, agriculture, and foreign governments.

d. business, labor, and professionals.

The existence of interest groups a. shows that public-interest groups and civil rights make up a large percentage of interest groups lobbying Congress. b. shows that leaders are from the lower social-economic groups. c. demonstrates the validity of the elite theory model of our political system. d. can be problematic for democracy because members of the middle or upper classes often dominate interest groups. e. is required by the Constitution.

d. can be problematic for democracy because members of the middle or upper classes often dominate interest groups.

The answers given by respondents to poll questions are influenced by all of the following except a. the order in which questions are asked. b. poorly designed questions that tip respondents in a particular direction. c. a yes/no format that restricts the respondents' choices. d. compensation offered to the respondents. e. the possible range of answers to the questions presented.

d. compensation offered to the respondents.

The rich tend to be a. economically and socially conservative. b. economically and socially liberal. c. economically liberal and socially conservative. d. economically conservative and socially liberal. e. similar to the overall population in political preferences.

d. economically conservative and socially liberal.

American farmers and their workers represent about two percent of the U.S. population. This fact supports the proposition that a. because of their size, farmers have been unsuccessful as interest groups. b. there are more farmers today than there were forty years ago. c. most farmers are too busy to be politically active. d. even a small percentage of the populace can be effective if they organize. e. geographical dispersion works against the formation of effective interest groups.

d. even a small percentage of the populace can be effective if they organize.

All of the following are true of Supreme Court rulings before the Civil War except that they a. held that provisions in the Missouri Compromise banning slavery in territories north of the southern bo southern border of Missouri were unconstitutional. b. held that slaves were not citizens of the United States. c. may have contributed to making the Civil War inevitable. d. had little impact on the issue of slavery. e. confirmed the constitutionality of slavery.

d. had little impact on the issue of slavery.

The Civil Rights Movement a. only benefited African Americans. b. has corrected the economic disparities between whites and minority groups. c. has eliminated poverty in most minority groups. d. has benefited many different minority groups. e. all the above.

d. has benefited many different minority groups.

The new forms of media a. have brought Americans closer to each other politically. b. such as talk radio have been dominated by liberals. c. like blogs have often changed people from liberals to conservatives. d. include talk radio and cable networks centered around the news. e. all the above.

d. include talk radio and cable networks centered around the news.

All of the following are true of new legislation passed by Congress after the 2006 elections except that a. it requires Congress to post lobbying information on the Internet. b. it requires "earmarks" to be identified and made public. c. unlike its predecessors, it will likely change the whole congressional culture. d. it was one of the first undertakings when Congress went into session in January 2007. e. it tightened ethics rules on gifts and travel funded by lobbyists.

d. it was one of the first undertakings when Congress went into session in January 2007.

The age of automation and the rise of the service sector has a. led to increased power for labor unions. b. eliminated the need for interest groups for workers. c. led to an increase in the percentage of blue-collar workers in the total working population. d. led to attempts to unionize farm workers, service workers, and public employees. e. caused the collapse of all labor interest groups.

d. led to attempts to unionize farm workers, service workers, and public employees.

In the recent economic recession, a. unemployment was nearly 20 percent. b. more women have lost jobs than men. c. manufacturing was the first sector to crash. d. male unemployment was higher than that for women. e. jobs that were typically "women's jobs" were hardest hit.

d. male unemployment was higher than that for women

All of the following are true of public opinion polls except that a. poll results are not equally good or equally believable. b. knowing what makes a poll accurate is not as important as the results of the poll. c. polls based on scientific or random samples are the most valid. d. polls that consist of shopping mall interviews may produce inaccurate results. e. well-designed polls based on probability samples may result in ninety-five percent accuracy.

d. polls that consist of shopping mall interviews may produce inaccurate results.

One of the ways in which lobbyists make themselves valuable to decision makers is by a. threatening to campaign against them in upcoming elections. b. providing bribes. c. threatening to withhold campaign contributions. d. providing information and expertise whenever asked. e. inviting them to parties.

d. providing information and expertise whenever asked.

Respondents are given misleading information in the questions they are asked in order to persuade them to vote against a candidate in a. manipulative polls. b. machiavellian polls. c. persuasive polls. d. push polls. e. pull polls.

d. push polls.

A free rider is a. an interest group member. b. a participant in a social movement. c. someone granted free passage to Washington to lobby or demonstrate. d. someone who benefits from the actions of a group without joining it. e. a civil rights activist.

d. someone who benefits from the actions of a group without joining it.

African Americans tend to be a. more conservative than whites. b. less liberal than whites. c. more politically active than whites. d. somewhat conservative on certain cultural issues such as gay marriage and abortion. e. more irreligious than whites.

d. somewhat conservative on certain cultural issues such as gay marriage and abortion.

The Fifteenth Amendment a. outlawed slavery. b. provided equal protection under the law. c. was a civil law. d. states that the right to vote shall not be abridged on account of race. e. gave women the right to vote.

d. states that the right to vote shall not be abridged on account of race.

All of the following statements about professional interest groups are true except that a. they include the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association b. members, such as doctors and lawyers, are influential because of their social status.. c. the attorneys within these groups have an advantage because many members of Congress are also attorneys. d. the AMA spends large amounts of money on lobbying. e. they include police officers, fire fighters, teachers, and college instructors.

d. the AMA spends large amounts of money on lobbying.

The generational effect refers to a. the way in which political socialization produces opinions. b. the increased tension between the two major political parties. c. the tendency for persons to become more conservative as they grow older. d. the long-lasting impact of significant events on the generation that came of age at that time. e. the way in which the family influences opinions.

d. the long-lasting impact of significant events on the generation that came of age at that time.

Peer groups are most likely to influence political attitudes when a. people are over the age of fifty. b. it is not an election year. c. people within the peer group do not have strong party identification. d. the peer group is actively involved in political activities. e. members of the peer group are all of the same gender.

d. the peer group is actively involved in political activities.

All of the following statements about demonstrations are true except that a. if peaceable, they are protected by the First Amendment. b. they were used to great effect by the Civil Rights Movement. c. they were used by the movement against the Vietnam War. d. they are organized refusals to buy the products of a particular company. e. if violent, they can backfire and alienate the public.

d. they are organized refusals to buy the products of a particular company.

Citizens eighteen years or older received a constitutional right to vote in part because a. they could drink alcoholic beverages at that age. b. they could sign binding contracts at that age. c. they could work for the federal government in many capacities. d. they could be drafted into the military at that age. e. they had the right to marry at that age.

d. they could be drafted into the military at that age.

Black Codes a. were so severe they almost amounted to a new form of slavery. b. were attempts by southern state legislatures to regulate African Americans who were free. c. were laws passed by state legislatures that were composed of a majority of African Americans. d. were a series of civil rights laws passed by Congress to negate state legislation. e. both a and b.

d. were a series of civil rights laws passed by Congress to negate state legislation.

In the 1944 case of Smith v. Alwright, the United States Supreme Court ruled the ____ to be a violation of the Fifteenth Amendment. a. literacy test b. poll tax c. grandfather clause d. white primary e. black primary

d. white primary

Which of the following is true? a. Telephone polling began to predominate over in-person polling in the 1940s. b. Telephone polling remains a popular option even though it is more expensive and takes more time than in-person polling. c. With the pervasiveness of telemarketing, people have now grown accustomed to being solicited over the telephone and respond well to telephone polling. d. Those conducting telephone polls have designed technological improvements that allow them to bypass caller ID and other forms of call screening. e. Cell phone numbers are not included in random digit dialing programs or listed in telephone directories, limiting the ability of telephone polls to reach many people.

e. Cell phone numbers are not included in random digit dialing programs or listed in telephone directories, limiting the ability of telephone polls to reach many people.

All of the following are true of what happened after Brown v. Board of Education except a. the Supreme Court ruled that integration was to take place "with all deliberate speed." b. there was resistance to integration in Little Rock, Arkansas and other southern states. c. southern states continued to challenge the Supreme Court's ruling. d. combat troops were need to integrate the University of Mississippi. e. Chief Justice Earl Warren was impeached and removed from the United States Supreme Court

e. Chief Justice Earl Warren was impeached and removed from the United States Supreme Court.

Which of the following is an incorrect statement? a. Of all media used in the last election, YouTube drew the most attention. b. YouTube had a major impact on the last election. c. Politicians have begun to set up their own Facebook sites. d. In the last presidential election people participated in presidential debates by using Facebook. e. Most politicians have avoided networking systems because they fear the connections with the public.

e. Most politicians have avoided networking systems because they fear the connections with the public.

Which of the following would not properly be called an interest group? a. The American Medical Association b. The National Rifle Association c. Wal-Mart d. Japan e. None, all of them are interest groups.

e. None, all of them are interest groups.

Civil rights a. include women's rights. b. resulted in legislation that secured basic rights for all Americans. c. have not always been accorded to certain groups such as Native Americans, African Americans, women, and older Americans. d. are concerned with protecting groups from discrimination. e. all the above.

e. all the above.

Push polls a. have been determined to be illegal in 23 states. b. are always conducted face-to-face rather than by telephone. c. are so controversial that very few candidates have chosen to use them. d. were used widely in the 1960s and 1970s, but when they became associated with the dirty politics of those eras, they were disregarded by most candidates. e. are now used throughout all levels of U.S. politics—local, state, and federal.

e. are now used throughout all levels of U.S. politics—local, state, and federal.

The Americans with Disabilities Act a. does not apply to blindness. b. does not apply to AIDS. c. does not apply to alcoholism. d. does not apply to cancer. e. does not apply to carpal tunnel syndrome.

e. does not apply to carpal tunnel syndrome.

The values that shape American political culture include all of the following except a. personal achievement. b. liberty. c. equality. d. property. e. government control of the economy.

e. government control of the economy.

An interest that is not recognized or represented by an interest group is a a. free rider. b. common interest. c. public benefit. d. rational incentive. e. latent interest.

e. latent interest.

The number of lobbyists in Washington has ____ since 2000. a. decreased slightly b. decreased extensively c. stayed the same d. increased slightly e. more than doubled

e. more than doubled

Which of the following is an incorrect statement? a. Overall, Hispanics have favored the Democrats. b. Cuban Americans are more likely to support Republicans than Democrats. c. Asian American groups have usually leaned to the Democrats, but often by narrow margins. d. Muslim Americans of Middle Eastern ancestry tend to be culturally conservative. e. most African Americans have supported the Republican Party since the 1930s.

e. most African Americans have supported the Republican Party since the 1930s.

All of the following are true of the AARP except that a. most people who join AARP are doing so based on material incentives. b. the AARP is the largest interest group in the U.S. c. the AARP provides discounts and insurance plans for members. d. the AARP can claim it represents millions of senior citizens. e. most people join the AARP because of its free rider policy.

e. most people join the AARP because of its free rider policy.

The phenomenon of certain attitudes occurring at certain chronological ages is known as a. the generational effect. b. the socioeconomic effect. c. divisive opinion. d. peer grouping. e. the lifestyle effect.

e. the lifestyle effect.

Interest groups attain a reputation for being powerful through all of the following except a. their membership size. b. their financial resources. c. cohesiveness. d. charismatic leadership. e. their willingness to formally link themselves to a specific party.

e. their willingness to formally link themselves to a specific party.