Cengage Advantage Books American Government and Politics Today Brief 9th Edition Schmidt Test Bank
Cengage Advantage Books American Government and Politics Today Brief 9th Edition Schmidt Test Bank
Cengage Advantage Books American Government and Politics Today Brief 9th Edition Schmidt Test Bank
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
1. An interest group is
a. any association of individuals.
b. an organized group of individuals who want to gain control of the government.
c. an organized group of individuals sharing common objectives who actively attempt to influence policymakers.
d. any organization that requires members to pay dues.
e. an organized group of individuals who support a specific candidate for public office.
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A Nation of Joiners
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.1 - LO7.1: Describe the basic characteristics of interest groups,
and explain why Americans join them.
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A Nation of Joiners
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.1 - LO7.1: Describe the basic characteristics of interest groups,
and explain why Americans join them.
3. Which of the following best describes how a political party differs from an interest group?
a. Political parties want to operate the government, but interest groups do not aim to do so.
b. Political parties do not want to operate the government, but interest groups do.
c. Interest groups share common objectives and attempt to influence policymakers.
d. A political party tries to win elections, but interest groups do not.
e. Political parties and interest groups determine public policy.
ANSWER: a
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A Nation of Joiners
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.1 - LO7.1: Describe the basic characteristics of interest groups,
and explain why Americans join them.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A Nation of Joiners
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.1 - LO7.1: Describe the basic characteristics of interest groups,
and explain why Americans join them.
ANSWER: e
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A Nation of Joiners
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.1 - LO7.1: Describe the basic characteristics of interest groups,
and explain why Americans join them.
ANSWER: a
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.2 - LO7.2: List the major types of interest groups, especially those
with economic motivations.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
ANSWER: a
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.2 - LO7.2: List the major types of interest groups, especially those
with economic motivations.
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.2 - LO7.2: List the major types of interest groups, especially those
with economic motivations.
9. Which type of interest group has probably been more successful in obtaining U.S. government subsidies than any
other?
a. Public safety
b. Environmental
c. Professional
d. Economic
e. Agricultural
ANSWER: e
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.2 - LO7.2: List the major types of interest groups, especially those
with economic motivations.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
10. Because of the decline in the ______ sector of the economy, national unions are looking to nontraditional areas for
their membership.
a. nonprofit
b. migrant worker
c. agricultural
d. industrial
e. service
ANSWER: d
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.2 - LO7.2: List the major types of interest groups, especially those
with economic motivations.
11. The American Bar Association and the American Medical Association are examples of
a. interest groups that do not engage in lobbying.
b. interest groups with small memberships (less than 1,000 members).
c. interest groups with relatively little influence.
d. interest groups of professionals.
e. public-interest groups.
ANSWER: d
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.2 - LO7.2: List the major types of interest groups, especially those
with economic motivations.
12. The system of interest group politics has been accused of leaving out which of the following groups?
a. The middle class
b. The unorganized poor
c. Professionals
d. The public sector
e. Consumers
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.2 - LO7.2: List the major types of interest groups, especially those
with economic motivations.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
13. The Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Federation are examples of __________ interest groups.
a. environmental
b. economic
c. agricultural
d. relatively ineffective
e. professional
ANSWER: a
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.2 - LO7.2: List the major types of interest groups, especially those
with economic motivations.
14. All of the following statements about public-interest groups are true EXCEPT
a. a variety of lobbying organizations have been formed “in the public interest.”
b. the best-known and perhaps most effective public-interest groups are those founded under the leadership of
consumer activist Ralph Nader.
c. public-interest groups work for issues that will benefit only the narrow interests of a particular group.
d. public-interest groups are concerned with the overall community.
e. conservative public-interest groups have formed in response to Nader organizations.
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.2 - LO7.2: List the major types of interest groups, especially those
with economic motivations.
15. Which of the following best describes what Common Cause does?
a. It helped establish, then repeal, Prohibition.
b. It has led to an overhaul of the Internal Revenue Service.
c. It works to make governmental institutions more responsive to the needs of the public.
d. It is the smallest interest group in the country in terms of numbers.
e. It strives to ignore national priorities of the public.
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.2 - LO7.2: List the major types of interest groups, especially those
with economic motivations.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
16. The National Right to Life Committee and the National Rifle Association are examples of
a. economic interest groups.
b. single-interest groups.
c. public-interest groups.
d. foreign interest groups.
e. fringe interest groups.
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.2 - LO7.2: List the major types of interest groups, especially those
with economic motivations.
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.2 - LO7.2: List the major types of interest groups, especially those
with economic motivations.
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Interest Group Strategies
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.3 - LO7.3: Discuss direct and indirect interest group techniques,
and describe the main ways in which lobbyists are regulated.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
19. 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.
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Interest Group Strategies
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.3 - LO7.3: Discuss direct and indirect interest group techniques,
and describe the main ways in which lobbyists are regulated.
20. When an interest group and its lobbyists approach officials personally to present their case, they are engaging in
a. closed-door negotiations.
b. a breach of trust.
c. illegal fraternizing.
d. indirect techniques.
e. direct techniques.
ANSWER: e
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Interest Group Strategies
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.3 - LO7.3: Discuss direct and indirect interest group techniques,
and describe the main ways in which lobbyists are regulated.
21. Which of the following best describes indirect techniques employed by an interest group?
a. Testifying before a Congressional committee
b. Lobbying for legislation that the members of a group might not approve of
c. Using the general public or individual constituents to influence government officials
d. Approaching officials personally to try to influence them
e. Suggesting nominations for federal appointments
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Interest Group Strategies
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.3 - LO7.3: Discuss direct and indirect interest group techniques,
and describe the main ways in which lobbyists are regulated.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
22. ______ are a shorthand way of describing congressional members’ voting records for interested citizens.
a. Newspaper op-eds
b. Official legislator evaluations
c. Ratings
d. “Astroturf lobbying” activities
e. Power rankings
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Interest Group Strategies
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.3 - LO7.3: Discuss direct and indirect interest group techniques,
and describe the main ways in which lobbyists are regulated.
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Interest Group Strategies
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.3 - LO7.3: Discuss direct and indirect interest group techniques,
and describe the main ways in which lobbyists are regulated.
24. Which of the following best describes why interest groups try to generate public pressure?
a. To convince policymakers that public opinion supports the group’s position
b. To get the public to support only environmental initiatives
c. To avoid the legislative process
d. To make bureaucrats testify before Congress
e. To directly lobby lawmakers
ANSWER: a
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Interest Group Strategies
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.3 - LO7.3: Discuss direct and indirect interest group techniques,
and describe the main ways in which lobbyists are regulated.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
ANSWER: a
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Interest Group Strategies
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.3 - LO7.3: Discuss direct and indirect interest group techniques,
and describe the main ways in which lobbyists are regulated.
26. Legislation to reform the regulation of federal lobbying in 1995 resulted in all of the following EXCEPT
a. lobbyists were forced to register.
b. lobbying efforts had to be disclosed in semiannual reports.
c. the Senate adopted a flat ban on gifts provided by lobbyists.
d. a lobbyist was defined as someone who spent at least 20 percent of his or her time lobbying Congress, their
staffs, or executive-branch officials.
e. the House adopted a flat ban on gifts provided by lobbyists.
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Interest Group Strategies
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.3 - LO7.3: Discuss direct and indirect interest group techniques,
and describe the main ways in which lobbyists are regulated.
27. An independent is a
a. contrarian voter.
b. voter or a candidate who does not identify with a political party.
c. voter or a candidate who votes Democratic.
d. voter or a candidate who votes Republican.
e. voter or a candidate who votes Libertarian.
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.4 - LO7.4: Cite some of the major activities of U.S. political
parties, and discuss how they are organized.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
ANSWER: d
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.4 - LO7.4: Cite some of the major activities of U.S. political
parties, and discuss how they are organized.
29. A group or bloc in a legislature or political party acting in pursuit of some special interest or position is called a(n)
a. minority opinion.
b. independent party.
c. exclusive committee.
d. interest group.
e. faction.
ANSWER: e
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.4 - LO7.4: Cite some of the major activities of U.S. political
parties, and discuss how they are organized.
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.4 - LO7.4: Cite some of the major activities of U.S. political
parties, and discuss how they are organized.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
31. A political system in which only two parties have a reasonable chance of winning is called
a. a bipartisan government.
b. a two-party system.
c. a bicameral system.
d. bifurcated government.
e. representative democracy.
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.5 - LO7.5: Explain how the history of U.S. political parties has led
to the two major parties that exist today.
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.5 - LO7.5: Explain how the history of U.S. political parties has led
to the two major parties that exist today.
33. Which of the following statements about the early Republican Party is false?
a. Thomas Jefferson initially led it.
b. It favored a strong national government.
c. Artisans and farmers supported the party.
d. It was a staunch advocate of states' rights.
e. When it was in office, its members acquired the Louisiana Territory and established a national bank.
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.5 - LO7.5: Explain how the history of U.S. political parties has led
to the two major parties that exist today.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
34. All of the following statements about the early Democratic Party are true EXCEPT
a. it came into existence when the Republican Party split in two.
b. it was organized by supporters of Andrew Jackson.
c. it favored personal liberty and opportunity for the “common man.”
d. its hostility toward African Americans was an important force holding it together.
e. it supported a policy of federal spending on “internal improvements” such as roads.
ANSWER: e
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.5 - LO7.5: Explain how the history of U.S. political parties has led
to the two major parties that exist today.
35. The modern Republican Party was founded when the issue of ______ divided both existing political parties.
a. income taxation
b. export taxation
c. slavery
d. the stagnant domestic economy
e. government response to public health issues
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.5 - LO7.5: Explain how the history of U.S. political parties has led
to the two major parties that exist today.
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.5 - LO7.5: Explain how the history of U.S. political parties has led
to the two major parties that exist today.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.5 - LO7.5: Explain how the history of U.S. political parties has led
to the two major parties that exist today.
38. Which of the following is true regarding politics and the Great Depression?
a. The Great Depression shattered the working-class belief in Democratic economic competence.
b. Hoover supported federal relief for the unemployed and the destitute.
c. Roosevelt’s relief programs were generally not available to African Americans, resulting in African
Americans’ antagonism toward the Democratic Party that lasted for decades.
d. The Great Depression shattered the working-class belief in Republican economic competence.
e. The Republican ascendancy lasted from the early 1930s until the late 1960s.
ANSWER: d
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.5 - LO7.5: Explain how the history of U.S. political parties has led
to the two major parties that exist today.
ANSWER: e
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.5 - LO7.5: Explain how the history of U.S. political parties has led
to the two major parties that exist today.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
40. A major development in the run-up to the 2010 elections was the growth of the ______ movement.
a. Tea Party
b. Socialist
c. Atheist
d. Neo-Whig
e. Labor
ANSWER: a
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.5 - LO7.5: Explain how the history of U.S. political parties has led
to the two major parties that exist today.
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.4 - LO7.4: Cite some of the major activities of U.S. political
parties, and discuss how they are organized.
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.4 - LO7.4: Cite some of the major activities of U.S. political
parties, and discuss how they are organized.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
43. The document drawn up at each national convention outlining the policies, positions, and principles of the party is
called the
a. rulebook.
b. statement of intent.
c. party platform.
d. national promise.
e. political covenant.
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.4 - LO7.4: Cite some of the major activities of U.S. political
parties, and discuss how they are organized.
ANSWER: e
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.4 - LO7.4: Cite some of the major activities of U.S. political
parties, and discuss how they are organized.
ANSWER: a
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.4 - LO7.4: Cite some of the major activities of U.S. political
parties, and discuss how they are organized.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.4 - LO7.4: Cite some of the major activities of U.S. political
parties, and discuss how they are organized.
ANSWER: a
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Why Has the Two-Party System Endured?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.6 - LO7.6: Give reasons why the two-party system has endured in
America, and evaluate the impact of third parties and independents on U.S. politics.
48. The ______ is one by which all of a state’s electoral votes are cast for the presidential candidate who receives a
plurality of the votes in that state.
a. patronage rule
b. straight-ticket rule
c. apportionment rule
d. winner-take-all rule
e. unit rule
ANSWER: e
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Why has the Two-Party System Endured?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.6 - LO7.6: Give reasons why the two-party system has endured in
America, and evaluate the impact of third parties and independents on U.S. politics.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Why has the Two-Party System Endured?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.6 - LO7.6: Give reasons why the two-party system has endured in
America, and evaluate the impact of third parties and independents on U.S. politics.
50. One of the main ways third parties have influenced American politics is by
a. refusing to allow their policies to be adopted by a major party.
b. sometimes determining the outcome of an election by pulling votes from one of the major-party candidates.
c. focusing their efforts on getting judges appointed to the bench rather than winning elections for the executive
or legislative branches.
d. winning elections to state legislative bodies.
e. gaining control of several municipal governments.
ANSWER: b
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Why has the Two-Party System Endured?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.6 - LO7.6: Give reasons why the two-party system has endured in
America, and evaluate the impact of third parties and independents on U.S. politics.
51. Explain how economic interest groups, public-interest groups, and single-issue interest groups differ from each other.
ANSWER: Students’ answers may vary.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.1 - LO7.1: Describe the basic characteristics of interest groups,
and explain why Americans join them.
52. Contrast the various economic interest groups that exist in the nation. Does one group (or groups) stand a better
chance of success than others to succeed in influencing public policy? Why or why not?
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
53. Identify which groups are most likely to be left out of the system of interest group politics. What significance does
this have for society?
ANSWER: Students’ answers may vary.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Types of Interest Groups
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.2 - LO7.2: List the major types of interest groups, especially those
with economic motivations.
54. What direct techniques are used by interest groups? Why do you think they choose a particular technique over
others that they may employ?
ANSWER: Students’ answers may vary.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: 151
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.3 - LO7.3: Discuss direct and indirect interest group techniques,
and describe the main ways in which lobbyists are regulated.
TOPICS: Interest Group Strategies
55. Explain the indirect techniques used by interest groups. Which techniques are more influential?
ANSWER: Students’ answers may vary.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: 152
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.3 - LO7.3: Discuss direct and indirect interest group techniques,
and describe the main ways in which lobbyists are regulated.
TOPICS: Interest Group Strategies
56. Should there be more regulation of lobbyists and interest groups? Explain your answer.
ANSWER: Students’ answers may vary.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Interest Group Strategies
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.3 - LO7.3: Discuss direct and indirect interest group techniques,
and describe the main ways in which lobbyists are regulated.
57. Explain the importance of political parties to the U.S. political system in terms of the functions they perform.
ANSWER: Students’ answers may vary.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.4 - LO7.4: Cite some of the major activities of U.S. political
parties, and discuss how they are organized.
Chapter_7_Interest_Groups_and_Political_Parties
59. Explain the activities of political parties at the national, state, and local levels.
ANSWER: Students’ answers may vary.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: A History of Political Parties in the United States
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.5 - LO7.5: Explain how the history of U.S. political parties has led
to the two major parties that exist today.
60. Why do we only have two major parties? Explain the factors that have perpetuated the two-party system in the
United States.
ANSWER: Students’ answers may vary.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: Why Has the Two-Party System Endured?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: AGPT.SCHM.17.7.6 - LO7.6: Give reasons why the two-party system has endured in
America, and evaluate the impact of third parties and independents on U.S. politics.