1.
What is a reason people join third parties?
Correct Answer
D. The Democratic and Republican parties do not represent their views
Explanation
People may join third parties because they feel that the Democratic and Republican parties do not represent their views. They may have different ideologies or beliefs that align more closely with a third party's platform. By joining a third party, they can support and advocate for their own values and priorities, rather than compromising or settling for the options provided by the major parties.
2.
The mass media is sometimes referred to as the “fourth branch of government” because it
Correct Answer
B. Influences public opinion
Explanation
The mass media is sometimes referred to as the "fourth branch of government" because it has the power to shape and influence public opinion. Through various forms of media such as television, newspapers, and the internet, the mass media can present information and perspectives that can sway public perception on political issues, policies, and government actions. This influence on public opinion is why the mass media is often considered an important and influential force in society and is referred to as the "fourth branch of government."
3.
Which of these explains a difference between political parties and interest groups?
Correct Answer
C. Political parties address many issues, while interest groups usually focus on one
Explanation
Political parties and interest groups differ in their scope of focus. Political parties address a wide range of issues, representing a broad set of interests and ideologies. They develop platforms and policies that encompass various areas of governance. On the other hand, interest groups typically concentrate on specific issues or causes, advocating for the interests of a particular group or sector. They aim to influence policy-making in their specific area of concern. Therefore, the statement that political parties address many issues, while interest groups usually focus on one, accurately explains the difference between the two.
4.
Which of these is an example of lobbying by a special interest group?
Correct Answer
B. An animal rights organization presents its views to a legislator
Explanation
An animal rights organization presenting its views to a legislator is an example of lobbying by a special interest group. Lobbying involves attempting to influence government officials and policies in favor of a particular cause or interest. In this case, the animal rights organization is advocating for their views and trying to persuade the legislator to support their cause.
5.
Which of these best explains why candidates for public office often spend more money on advertising during the last week of a campaign?
Correct Answer
B. Advertising may persuade undecided voters to make a choice
Explanation
Candidates for public office often spend more money on advertising during the last week of a campaign because advertising has the potential to persuade undecided voters to make a choice. As the campaign comes to a close, candidates want to make a final push to sway any remaining undecided voters in their favor. By increasing their advertising efforts, candidates hope to reach these individuals and convince them to support their candidacy. This strategy is particularly effective during the final week when voters are more likely to be paying closer attention to the campaign and making their final decisions.
6.
People were asked: “As the budget is prepared, which programs should receive reduced funding, the same amount of funding, or more funding?”
PUBLIC OPINION POLL
Program
Reduce
Stay the Same
Increase
Mass Transit
35%
35%
30%
Arts and Humanities
35%
50%
15%
National Defense
20%
35%
45%
National Parks
60%
30%
10%
According to the results of the poll, which of these would most likely be the government’s response
Correct Answer
A. Increase military spending
Explanation
Based on the results of the poll, the government's response would most likely be to increase military spending. This is because 45% of the people surveyed believe that national defense should receive increased funding, which is the highest percentage among all the programs listed.
7.
Look at the cartoon below.
“Campaign Finance Reform? . . .” cartoon by Jimmy Margulies, copyright © by The Record New Jersey. Used by permission.
According to the cartoon, many politicians are reluctant to reform campaign financing because they
Correct Answer
A. Benefit personally from campaign finance money
Explanation
The cartoon suggests that politicians are reluctant to reform campaign financing because they benefit personally from campaign finance money. This can be inferred from the image of the politician holding a bag of money labeled "campaign contributions" and the caption "Campaign Finance Reform?" This implies that politicians receive financial benefits from campaign contributions and therefore have a vested interest in maintaining the current system.
8.
Suppose the Maryland Medical Association wants to change state licensing requirements for doctors.
What would be the association’s best course of action to bring about this change?
Correct Answer
D. Lobbying the Maryland General Assembly
Explanation
The best course of action for the Maryland Medical Association to bring about the change in state licensing requirements for doctors would be to lobby the Maryland General Assembly. Lobbying involves actively advocating for a specific cause or policy change to lawmakers, in this case, the members of the Maryland General Assembly. By directly engaging with the lawmakers who have the power to make legislative changes, the association can effectively present their case, provide evidence, and influence the decision-making process in their favor. This approach allows for direct communication and negotiation with the relevant authorities, increasing the chances of successfully achieving the desired change.
9.
Look at the cartoon below.
Which of these ideas about political campaigns is represented by the cartoon?
Correct Answer
C. They are products of planned marketing.
Explanation
The cartoon depicts a politician holding a sign that says "Vote for Me!" while standing in front of a large billboard covered in campaign slogans and advertisements. This suggests that political campaigns are carefully planned and marketed to attract voters, indicating that they are products of planned marketing.