Question 1

As of 1999, the USIA became an important function of the Department of Defense.

Accepted Answer

As of 1999, the United States Information Agency (USIA) was integrated into the Department of State, not the Department of Defense.

Question 2

Among the major vehicles that the USIA employs to spread the "gospel of America"
are Radio Marti, beamed into Cuba, and the Voice of America, directed at other international audiences.

Accepted Answer

The United States Information Agency (USIA) used various means to spread American values and policies abroad, including broadcasting services like Radio Marti, targeting Cuba, and the Voice of America, which was aimed at international audiences.

Question 3

Despite early 20th century efforts by Congress to limit the persuasive powers of the President of the United States, the nation's chief executive today wields unbridled public relations clout and controls the "bully pulpit."

Accepted Answer

The term "bully pulpit" refers to the president's ability to use the office's visibility and authority to influence public opinion and promote their agenda. Over time, especially with advancements in technology and media, U.S. Presidents have increasingly utilized this aspect of their role to communicate directly with the public, bypassing traditional filters and constraints, thus enhancing their persuasive powers despite any early efforts to limit them.

Question 4

President Ronald Reagan's approach to communications was so effective that he is still called the "Great Communicator."

Accepted Answer

Ronald Reagan was known for his effective communication skills, which earned him the nickname "The Great Communicator." He was adept at using television and public speeches to connect with the American people and convey his policies and visions.

Question 5

The main role of the presidential press secretary is chief public relations spokesperson for a President's administration.

Accepted Answer

The main role of the presidential press secretary is to act as the chief public relations spokesperson for the President's administration, communicating the President's messages and policies to the public and the media.

Question 6

The press secretary who was universally hailed by media for his professionalism during most of his tenure was Larry Speakes, who had been a Hill & Knowlton executive.

Accepted Answer

Larry Speakes, a former Hill & Knowlton executive, was widely praised by the media for his professionalism during his tenure as press secretary.

Question 7

The first woman to serve as presidential press secretary to President Clinton was Mary Matlin.

Accepted Answer

Dee Dee Myers was the first woman to serve as presidential press secretary to President Clinton, not Mary Matalin.

Question 8

Today, there are 300 members of "the imperial press corps"
looking to the presidential press secretary for news.

Accepted Answer

The term "imperial press corps" is not a standard or widely recognized designation for a specific group of journalists, and the number 300 does not accurately represent a specific, identifiable group of journalists covering the presidency or seeking information from the presidential press secretary. The size and composition of the press corps can vary widely depending on the context and event.

Question 9

The number of registered lobbyists in Washington has increased to 11,268.

Accepted Answer

As of the latest data available up to 2023, the number of registered lobbyists in Washington, D.C., has indeed increased, with figures often fluctuating around this number, reflecting the dynamic nature of lobbying activities and registrations in the capital.

Question 10

One of the functions lobbyists service is a publicity springboard.

Accepted Answer

Lobbyists often serve as a publicity springboard by generating media attention and public awareness for their clients' issues, thereby influencing public opinion and policy decisions.

Question 11

Informing and persuading are at the heart of what lobbyists do.

Accepted Answer

Lobbyists aim to inform legislators or officials about specific issues or interests and persuade them to support policies favorable to their clients.

Question 12

The campaign Al Gore ran against George W. Bush established him as the first "digital presidential candidate."

Accepted Answer

Al Gore's campaign against George W. Bush in 2000 did utilize the internet, but Howard Dean's campaign in 2004 is more widely recognized for pioneering the use of the web for fundraising and organizing, earning him the title of the first "digital presidential candidate."

Question 13

Among the most controversial political developments in recent years is the rise of PACs and their role in elections.

Accepted Answer

Political Action Committees (PACs) have become increasingly influential in American elections, often sparking debate over their impact on democracy and concerns about the role of money in politics.

Question 14

In his 1980 campaign President Ronald Reagan initiated New Federalism, which called for a shift of political debate and public policy decisions to be made at state and local levels.

Accepted Answer

New Federalism was an initiative by President Ronald Reagan aimed at decentralizing federal powers by transferring some responsibilities to the state and local governments, thereby shifting the focus of political debate and public policy decisions to these levels.

Question 15

Among frontline responsibilities of a public relations practitioner at the local government level are to inform constituents about legislative and regulatory changes and about various government procedures.

Accepted Answer

Public relations practitioners at the local government level are responsible for communicating with the public, including informing constituents about legislative and regulatory changes and various government procedures, to ensure transparency and foster community engagement.

Question 16

How did September 11, 2001, change the communications approach of the Bush Administration?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How did September 11, 2001, change the...

Question 17

What is the USIA, when was it created and by whom? What is its role, and which government department today has responsibility for it?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the USIA, when was it...

Question 18

If the Office of the President hopes to maintain a solid image with media and the public, it must "manage the news"
by following seven principles used by President Ronald Reagan's communications advisers. What are those principles?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If the Office of the President hopes...

Question 19

The essence of a lobbyist's job is to inform and persuade. In what activities do most lobbyists take part?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The essence of a lobbyist's job is...

Quiz 12: Government Relations