Deck 5: Media Influences and Interest Groups

Question 1

Explain the role of media in state politics. How does the media impact elections at the state level?

Answer 1

No answer

Question 2

Explain the terms lobbying and political action committees and discuss the impact each has in Sacramento.

Answer 2

No answer

Question 3

Explain the kind of activities used by special interest groups to impact public policy. Explain how Propositions 34, 140, and 28 impacts, or promotes, the influence of special interest groups.

Answer 3

No answer

Question 4

Discuss how "ordinary" individuals (i.e., not wealthy) can influence public policy.

Question 5

Explore the role of money in political campaigns and evaluate the current campaign contribution rules.

Question 6

Image making is an essential business in California politics. In order to be taken seriously by the media and the voters, prospective candidates must

A) have a nice smile.
B) be related to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
C) have adequate financial resources (lots of money).
D) drive a fancy car.

Question 7

Organizations that try to influence politicians to achieve their political and economic aims are called

A) party affiliations.
B) bipartisan electorates.
C) interest groups and lobbies.
D) coalitions of ethnic groups.

Question 8

Organized interest groups are able to support a candidate or a ballot measure by spending money through their

A) members' checking accounts.
B) political action committees (PACs).
C) friends' credit cards.
D) ability to sell cookies.

Question 9

One of the activities of a lobbyist may include

A) ensuring that all Californians are treated fair and equal.
B) creating the exam for the Civil Service test for all state government jobs.
C) hanging out in the lobby of fancy hotels and government buildings to greet guests.
D) sponsoring initiatives or referendums to put on the ballot for voters.

Question 10

The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC)

A) provides accurate and reliable information about a candidate.
B) oversees campaigns and lobbying, and monitors any wrongdoing by candidates and PACs.
C) monitors media coverage of state policies and elections.
D) oversees and monitors the activities of elected officials.

Question 11

Lobbying is the attempt to influence government policy, usually on behalf of an interest group.

Question 12

The 2010 gubernatorial election (Jerry Brown vs. Meg Whitman) broke all previous records for campaign spending.

Question 13

Organized interest groups and lobbies provide large financial resources for candidates.

Question 14

Websites, emails, text messaging and robocalls have become important vehicles for campaigning.

Question 15

The California Teachers' Association and the Automobile Club of America are considered to be interest groups.