1. The state legislature passed a bill allowing a tax increase to improve roads. The proposed law was then placed on the ballot for voters to decide on the tax increase. Which of these terms describes this action?
a. amendment
b. nomination
c. petition
d. referendum
2. An interest group is most likely to
a. nominate party candidates
b. veto proposed legislation
c. set government policy
d. lobby elected officials
3. Which of these activities is most likely performed by political parties?
a. holding general elections
b. raising campaign money
c. designating voting precincts
d. counting absentee ballots
4. The mass media is sometimes referred to as “the fourth branch of the government” because it
a. endorses all governmental policies
b. influences public opinion
c. is a powerful federal agency
d. is paid for with federal taxes
5. Which of these is an example of lobbying by a special interest group?
1. A hotel association develops a plan to attract more tourists.
2. An animal rights organization presents its views to a legislator.
3. A group of citizens asks city officials for a schedule of public hearings.
4. A neighborhood association backs a group of candidates for an election.
6. What is a reason people join third parties?
a. Third-party candidates usually win elections.
b. Third parties always raise a large sum of money.
c. The Democratic and Republican party dues are too expensive.
d. The Democratic and Republican parties do not represent their views.
7. The process of redrawing legislative district boundaries to reflect population changes is known as
a. lobbying
b. gerrymandering
c. filibustering
d. constituency mapping