On high-profile issues like climate change, lobbyingGroup of answer choiceshas little effect on the views of members of Congress.has an effect with some members and no effect on other members of Congress, regardless of party.has great potential to change the views of members of Congress.has little effect on members of Congress who are Democrats, but great effect on members of Congress who are Republicans.

Which statement best describes both the positive and negative effects lobbyists have on the democratic process?A.Lobbyists help voters learn more about candidates for office, but prevent third parties from successfully challenging the two-party system.B.Lobbyists help political leaders spread their messages to voters, but rely heavily on donations from corporations and super PACs.C.Lobbyists make the role of money in politics more transparent but allow the majority to more easily deny rights to vulnerable minority groups.D.Lobbyists give small groups a voice in U.S. politics but may influence lawmakers to support policies that do not benefit the public in general.SUBMITarrow_backPREVIOUS

Interest groups tend to have greater influence in states where political parties are comparatively weaker. Group of answer choicesTrueFalse

How does a well-compensated, professional legislative staff reduce the influence of interest groups?Multiple choice question.Well-compensated staff have less incentive to move into lobbying, which reduces the advocacy pool.The staff can accept the incentives of lobbyists, therefore keeping them away from legislators.The staff can protect legislators from lobbyists.The staff provides most of the research for legislators, who rely less on interest group research.

One of the threats of strict or strong partisanship is that it could lead toGroup of answer choiceseffective conflict.increased participation.increased apathy.a decrease in ideological thinking.

What impressions of Congress have you gained from the media? Are your impressions generally positive or negative?