Exam 11: Political Participation: The Limits of Democracy

Which of the following would be considered a public interest group?

Which theory says that the necessities involved in managing an organization inevitably become concentrated in the hands of a few bureaucrats, who then wield true power in the organization?

In the 1936 presidential election, Literary Digest was the only poll to correctly pick the winner.

What event ended -- albeit briefly -- the long-term trend of political apathy in the U.S.?

Low-information rationality theory says that voters use little information and shortcuts to make decisions.

Polls not only measure public opinion; they also

What does Alexis de Tocqueville argue is detrimental to a sense of social and civic duty and thus diminishes the life of the community?

The decision in Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission limited the size of corporate campaign contributions.

What term is used to describe a question on the ballot asking citizens to give the state permission to repeal an existing law?

What makes it hard for governments to hide the truth or censor the news?

Interest groups are formal or informal associations that recruit, nominate, and elect public officials.

To win a plurality election, a candidate must have at least 60% of the vote.

What made the Supreme Court's decision in the Citizens United case so controversial?

In a proportional representation system, the electorate is divided into multimember districts, with a formula awarding each district's seats in proportion to the vote the various parties receive in that district.

What is the most important tool for interest groups seeking to change or influence public policy?