APGOV UNIT IV: Political Beliefs and Behavior
Monday
18 Intro to
Unit IV- 3
days per
chapter.
Bring
textbook to
school
everyday
(No school)
Begin work
on Ch. 6 SG
Tuesday
19
Work
on Ch. 6
SG
Wednesday
Thursday
20
21
Finish CH 6 Begin Ch. 8 SG
SG
25
Finish CH. 8
SG
26
Begin
CH. 11
SG
27
Work on
CH. 11 SG
CH. 6, 8, 11
Quiz & S.
Guides Due
Friday
22
Work
on Ch.
8 SG
Saturday
23
Sunday
24
Cumulative Cumulative
Study
Study
28
1
Finish CH. 11
SG
Policy Debate:
Obama
Administration
2
Cumulative
Study
3
Cumulative
Study
Work on
current
event folder
Work on
current
event folder
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Mission
Week
Mission
Week
Mission
Week
Mission Week
Mission
Week
Mission
Week
Mission
Week
11
Spring Break
Project
12
Spring
Break
Project
13
Spring
Break
Project
14
Spring
Break
Project
15
Spring
Break
Project
16
Cumulative
study
17
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study
18 Unit IV Test
19
Begin
CH 7 SG
20
21
Work on Ch Long term
memory quiz7 SG
22
Begin
CH 9
SG
23
Cumulative
Study
24
Cumulative
Study
Work on
current
event folder
Work on
current
event folder
A over CH. 6, 8,
& 11
In Class FRQ and
take home M/Cdue Thurs. with
Part A CE folder
see Yola for
additions
Take Home M/C
Test Due
Finish CH 7 SG
25
Work on CH
9 SG
26
Finish
CH 9 SG
1
2
Unit IV Test B Begin
In Class FRQ
Unit V
SG
SG’s Due
27
Begin CH
10 SG
3
28
Work on CH
10 SG
Quiz: CH. 7,9
and 10
Take Home
M/C
4
29
Finish
CH 10
SG
30
Cumulative
study of
flashcards
31
Cumulative
study of
flashcards
5
6
7
BIG IDEA: linkage institutions help connect the people, the policies and the policymakers. We
take a more focused approach on these interactions and influences.
Organizing Principle: The students will understand the influences that shape political socialization and the
different political beliefs of demographic groups in the US. Students will recognize the role of the linkage
institutions and the role they play in policy-making which will include the impact of the media, political action
committees, interest groups, and parties. Students will understand the electoral process and analyze the roles of
the media, money, and interest groups in elections and campaigns. Students will demonstrate knowledge on the
various ways that citizens can participate in the political process.
Part I: Chapters 6, 8, 11, Test
Part II: Chapters: 7, 9, 10 ,Test
INSTRUCTIONS: capture and convey the concept now that you have these skills sharpened from Units I-III. Make
charts, visuals any other helpful way to cement this information in your brain. DO MORE than just scribble
something to get credit. TEACH yourself the concept and master these connections. This is a broad outline of the
chapters and you are teaching yourself how the book breaks down these concepts.
http://www.polleverywhere.com/multiple_choice_polls/LTQ2MjQz
MDIzNA
http://www.polleverywhere.com/multiple_choice_polls/LTE4MjA5N
DgwOTY
Chapter 6: Public Opinion and Political Action
Questions to answer:
1. What key demographic changes have occurred in the U.S. and what are
their political and public policy consequences?
2. What is political socialization and factors shaping this process? What is the
primary source of political socialization for individuals?
3. Explain how public opinion is measured. What scientific techniques are used
to measure public opinion? What are the arguments against public opinion
polling?
4. Explain the main differences between liberals and conservatives.
5. What are some of the ways in which people participate in politics? Compare
conventional and unconventional participation. How do they affect policy in
different ways?
6. Why is participation in America unequal? What are the political and policy
implications of unequal participation?
Ch. 6 textbook assistance
http://wps.ablongman.com/long_edwards_ga_12/0,10640,2179954-,00.html
CH. 6 Analyzing Poll Data (Class Activity)
Name ______________________________ Date _________________________________
As campaign manager for the incumbent governor of the state of Woodrow, you’ve got a lot of
decisions to make. Recently, you ordered a favorability poll in each of Woodrow’s seven
districts. Use the poll results in the chart below to answer the questions that follow.
Favorability Poll: This favorability poll measures your candidate’s approval rating by district. The top
row shows your favorability with the registered voters in the district. The bottom row shows your
approval with independent voters. Note: Elections are often won by the candidate who can influence
the greatest number of independent voters.


75% means that 75 percent of the people polled approve of the candidate.
For this poll 800 people were polled per district and there was a 3% margin of error.
Favorability Poll Results
District
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
60%
41%
50%
59%
39%
52%
45%
46%
61%
43%
49%
61%
42%
49%
55%
37%
49%
46%
48%
63%
42%
51%
All
Voters
Independent
Voters
You are the campaign manager of a candidate running for the Senate. The election is very close. Use
the favorability poll above to respond to the following questions.
1) If you only had one day, which district should you make certain to visit? What were your reasons for
choosing that district? What types of information would have made your decision easier? Could you
have chosen any other districts?
2) If you only had one day left, what districts should you avoid? What are your reasons for not going to
those districts?
3) Judging from the poll results, do you think that your candidate will win the election? Why or why
not? Why is it difficult to be sure? What could you and your campaign do to gather more information?
4) Examine the demographics from the Sample Demographic Sheet. How do these statistics change your
answers for number one? How do they impact your answers for number two? Do they change your
answers for number three? Explain your answers in detail.
Issue Poll: The poll below tells you the issues people are concerned about in each of the eleven
districts.
Issue Poll Results
Dist.
Most Important
Issue
Second Most
Important
Third Most
Important
1
Environment
Taxes
Foreign Policy
2
Immigration
Crime
Capital Punishment
3
Crime
Education
Family Values
4
Economy
Taxes
Health Care
5
Civil Rights
Economy
Taxes
6
Social Security
Health Care
Economy
7
Civil Rights
Affirmative Action
Labor Unions
8
Welfare
Gun Control
Family Values
9
Economy
Taxes
Health Care
10
Crime
Capital Punishment
Abortion
11
Social Security
Taxes
Gun Control
5) Using the district that you chose for number 1 and the demographic chart, what issues would
you have your candidate concentrate on during his or her visit? How does the demographic
information impact your decision?
6) You have six days left until the election. Use the information from the favorability poll and the
issue poll to schedule the districts you will visit during the remainder of the campaign and
identify the issues you will address in each district.
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
District:
District:
District:
District:
District:
District:
Issues:
Issues:
Issues:
Issues:
Issues:
Issues:
7) What other polls could a political campaign use to increase their possibility of success? Do you
think that polls can limit campaigns? Why or why not? What is another method, other than
through the use of polls or demographics, that a campaign can gather information about the
electorate of a district?
CH. 6 Sample Demographic Information
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Total
Population
701,578
468,584
308,594
412,799
623,760
727,779
617,585
575,567
727,779
617,585
575,567
Male
378,852
234,292
154,297
189,888
305,642
342,056
302,793
282,028
342,056
308,793
282,028
Female
322,726
234,292
154,297
222,911
318,118
385,723
308,792
293,539
385,723
308,792
293,539
Age
140,316
93,717
61,719
111,456
143,465
196,500
123,517
155,403
196,500
123,517
155,403
0-18
Age
161,363
107,775
92,578
94,944
124,752
167,389
166,748
172,670
167,389
166,748
172,670
189,426
140,576
83,320
123,840
187,128
218,334
185,276
115,113
218,334
185,276
115,113
210,474
126,518
70,977
82,560
168,415
145,556
142,045
132,380
145,556
142,045
132,380
Medium
High
High
High
Medium
Low
Low
Medium
Low
Medium
Low
6%
9%
7%
10%
6%
9%
8%
4%
9%
8%
4%
19-35
Age
36-55
Age
56-100
Crime
Rate
Unemp.
Chapter 8: Political Parties
Questions to answer:
1. What is the meaning of a political party? What functions do parties in
America perform?
2. What are the three heads of political parties?
3. What is the Downsian model of party government? What are its limitations
as a model for understanding the American party system?
4. How has party identification changed over the years and what affect has it
had on elections?
5. Describe the basic organization of American political parties. How do party
politics at the local, state, and national levels differ? Which level is most
important and why?
6. How did the American two-party system evolve-know the party eras. How
were coalitions important to this evolution? Include in your answer a
discussion of party eras and critical elections. (Watch party video on yola)
7. What are the political and policy consequences of having a two-party
system? Use handout to answer the fill-in-the blank political party notes
included in the printout. How have third parties made a difference? What
impact have third parties made on elections? (May reference the FRQ on
third parties from the College Board website APGOV FRQ)
8. In what ways have American political parties declined? What are the
principal rivals of the political parties? Speculate on the future of political
parties in America.
Ch. 8 textbook assistance
http://wps.ablongman.com/long_edwards_ga_12/0,10640,2180072-,00.html
CH. 8- Read Handout
To: Party Members
From: Party Staff
Student handout
Subject: Methods of delegate selection to the National Party Convention
Attachment: Methods of selecting presidential delegates map
Dear Party Faithful,
In an effort to be as prepared as possible for the nominating season ahead, we want to make
sure that all of our loyal party members know the current system. Below you will find descriptions of
the two methods for nominating presidential candidates-the primary and the caucus. Please read these
descriptions carefully! There is a significant difference between these two methods and you must
understand the distinction. Remember that each state determines which type of method they will use
for nominating delegates. In Virginia, for example, state and local party organizations determine which
method of nomination will be used to select candidates. In other states, the state legislature determines
whether a caucus or primary will be held. To alleviate any confusion about what method your state uses
we have included a map that illustrates the nominating methods state by state. We want to thank you in
advance for your support of our party. With your help, we will win the White House by a landslide in
2008!
Thanks for your continued support.
The Primary
This is a special statewide election in which voters decide which of the candidates within a party
will represent the party at the national convention. The primaries vary in type:
 Closed primary-a primary election in which only a party’s registered voters are eligible to vote.
They are usually considered healthier for the party system ballot because they prevent members
of one party from influencing the primaries for the opposition party.
 Open primary-a primary in which party members, independents, and sometimes members of
the other party are allowed to vote.
FYI: Depending on state party rules, delegates are proportioned in a couple of ways:


Proportional Representation: Voters choose the candidate they prefer and delegates are
awarded based on the number of votes received. For example, a candidate that received
20% of the votes would get 20% of the delegates.
Winner Take All: (Only the Republican Party uses this method). The candidate that
receives the most votes takes all of the delegates.
The Caucus
This is the oldest, most party-oriented method of choosing delegates to the national conventions. Traditionally, the
caucus is a closed meeting of party members in each state. Delegates to the meeting select the party’s choice for
presidential candidate. The process begins at local precinct meetings (caucuses) held around the state. Usually
caucuses attract the most faithful and involved party members and thus include small numbers of people. The
candidates and issues are discussed and delegates favoring the various candidates are elected to the county
convention. The county caucuses elect delegates to the state caucus and the state convention elects delegates who will
attend the national convention and vote for the candidate chosen by the caucus meetings.
Handout: What’s on your pizza?
Have you ever been with a large group of people trying to order a pizza? The
process usually creates a difficult situation, as individuals want very different
things. Imagine your teacher has just told you that she or he is going to order a
pizza for your entire class; however, your teacher presents your class with only
two options for how you will go about choosing what you want on your pizza.
1. You have the choice between a pizza with cheese, pepperoni or pineapple.
There is no discussion on this matter, just a simple vote. Each member of
the class will cast one vote.
Or,
2. You have the opportunity to discuss with your classmates what toppings
you would choose for the pizzas and come to some sort of agreement on
your own.
Answer and bring me $5 so we can order pizza for class.: Which option would
you choose, the first or second? Why? What are the advantages for each?
Disadvantages
Handout: The Roles of American Political Parties Today
Political parties are less popular today than in previous times but still serve as important change
agents in our political system. The parties provide vital services to society and it is difficult to
envision political life without them.
1. Mobilizing Support and Gathering Power- Party affiliation is enormously helpful to
elected leaders. Parties aid office holders by giving them room to develop their policies
and mobilizing support for them. They also gather support for tight votes and for general
political and legislative matters.
2. A Force for Stability and Moderation- Because of a party’s unyielding, practical desire
to win elections, it in a sense acts to moderate public opinion. The party tames its own
extreme elements by pulling them toward an ideological center in order to attract a
majority of votes on Election Day.
3. Unity, Linkage and Accountability- Parties make governance more efficient by linking
all the institutions of power to one another. The partisan affiliations of the leaders of
each branch constitute a common basis for cooperation, as the president and his fellow
party members in Congress usually demonstrate daily.
4. Electioneering- First the parties funnel eager, interested individuals into politics and
government. Thousands of candidates are recruited each year by the two parties, as are
many of the candidates’staff members. Elections can have meaning in a democracy only
if they are competitive, and in the U.S. they probably would not be competitive without
the parties.
5. Party as a Voting and Issue Cue- A voter’s party affiliation acts as an invaluable filter
for information, a perceptual screen that affects how he or she digests political news.
Parties try to cultivate a popular image and inform the public about issues through
advertising and voter contact. Party affiliation provides a useful cue for voters,
particularly for the least informed and least interested, who can use the party as a shortcut
or substitute for interpreting issues and events they might not fully understand.
6. Policy Formation and Promotion- The national party platform is the most visible
instrument that parties use to formulate, convey and promote public policy. Every four
years, each party writes for the presidential nominating conventions a lengthy platform
explaining its positions on key issues. Platforms have considerable impact. About twothirds of the promises in the victorious party’s presidential platform have been
completely or mostly implemented. The party platform is also very influential on the
new president’s legislative program and on the president’s State of the Union Address.
The Role of Third Parties:
Third Partyism, or the rise of alternative minor parties based on a single cause neglected by the
major parties, has had an important impact on American politics, even if its existence has been
sporadic and intermittent. Third parties find their roots in sectionalism, in economic protest, in
specific issues such as the Green Party’s support of the environment, in ideology and in
appealing, charismatic personalities. Many minor parties have drawn strength from a
combination of these sources. Third parties tend to do best when trust in the two major parties
plagues the electorate. In order to win elections, the major parties tend to absorb the minor
parties and add their issues to the party platform. In this way, third parties do influence policy
making and thus are important to a thriving democracy.
Adapted from:
O’Connor, K & Sabato.L. American Government: Continuity and Change. New York: Pearson & Longman, 2006. Pp. 427-450.
The Formation and Role of Third Parties
(Read passage above and answer)
SECTION ONE. The two major political parties in the United States are the Democratic Party and the
Republican Party. These two parties have major advantages in American elections although third parties
such as the Libertarian, Green and Reform parties continue to exist and make important contributions to
the political process. These third parties often bring regional or sectional issues to light that are not being
addressed by either of the major parties.
1. The two major political parties in the United States are the ____________ and
___________ parties.
2. An example of an American third party is the ______________________________.
3. Third parties often represent (local/national) issues that would otherwise not enter the
political arena. (Circle the best answer)
SECTION TWO. Forming a new political party is not easy. Political parties are formed by citizens who
are motivated by a particular issue or topic that moves them to want to change public policy. The
difference between a third party and a special interest group is that the political party seeks to have its
members elected to office. It is very expensive and takes a lot of dedicated activists to get members
elected to office. Throughout U.S. history very few social movements have evolved into political parties.
1. Political parties are generally started by __________________ who are dedicated to
changing public policy through electing supporters to office.
2. Because it is so ______________ many social movements do not turn into political
parties.
SECTION THREE. Minor parties are often formed because an issue has been neglected by the major
parties. These minor parties have significantly affected American politics. Issues that generally appeal to
third parties includes sectionalism (issues that relate to one are of the country), economic protest,
environmental concerns, ideology and in promoting appealing charismatic personalities. In 1948, the
Southern State’s Rights Dixiecrats broke from the Democratic party over issues of desegregation (an
example of sectionalism) and in 1912 the Bull Moose party provided Theodore Roosevelt the opportunity
to run for a third term as President ( a definite example of a charismatic personality and salient political
issue).
Third parties achieve the most success when they have fresh new ideas, attractive candidates or seek to
include people formerly disenfranchised or left out of the political process. They also find success when
the two major parties are unable to gain the trust of the people. Usually, the ideas put forth by the Third
Parties are incorporated into the platforms of one of the two major parties. This is done to try to keep
party members from voting for third party candidates. The Republicans of the 1970’s adopted many of
the states’ rights ideas of George Wallace’s 1968 presidential bid in an effort to keep votes away from
spoiler third party candidates.
Issues adopted by the third parties have usually been _________________________ by
the major parties.
2. _____________________ is an issue that is found in only one part of the nation. States’
rights is an issue that tends to be important in the southern part of the United States.
3. In this paragraph, disenfranchised refers to people who are not included in the
_____________________ __________________________.
4. The Republicans of the 1970’s adopted many of the states’ rights ideas of George
Wallace’s 1968 presidential bid in an effort to keep votes away from spoiler third party
candidates.
Which word is the best definition for spoiler in this sentence?
a. A candidate who helps a party win an election
b. A person who supports a specific cause or issue
c. A third party candidate who takes votes away from a major political party
d. A third party candidate who gives votes to the major political party
1.
SECTION FOUR.
What are some of America’s major third parties?
Third Party
Year Founded
Primary Purpose
Liberty/Free Soil
1840
Abolition of slavery
Prohibition
1880
Prohibition of alcohol sale and
consumption
Progressive/Bull Moose
1912
Factionalism in the Republican
party; gave Theodore Roosevelt
the platform to run for the
presidency
American Independent
1968
States’ rights, opposed to
desegregation
Libertarian
1971
Opposition to government
intervention in economic and
social policy
Reform
1996
Economic issues; tax reform,
national debt, federal deficit
Green
2000
Environmental and social justice
Many third parties do not succeed in getting their candidates elected to office. When they do it is usually
in a local election and not in a congressional or presidential election. The United States has a winner-
takes-all-system in which the party that receives at least one vote more than any other party wins the
election. To paraphrase the legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi, finishing first in not everything, it
is the only thing in U.S. politics; placing second, even by one vote doesn’t count. The winner-take-all
system encourages the grouping of interests into as few parties as possible (the democratic minimum
being two).
In order for a third party candidate to win the Presidency, he or she must account for votes in the Electoral
College. This means that he or she must win in the states that will allow the candidate to garner 270 votes
in the Electoral College. This requires a lot of money and manpower which are often scarce in third
parties.
1. The winner-take-all-system of the American electoral process means that if you don’t win
a __________________ of votes your party won’t receive any representation in
government.
2. It is difficult for third party candidates to be elected to the Presidency because they have
to get a majority of votes in the ______________ ______________________.
Are Third Parties Good for the American Political System?
Arguments for:



Third parties allow for a greater diversity of opinions.
Third parties can provide useful solutions to political problems on the local and regional
level.
Third parties encourage greater participation in the American political system.
Arguments against:



Third parties act as spoilers rather than as issue definers.
Third parties are often composed of political extremists who seek to undermine real
politics.
Third parties undermine the stability of the American Political system.
Questions to consider:
Should we change our electoral process to include more third party participation? Why or
why not?
O’Connor, Karen & Sabato, Larry J. American Government: Roots and Reform. Longman:
Boston: 2011.pp 409-12.
Chapter 11: Interest Groups
Questions to answer:
1. What are interest groups? What is the primary goal of interest groups? How
do interest groups differ from political parties?
2. Why are small groups generally more effective than large groups?
3. How do intensity and financial resources affect interest group success? What
are single-issue groups and how effective have they been in American
politics?
4. Key: What are the principal strategies (tools) that groups use to affect
policymaking? Which strategy seems to be the most effective, and why? Are
certain strategies better suited for different types of interest groups?
5. What impact do political action committees have on interest group behavior?
Evaluate the role of political action committees.
6. Key: What are the different types of interest groups? What are their primary
goals, and key specifically what strategies are used by which interest groups
do they use, and how successful have they been?
7. How do interest groups affect democracy and the scope of government in the
United States?
Textbook resource site: http://wps.ablongman.com/long_edwards_ga_12/0,10640,2180245-,00.html
Print CH. 11 Handouts and complete the reading, highlighting and answering questions.
Current Events Connections Folder:
A) Newspaper Article or Online Article
1. Locate your article by using a google search with a concept from the government and the words Obama
Administration. Example: executive order and Obama Administration or bully pulpit and Obama Administration etc.
2. Label your article Unit IV-A CE
3. Attach notebook paper titled Unit IV-A CE Analysis, name of the article and source
4. Use notebook paper to record a 3-5 sentence summary of the main points of the article from beginning, middle
and end.
5. Then, very clearly write and underline the statement: This article relates to our lesson because …followed by your
analysis which clearly connects what information was found in the textbook to the article and your overall opinion
on the main points of the article. You may address your opinion by answering some of these questions: Did you
agree or disagree with the author and his/her point of view, with the actions or policy discussed in the article etc.
with 2-3 reasons why. What you found most interesting and 2-3 reasons why.
6. You are graded on the quality of your analysis in number 6.
7. Your analysis should represent ½ a page and your summary 3-5 sentences. Overall less than a page.
B) ½ Political News Program (not a local news program)
You are to watch a ½ hour political news programs and record the list of topics discussed during the program.
Example: Caroline Kennedy drops out of the Senate race in NY, Obama issues Executive Order closing
Guantanamo Bay in one year…etc. to monitor the topics of national attention which remain in the media spotlight
and which come and go. After listing the topics provide a one paragraph analysis of what the host/program is
intending to teach you/expose you through the program: think their lens of interpretation, positions if stated, factual,
watchdog…etc. EXTRA CREDIT: You may choose to watch the same program each time for four consecutive
days or choose 2 days to watch a conservative program and on the same day watch a liberal program to see the
difference in how the programs cover and treat the topics. (Suggested political news channels, also online: Fox,
CNN, MSNBC) Label the assignment Unit IV-A News Programs and place assignment in your Current Events
folder.
C) Go to StudentNewsDaily.com and print the Wednesday’s Biased news article and the Friday cartoon. Respond to
the questions included with each article and place in your Current Events folder labeled Unit IV-A Bias/Cartoon
Articles.
CH. 11 Handout
What is a Political Action Committee?
As you read the article highlight the answers to the following questions:




What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?
What do PACs do?
Why were PACs originally created?
How have PACs changed throughout time?
Paragraph 1
A political action committee (PAC) is an organization established by businesses, labor unions, and other
interest groups in the United States to channel financial contributions into political campaigns. PAC’s
solicit contributions, pool the funds, and make donations to the campaigns for national, state, and local
offices.
Which of the following best describes the use of the word channel in paragraph 1?
a. Waterway
b. Avenue
c. To direct
d. To divert
In the paragraph the term pool the funds means…
a. To spend money freely
b. To gather money into a common pile
c. To fund political campaigns
Paragraph 2
Labor unions organized the first PACs in the 1940’s as a way to circumvent (get around) federal laws
prohibiting the use of union dues to support political candidates. In the early 1970’s changes in federal
election law authorized the creation of business and other kinds of PACs. Legislators believed that
allowing PACs would limit the influence of money in political campaigns. However, these reforms led to
the proliferation of PACs and to dramatic increases in campaign spending.
Which of the following best defines the term proliferation in paragraph 2?
a.
b.
c.
d.
limited growth
decreased growth
rapid growth
rapid decline
Paragraph 3
Since 1971, PAC’s have been allowed to make larger contributions than individuals to any congressional
candidates. While individuals may not donate more than $1,000 to a candidate, a PAC may donate up to
$5,000. Related PACs may coordinate their contributions greatly increasing the amount of money a
congressional candidate receives from the same special interest. As a result, PACs have become very
important in congressional races. PACs are also active in state and local election contests.
Page 2
Which of the following statements best explains why the power of PACs has grown throughout time?
a.
b.
c.
d.
PACs cannot donate more to a campaign than an individual.
PACs are limited to donations of $5,000 per legislative session.
PACs are not able to influence presidential elections.
PACs are able to work with other groups to increase political contributions.
Paragraph 4
More than 4,000 PACs are registered with the Federal Election Committee, which oversees campaign
finance. Despite concerns about the growing influence of PACs, their numbers have remained steady
since the mid-1980s. Most PAC money goes to incumbent candidates, who usually have a better chance
to win than their challengers.
Which of the following is true about PACs since the 1980’s?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The number has remained steady.
The number has grown rapidly.
The number has declined.
The number has fluctuated (gone up and down).
An incumbent candidate is one who…
a.
b.
c.
d.
Is running for a first political office.
Is challenging a veteran for a political office.
Is accepting a nomination for political office.
Is running for re-election.
Paragraph 5
Many critics assert that PACs corrupt the political process by allowing corporations and other interests
to influence politicians with large contributions. Politicians generally agree about the need for reform in
campaign finance contribution laws. Both political parties have been unable to decide on the form that
these reforms should take. The Republican Party has developed an efficient direct-mail fundraising
apparatus that can generate hundreds of millions of dollars in small individual contributions. Thus, the
Republicans are willing to place limits on PACs. The Democratic Party depends more heavily on PACs
and fears that limiting their role would hurt the party’s electoral chances.
Which of the following terms is the best definition for the use of corrupt in the first sentence?
a. affect or harm
b. correct
c. redirect
d. lessen or shrink
Which of the following statements would best describe why the Republicans would be more supportive
of election reforms involving PACs?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The Republicans use private funds to support their candidates for office.
The Republicans have developed other strategies to raise money to fund candidates.
PAC money does not support Republican candidates.
More PACs are supported by Republican special interests.
Page 3
Using evidence from the reading answer the following questions on PACs:
1. Do PACs serve the same purpose today as when they were first organized? Why or why not?
2. In your opinion, how effective are PACs in influencing the outcome of elections? Why?
3. Should there be more restrictions on PACs? How will this affect the ability of citizens and groups
to influence legislation?