Understanding Interest Groups
A worksheet for 7th graders to learn about the role and functions of interest groups in a democratic society.
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Understanding Interest Groups
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. This worksheet will test your knowledge of interest groups and their role in government.
1. What is the primary goal of an interest group?
To elect their own members to public office.
To influence public policy.
To provide public services.
To create new laws directly.
2. Which of the following is NOT a common tactic used by interest groups?
Lobbying elected officials.
Organizing protests and demonstrations.
Declaring war on other nations.
Running public relations campaigns.
1. Interest groups always represent the majority opinion of the public.
True
False
2. Lobbying is the act of trying to influence lawmakers to support or reject a bill.
True
False
1. A is an organization of people who share common goals and work to influence government policy.
2. Interest groups often provide to political campaigns to support candidates who align with their views.
3. The act of communicating with government officials to influence policy decisions is known as .
1. In your own words, explain the difference between an interest group and a political party.
2. Give an example of an interest group and describe one issue they might advocate for.