1. Identify the major differences between presidential and congressional campaigns (232) What are the 2 kinds of campaign issues and give an example of each. (239-240)

2. Presidential races are more competitive – Congressional incumbents usually win Midterm elections feature low turnout Members of Congress can serve constituents and take credit for service in ways that a president cannot Members of Congress can separate themselves from controversy in Washington, duck responsibility and run for Congress by running against it.

3. Position Issue: an issue about which the public is divided and rival candidates or political parties adopt different policy positions. Example: Should African Americans be free or slaves Valence Issue: an issue about which the public is united and rival candidates or political parties adopt similar positions in hopes that each will be thought to best represent those widely shared beliefs. Example: everyone wants a strong economy

4. Explain why interest groups are especially numerous in the United States? (265-266)

5. Many cleavages along religious, cultural, and regional lines Multiple access points in the federal, decentralized system Political parties are weak in channeling interests into system

6. List and discuss the factors that have led to the emergence of interest groups at different times in our history (pages 266-268)

7. Broad Economic Developments: Farms, Labor Intentional governmental policy Emergence of leadership: antislavery to pre-civil rights leaders Activities of government: public interest, social welfare, environment

8. Explain exactly why information is such a valuable tool of influence for lobbyists. Why would information that came from a lobbyist be of acceptable quality? Given the viewpoints of lobbyists, why wouldn’t any information they provide be immediately suspect? Read pages 279-280

9. Distinguish between the two kinds of interest groups. (268- 270) What kinds of incentives get people to join interest groups? Explain each. (270-271)

10. What is the “revolving door” problem? How did the Ethics in Government Act attempt to address this problem? (box on top of page 285) Pages 284-285