Question

what is the difference between interest groups and political parties? *
a) interest groups focus on specific issues; parties seek to control government
b) interest groups are larger than political parties
c) political parties cannot lobby; interest groups can
d) interest groups only work at the federal level

is this this quote in support of the decision in citizens united or against it? *
\at bottom, the court’s opinion is thus a rejection of the common sense of
the american people, who have recognized a need to prevent corporations
from undermining self - government since the founding, and who have
fought against the distinctive corrupting potential of corporate
electioneering since the days of theodore roosevelt.\
—justice john paul stevens, dissenting opinion
a) in support of the decision
b) against the decision
c) neutral toward the decision
d) cannot be determined from the quote

Explanation:

First Question (Difference between Interest Groups and Political Parties)

• Option A: Interest groups advocate for specific issues (e.g., environmental, labor), while political parties aim to win elections and control government to implement broader agendas. This matches their core differences.
• Option B: Size isn't a defining difference (groups/parties can vary).
• Option C: Political parties can lobby (e.g., for policy changes), so this is incorrect.
• Option D: Interest groups work at local/state/federal levels, so this is false.

The quote is a dissenting opinion, criticizing the Court’s decision (rejecting “common sense” and corporate electioneering concerns). A dissenting opinion opposes the majority decision, so it’s against Citizens United.

Answer:

A) Interest groups focus on specific issues; parties seek to control government

Second Question (Citizens United Quote)