This Document Contains Chapters 17 to 18 Chapter 17—Government and Politics 17.1 Multiple Choice Questions 1. For federal, state, and local governments to function effectively, each branch needs to: A) counteract public criticism. B) provide feedback to government administrators. C) improve the effectiveness of agency operations. D) communicate effectively with its constituents. E) all of the above. Answer: D 2. If you are soon graduating and seeking career employment in public relations, you should A) consider government employment; it is a growing sector. B) not consider government employment; it is a shrinking sector. C) pursue a career in lobbying; it is the most rewarding. D) first spend three to five years as a journalist. E) start with agency work, then pursue government work. Answer: A 3. The objectives of government information efforts can be summarized by all of the following EXCEPT: A) inform the public about the public’s business. B) improve the effectiveness of agency operations. C) provide feedback to government administrators. D) counteract public criticism. E) all of the above. Answer: D 4. Federal agencies spend several hundred million dollars each year promoting all of the following EXCEPT: A) foreign trade. B) military recruitment. C) government health services. D) U.S. Postal Services. E) all of the above. Answer: A 5. One of the federal government’s longest-running public relations efforts has been: A) convincing Americans about the need for free trade. B) persuading the public to be concerned about global warming. C) preparing and distributing “hometown” news releases by the military. D) White House tours. E) marketing the poet laureate. Answer: C 6. In many cases, states implement public relations campaigns by A) requesting federal assistance. B) hiring larger public relations staffs. C) hiring outside public relations firms. D) training more employees in public relations E) none of the above. Answer: C 7. In recent years, most states have spent considerable amount of money convincing not to: A) smoke. B) gamble. C) cheat on taxes. D) speed. E) litter. Answer: A 8. Many cities pump millions of dollars into efforts to: A) get people to stop smoking. B) encourage recycling. C) attract new business. D) creating new city logos. E) bike trails. Answer: C 9. All of the following are functions of a public affairs specialist EXCEPT: A) gather information. B) award government contracts. C) disseminate management’s views. D) cooperate with government on projects of mutual benefit. E) all of the above. Answer: B 10. Although legislators are the primary audience for government relations efforts, public affairs officers also communicate to which of the following audiences? A) employees of their organization B) retirees C) customers D) taxpayers E) all of the above Answer: E 11. What is the name for public relations professionals whose main responsibilities include influence impending legislation? A) framers B) lobbyists C) publicists D) public information officers E) public affairs officers Answer: B 12. The term “lobbying” is closely aligned with A) governmental relations B) public affairs C) corporate relations D) stakeholder management E) A and B only Answer: E 13. Deep suspicion exists about former legislators and officials who capitalize on their connections and charge fees for doing what is commonly called: A) “tax write-offs.” B) “influence peddling.” C) “back scratching.” D) “favor trade-offs.” E) none of the above. Answer: B 14. One of the provisions of a 1995 lobbying law is that: A) lobbyists can no longer work for tobacco companies. B) no former legislators can work as lobbyists. C) lobbyists must give a portion of their fees to charity. D) lobbyists must register with Congress and disclose their clients. E) lobbying on behalf food companies requires FDA approval. Answer: B 15. The fastest-growing area of the political persuasion business is in: A) grassroots lobbying. B) farm subsidies. C) pork barrel spending. D) senate races. E) tea-party candidates. Answer: A 16. The high cost of running for office in the U.S. has made fund-raising: A) obsolete. B) virtually a full-time job. C) illegal in some states. D) the main thing lobbyist do. E) none of the above. Answer: B 17. The latest tool for fund-raising and reaching supporters is: A) direct mail. B) slick PowerPoint presentations. C) phone trees. D) town hall meetings. E) the Internet. Answer: E 18. You are a presidential campaign staff member. To make sure that your candidate’s speech is received under the best possible circumstances, you would do all EXCEPT: A) mobilize the audience and media B) send advance copies to all journalists C) manage potential risks D) handle any crises that arise E) provide an assessment afterward Answer: B 19. Regarding social media and politics, it is evident that A) Republicans have overtaken the Democrats. B) candidates are unwilling to surrender control over the message. C) Democrats no longer have a monopoly on social media. D) Democrats maintain a lead in cutting-edge communication channels. E) both C and D. Answer: E 20. The Ethics in Government Act forbids: A) government officials from actively lobbying their former agencies for one year after leaving office. B) lobbyists from spending more than $1,000 on a dinner with a member of Congress. C) lobbying on any product with military applications. D) any member of Congress from taking money from special interests. E) none of the above. Answer: A 17.2 True/False Questions 1. The president receives more media attention than Congress and all the federal agencies combined. Answer: True 2. Capitol Hill’s press secretaries play a significant role in the shaping of America’s messages and consequently public policies. Answer: True 3. One of the largest public affairs operations in the federal government is conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Answer: False 4. When military analysts were given “talking points” on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, the Pentagon violated federal regulations. Answer: False 5. Unlike federal agency personnel, members of Congress can become lobbyists immediately after leaving office. Answer: False 6. A major part of the public affairs team at the Pentagon assists Hollywood with the production of movies. Answer: True 7. Many states hire outside firms to implement their public relations campaigns. Answer: True 8. The actions of governmental bodies at the local, state, and federal levels have a major influence on how businesses operate. Answer: True 9. College graduates should not consider public relations careers with state government, since most of the work is hired out to private firms. Answer: False 10. Promotion of tourism is a major area of public relations work with cities and local governments. Answer: True 17.3 Essay Questions 1. Discuss public relations career opportunities in federal, state and local government. Should college graduates consider it to be a viable career path? Explain. Answer: Because government at all levels must engage in public relations to succeed and thrive, public relations is a promising career path. Skilled public relations professionals are required at every level of government to ensure that information is disseminated clearly, efficiently and to the largest number of people. At the federal, state and local levels, ample work opportunities exist for Public Information Officers (PIOs) and Public Affairs Officers (PAOs). The president and each member of Congress employ press secretaries. Public relations employment in federal agencies such as the Department of Defense (DOD), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) remains strong, as well. Alternately, graduates will find many career opportunities working in governmental affairs for corporations and nonprofit organizations. Lobbying is closely linked to governmental affairs. Lobbyists are more directly involved in influencing proposed legislation that affects corporations, industries, or nonprofit groups. 2. You are the campaign director for a mayoral candidate in your city. How would you use social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) to raise money and reach your constituents? What would you say to your client to convince him or her to use social media? What are the potential negative consequences of a poorly run social media campaign? Answer: Students should begin by reviewing Chapter 12: The Internet and Social Media for a rundown of basic principles for social media use in public relations. The campaign director needs to first have a frank discussion with the mayoral candidate to gauge his/her person level of knowledge and comfort with social media and Web 2.0. The candidate must understand that social media has been utilized by candidates since the 2008 presidential election, and today is used with great success by campaigns at all levels of government. If your candidate refuses to embrace social media, the opposition certainly will. And, because social media is a highly personal and conversational media, the candidate will need to get involved to some degree in messaging and maintenance of a social media presence. Students may come up with any number of creative fundraising methods using social media. However, social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) should be chosen for their specific audiences and for capabilities, not just because they seem to be popular. For example, the campaign could utilize a personalized messaging approach with Twitter to ask supporters for $5 each by midnight in order to reach a fundraising goal. Everyone who donates could be entered in a drawing for a dinner, theater tickets or a glamorous downtown event. The campaign could also organize Facebook groups to meet special themed fundraising initiatives. At the same time, both the campaign director and mayoral candidate must understand that a poorly run social media campaign is worse than no social media campaign at all. The candidate will have to surrender some control over the message and discussion. Any gaffes are instantly amplified through “retweets” and message boards. Constant vigilance is needed to rebut gossip and misinformation. Finally, remember that the opposition can always create rogue social media sites that spoof or mimic the candidate’s official sites. As with all technology tools, social media is a double-edged sword! As campaign director for a mayoral candidate: 1. Using Social Media for Fundraising and Outreach: • Facebook: Create a campaign page to share candidate's platform, events, and donation links. Utilize targeted ads to reach local voters based on demographics and interests. • Twitter: Engage with voters in real-time, share updates on campaign activities, and use hashtags to amplify messages. Encourage retweets and replies to foster dialogue. 2. Convincing the Candidate: • Highlight the cost-effectiveness and reach of social media compared to traditional media. • Emphasize the ability to directly engage with constituents and address their concerns. • Showcase successful examples of social media campaigns in politics, illustrating their impact on voter turnout and fundraising. 3. Potential Negative Consequences: • Misinformation Spread: Incorrect information can spread rapidly, damaging the candidate's credibility. • Negative Public Perception: Poorly managed comments or posts can lead to backlash from voters. • Legal and Ethical Issues: Violations of campaign laws or social media platform rules can lead to fines or account suspensions. Effective use of social media requires strategic planning, constant monitoring, and adherence to ethical standards to maximize its benefits while mitigating risks. Chapter 18—Nonprofit, Health, and Education 18.1 Multiple Choice Questions 1. Which statement is most true regarding nonprofit organizations and public relations? A) Competition is intense for nonprofit public relations jobs. B) Nonprofits ultimately attract the top PR professionals. C) Nonprofits are a shrinking career area for public relations professionals. D) Nonprofits make up a broad area of public relations work. E) The job of public relations professionals is to outpace competing organizations. Answer: D 2. Which is not a correct statement about nonprofit organizations? A) Competition among nonprofit agencies for donations is intense. B) Nonprofit agencies always cooperate with each other. C) Nonprofit agencies are advocating their individual causes. D) Partnerships among nonprofit organizations are based on common interests. E) all are correct Answer: B 3. According to the Giving Institute, what was the pattern in American contributions to charity from 2007-2010? A) down by $17 billion B) up by $10 billion C) unchanged D) unchanged, but fragmented due to competition. E) double Answer: A 4. Which of the following is the main reason why individuals donate money to charities? A) an intrinsic desire to share one’s resources B) ego satisfaction C) to “hide” money in tax shelters D) both A and B E) both B and C Answer: D 5. Which of the following is a critical challenge for virtually all nonprofit organizations? A) competition B) fund-raising C) maintaining tax-exempt status D) attracting volunteers E) all of the above Answer: B 6. All of the following are typical fund-raising methods EXCEPT: A) Corporate and foundation donations. B) structured capital campaigns. C) direct mail. D) online and social media E) all of the above. Answer: E 7. Membership organizations use the strength of their common bond to: A) promote the professionalism of their members. B) support socially valuable causes. C) elect state legislators. D) A and B only E) all of the above. Answer: D 8. Which is NOT considered a membership organization? A) trade associations B) labor unions C) social issue organizations D) professional associations E) all of the above Answer: C 9. Which is NOT a major function of trade associations? A) boost member profits through trades B) monitor congressional activity C) lobby for or against legislation D) communicate late-breaking developments to the membership E) interact with government officials Answer: A 10. An advocacy group is best defined as one that: A) raises funds for activist organizations. B) fights for social causes. C) works to elect political leaders. D) opposes societal wrongs at all costs. E) partners with corporations. Answer: B 11. Advocacy groups use all of the following tactics EXCEPT: A) lobbying. B) litigation. C) mass demonstration. D) confrontation. E) reconciliation. Answer: D 12. How do social issue organizations differ from activist groups? A) Their political influence has declined in recent years. B) One pursues social ends; the other pursues political ends. C) Social organizations have broader political appeal. D) Activist groups have a more clearly defined public relations agenda. E) Their social and behavioral goals are more broadly defined. Answer: E 13. Which advocacy tactic is designed to showcase public support for a cause and in some cases to harass the operators of projects to which the group objects? A) reconciliation B) mass demonstration C) litigation D) imitation E) fund-raising Answer: B 14. All of the following are social service organizations EXCEPT: A) People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. B) Goodwill Industries. C) the American Red Cross. D) the Boy Scouts. E) YMCA. Answer: A 15. In addition to dispensing money, what other important activities do foundations undertake? A) political action B) corporate lobbying C) technological innovation D) fund-raising E) social activism Answer: D 16. In general, religious organizations design their public relations to achieve which of the following objectives? A) develop public awareness of their missions and activities B) encourage individuals to use their services C) recruit and train volunteer workers D) obtain operating funds E) all of the above Answer: E 17. Which is NOT a strategy/tactic used by social service organizations? A) publicity B) creation of events C) community activism D) creation of educational materials E) newsletters Answer: C 18. Which organizations are included in the health sector? A) Hospitals, and private and government health agencies B) For-profit hospitals and not-for-profit hospitals C) Private and public health agencies D) Health agencies and world health organizations E) HMOs and insurance companies Answer: A 19. Which of the following are examples of public relations health campaigns? A) Breast cancer awareness B) Diet and exercise promotion C) Cancer screenings D) Health careers E) all except D. Answer: E 20. Which of the following is key for public relations professionals working at colleges and universities? A) They primarily serve faculty and staff. B) Remembering that students come first. C) They must be part of the management team. D) The must report directly to the president. E) Social media initiatives for students. Answer: C 18.2 True/False Questions 1. Nonprofit organizations are also referred to as charities. Answer: True 2. PETA uses a variety of tactics, but confrontation is not one of them. Answer: False 3. In reality, a college or university has little in common with the American Red Cross. Answer: False 4. Many nonprofit organizations do not partner together, but compete with one another. Answer: True 5. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is one of the most powerful lobbying organizations in Washington, D.C. Answer: True 6. Nonprofits are tax-exempt organizations. Answer: True 7. Fund-raising, although a priority, is not a critical challenge for nonprofit organizations. Answer: False 8. The primary factor for giving is ego satisfaction. Answer: False 9. American contributions to charity increased significantly from 2007 to 2010. Answer: False 10. At colleges and universities, public relations professionals need not be a part of the management team; instead, they should operate independently. Answer: False 18.3 Essay Questions 1. Discuss the role and function of public relations work in nonprofit organizations. Is it a viable career path for public relations graduates? Explain. Answer: From a public relations perspective, nonprofit organizations are often represented as fostering goodwill, and as beacons of social responsibility. Because these organizations are not profit-oriented, the practice of public relations on their behalf is somewhat different than corporate public relations. At the same time, all nonprofit organizations create communication campaigns and programs, including special events, brochures, radio and television appearances, volunteer recruitment, and Web-based initiatives to stimulate public interest and invite further public involvement. Public relations is definitely a viable career path for recent university graduates. Although salaries are not as high as one would find in the corporate or agency worlds, they are usually decent, especially with career advancement. Nonprofit public relations professionals also enjoy a variety of interesting duties, along with the satisfaction of practicing public relations for the greater good of society. Finally, the skills learned in nonprofit public relations translate well to public relations work in the business sector. 2. What is the nature of public relations as it is practiced in educational organizations? Answer: Typical educational employment settings for public relations professionals include colleges and universities, trade schools, and school districts. In higher education, professionals frequently perform duties that connect public relations with marketing communication, alumni relations, fund raising, and social media initiatives. In large universities, a public relations director, added by a staff, supervises the news service, publications, and special events. Public relations staff members carry out duties ranging from writing and photography to graphic design and media relations. In school districts, public relations professionals (often called public information officers) make decisions and run programs that affect all schools in the district. Similar coordination usually takes place among parochial schools. The public information officer is typically the face of the school district to the press and public, or the advisor to those who interact with the public. Regardless of the educational settings, public relations professionals will be expected to practice crisis management and communication. They can also expect to work in environments that increasingly demand financial viability, measureable results, and return on investment. Test Bank for Think Public Relations Dennis L. Wilcox, Glen T. Cameron, Bryan H. Reber, Jae-Hwa Shin 9780205916788, 9780205857258
Download
Close
Close
