American Government
Midterm Review
Exam
2026-2027
Master Exam Prep Bundle
(Verified Questions & Answers)
A+ Grade Guaranteed
, Interest Group An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence
public policy.
Special Interests a group that tries to influence the people who run a government in order to help a
particular business, cause, industry, etc
Lobbyist A person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of an interest group.
Political Action Committee (PAC) A committee set up by a corporation, labor union, or interest group that raises and
spends campaign money from voluntary donations.
Revolving Door Employment cycle in which individuals who work for government agencies
regulating interests eventually end up working for interest groups or business with
the same policy concern.
Political Party A group that seeks to elect candidates to public office.
Two-Party System An electoral system with two dominant parties that compete in national elections.
Third Parties (Minor) electoral contenders other than the two major parties. American third parties are not
unusual, but they rarely win elections.
Federal Election Commission (FEC) A six-member bipartisan agency created by the Federal Election Campaign Act of
1974. The federal Election Commission administers and enforces campaign finance
laws.
Soft Money Funds obtained by political parties that are spent on party activities, such as get-
out-the-vote drives, but not on behalf of a specific candidate.
Hard Money Funds, contributed directly to candidate campaigns, that are subject to government
regulation.
Incumbent The person already holding an elective office.
Challenger A politician running for an office that he does not hold at the time of the election.
Primary Election An election held to choose candidates for office.
Closed Primary A primary election in which voters choose in which party to vote as they enter the
polling place.
Midterm Review
Exam
2026-2027
Master Exam Prep Bundle
(Verified Questions & Answers)
A+ Grade Guaranteed
, Interest Group An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence
public policy.
Special Interests a group that tries to influence the people who run a government in order to help a
particular business, cause, industry, etc
Lobbyist A person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of an interest group.
Political Action Committee (PAC) A committee set up by a corporation, labor union, or interest group that raises and
spends campaign money from voluntary donations.
Revolving Door Employment cycle in which individuals who work for government agencies
regulating interests eventually end up working for interest groups or business with
the same policy concern.
Political Party A group that seeks to elect candidates to public office.
Two-Party System An electoral system with two dominant parties that compete in national elections.
Third Parties (Minor) electoral contenders other than the two major parties. American third parties are not
unusual, but they rarely win elections.
Federal Election Commission (FEC) A six-member bipartisan agency created by the Federal Election Campaign Act of
1974. The federal Election Commission administers and enforces campaign finance
laws.
Soft Money Funds obtained by political parties that are spent on party activities, such as get-
out-the-vote drives, but not on behalf of a specific candidate.
Hard Money Funds, contributed directly to candidate campaigns, that are subject to government
regulation.
Incumbent The person already holding an elective office.
Challenger A politician running for an office that he does not hold at the time of the election.
Primary Election An election held to choose candidates for office.
Closed Primary A primary election in which voters choose in which party to vote as they enter the
polling place.
