CPRS Government Relations & Public Affairs 3

Question 1

What is a 'political risk assessment,' and when should a PR professional conduct one?

Accepted Answer

An evaluation of how political and regulatory changes in a jurisdiction could affect the organization's operations and reputation

Answer

An audit of an organization's campaign finance contributions before an election

Answer

A review of a politician's public statements before scheduling a meeting

Answer

A compliance check to ensure lobbying disclosures are filed on time

Question 2

Which technique is most effective for monitoring relevant legislative activity in real time?

Accepted Answer

Using legislative tracking platforms and maintaining relationships with congressional staff for early intelligence

Answer

Subscribing to daily newspaper editorial pages

Answer

Following lawmakers' personal social media accounts only

Answer

Attending party fundraisers to hear informal conversations

Question 3

When an agency publishes a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), what is the expected response from a proactive government relations team?

Accepted Answer

Analyze the proposed rule's impact, consult affected stakeholders, and submit a formal comment letter within the public comment window

Answer

Issue a press release opposing the rule before reading it fully

Answer

Wait for the final rule to be published before taking any action

Answer

Request an emergency meeting with the President to block the rule

Question 4

What is the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), and what does it require?

Accepted Answer

It requires individuals and organizations acting as agents of foreign principals to register and disclose their activities with the Department of Justice

Answer

It prohibits foreign nationals from lobbying in the United States

Answer

It restricts foreign governments from purchasing advertising in U.S. media

Answer

It mandates background checks for all federal government relations staff

Question 5

In a state capital advocacy campaign, why is building relationships with legislative staff considered as important as building relationships with legislators themselves?

Accepted Answer

Staff often serve as gatekeepers, brief legislators on issues, and can champion an organization's position internally

Answer

Staff members vote on legislation in the absence of the legislator

Answer

Staff are easier to influence through campaign contributions

Answer

Federal law requires all lobbying to be conducted through staff intermediaries

Question 6

What is 'appropriations advocacy,' and why does it matter in government relations?

Accepted Answer

Lobbying for the inclusion of funding for specific programs or projects in annual government spending bills

Answer

Advocating for intellectual property protections in federal contracts

Answer

Requesting emergency declarations that unlock federal disaster funds

Answer

Petitioning the Treasury Department to change tax regulations

Question 7

What ethical obligation does the PRSA Code of Ethics place on public relations professionals working in government relations?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing who they represent, providing accurate information, and avoiding deceptive practices in all government communications

Answer

Prioritizing the client's financial interests over accurate representation of facts to policymakers

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality about all client lobbying activities regardless of public interest

Answer

Refusing to engage with government officials unless specifically licensed as a lawyer