2.10 Influencing the media

Which of these is a role of public opinion in a democracy?

• to determine election results

• to guide the actions of public officials

• to reflect political leaders’ ideas

• to shape the views of media members

An issue gaining in importance as a result of television news coverage is an example of what influence on public opinion?

• gender

• income

• interest groups

• mass media

Which of these interest groups is most likely to lobby with legislators on behalf of workers?

• AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)

• American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees

• American Heart Association

• American Medical Association

What is the name of an interest group that tries to influence the government to take actions that will benefit large numbers of people?

• economic group

• public-interest group

• Professional interest group

• rights group

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the freedom of the press?

• First

• Second

• Fourth

• Fifth

Who do lobbyists represent in their attempts to influence government?

• military officers

• elected officials

• interest groups

• circuit judges

Based on the government system in the United States, which individual activity is used to directly influence legislative decisions?

• watching political debates on television

• discussing political issues at work

• collecting opinions for a yearbook

• gathering signatures for a petition

Which example represents the media acting as a watchdog?

• A journalist discovers that an office holder held a hearing.

• A journalist discovers that an office holder accepted a bribe.

• A journalist discovers that an office holder decided to retire.

• A journalist discovers that an office holder voted against a bill

Which best describes the main objective of a lobbyist?

• to influence state legislators or members of Congress to pass laws that benefit their interest group

• to raise campaign funds for political parties

• to influence public decision-making to benefit the common good

• to advise political candidates on how to manage their election campaigns

Which group would be most likely to support a ban on deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico?

• An interest group that supports the rights of workers.

• An interest group that protects wildlife and tries to reduce pollution.

• An interest group that defends a person's second amendment rights.

• An interest group that supports the equal treatment of women.