Public Policy

My parents haven't decided whom to vote for in the next election. They said they want to make a "reasoned choice among the candidates." I guess that means they'll ...

• donate to the candidate

• join a political party

• evaluate information

• get out of the electorate

Examine the list below and choose the one that DOES NOT belong on the list of strategies for evaluating campaign speeches and advertisements.

• Detect bias: Is something favored over something else?

• Identify propaganda: Is it an effort to mold one's opinion?

• Evaluate sources: author, publisher, qualifications

• Survey: Take a neighborhood opinion poll

The spreading of ideas, information, or rumors for the purpose of helping or hurting a certain cause or person is:

• a political duty

• the media's role in the political process

• a federal crime

• propaganda

Which of the following has an impact on public opinion and helps shape public policy at the local, state, and national levels of government?

• mass media

• electoral college

• political spectrum

• community service

What else belongs in the chart above?

• allow more airtime to the popular party

• use teleprompters

• establish third parties

• emphasize selected issues

The editorial page of a newspaper, which prints letters to the editor, is one way mass media broadcasts

• different points of view

• the daily news events

• campaign poll results

• weather events

Public policy is influenced by all of the following EXCEPT:

• international events and issues

• mass media

• the date of a general election

• individuals and interest groups

Which of the following DOES NOT describe one way that an individual can influence public policy?

• strike for higher wages and better benefits at a company

• join interest groups

• participate in politics by voting, campaigning, and running for office

• express opinions by lobbying, writing editorials, and demonstrating

Which of the following is NOT a forum that mass media provides for opposing viewpoints?

• political shows like "Meet the Press" where candidates discuss the issues

• political cartoons

• newspaper editorials

• important news alerts at the bottom of the TV screen

Special interest groups influence public policy by doing all of the following EXCEPT:

• making political contributions

• identifying issues

• conducting judicial reviews

• lobbying government officials