SS.7.C.2.10

What are the 3 ways that the media monitors and influences government?

• choose issues that get attention

• endorse candidates for office

• pick stories people will talk about and take action on

• expose government misconduct

• raise money through political action committees (PACs)

What are ways individuals can influence and monitor the government?

• run for political office

• attend civic meetings

• vote

• petition the government

• lobby senators and representatives

What is the connection between politicians and the media?

• The media doesn't need politicians. It sets the public agenda on its own.

• Politicians don't need the media. They can campaign without the help of the press.

• Politicians depend on the media to get their message out but are worried that the media will cover them negatively.

• The media covers politicians positively if that person has paid them for advertisements.

Why are government leaders often influenced by special interest groups?

• Special interest groups use methods supported by voters
• Special interest groups control media coverage of political campaigns
• Special interest groups raise significant amounts of money for political campaign
• Special interest groups provide voters with information about qualifications of candidates

What is the core purpose of a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

• To train people to work at the polls on Election Day
• To raise money to contribute to political campaigns
• To design ballots for congressional elections
• To establish the rules for candidate debates

Which of the following is an example of the media exercising its "watchdog' role over government?

• A local radio talk show about uniforms in school
• A televised debate between presidential campaigns
• A newspaper story about the building if a new highway
• A local television news report about a city councilman taking bribes

What is the name for representatives in interest groups who contact officials directly?

• Propagandists
• Lobbyists
• Pollsters
• Political Action Committee

Based on the government system in the U.S., which individual activity is used to directly influence legislative decisions?

• Watching political debates on TV
• Discussing political issues at work
• Collecting opinions for a yearbook
• Gathering signatures for a petition

You want to get a law passed on requiring gas detectors in all houses. What type of group would you most likely organize to help reach the goal?

• City Council
• Focus Group
• Interest Group
• Political Party

What is the most important thing that a political debate can teach a voter about a candidate?

• How much support the candidate already has
• What kind of TV personality the candidate has
• Where the candidate stands on certain issues
• Whether the candidate is comfortable on camera