Media and Influence on Government

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

• issues group

• public-interest group

• rights group

What activity does an interest group most likely use to gain more members?

• bring suits in court

• influence public opinion

• lobby government officials

• take part in elections

Which of the following is a personal-background factor that will influence opinions about public issues?

• mass media

• interest groups

• government officials

• occupation

Interest groups can influence government by

• lobbying officials.

• passing new laws.

• ruling in courts.

• running candidates.

What do people hope to gain by joining interest groups?

• increase their influence on government policies

• make connections to help their career

• make contacts so they can run for office

• win bonus gifts that the groups give away

Which is an example of electronic media?

• a book written by a TV news commentator

• a newspaper column about radio newscasts

• a magazine article analyzing news coverage

• a Web site that focuses on publishing

Which of these is a type of print media?

• Internet

• newspaper

• radio

• television

Which of these BEST explains a way that the media shape the public agenda?

• by giving publicity to a particular problem

• by providing radio and television shows for free

• by showing commercials and advertisements

• by staging debates between political candidates