SSCG15 e - Media, Campaign Ads, and Public Opinion

Which statement is an accurate comparison of political parties and the mass media?

• They both can act as government watchdogs.

• Neither has an impact on shaping public policy.

• The mass media cannot influence public opinion while political parties can.

• The primary purpose of political parties and the mass media is to campaign.

Answer explanation

Both political parties and the mass media can act as government watchdogs, monitoring and holding the government accountable.

If a citizen wants to learn more about a candidate's background, position on issues, and recent activities, what action will allow the citizen to access the MOST information?

• visiting the candidate's Internet website

• watching the candidate's television advertisement

• 
  listening to what friends say about the candidate

• reading a newspaper article that mentions the candidate

Answer explanation

Visiting the candidate's Internet website provides the most information about their background, position on issues, and recent activities. It is the best source for comprehensive and up-to-date information.

Rohan, Mia, and Noah are studying for their civics exam. They are discussing how citizens rely on the media for information and how the media has a strong impact on public opinion and the public agenda. Rohan asks, 'How does the media play the watchdog role in a real-world scenario?'

• by committing libel and slander

• by endorsing particular candidates

• by determining what issues are important

• by exposing government waste or corruption

Answer explanation

The media plays the watchdog role by exposing government waste or corruption.

Which of these is one of the ways the media is able to to predict the winners and losers of an election on election day?

• plurality voting

• proposition

• canvassing

• exit polls

Answer explanation

Exit polls are one of the ways the media predicts election winners and losers on election day.

Which of the following is true regarding information presented by the media about important issues?

• It is largely ignored by the public.

• It can influence public opinion.

• It reaches few people across the country.

• It is usually responsible for low voter turnout.

Answer explanation

The media has the power to influence public opinion on important issues.

Which statement BEST describes the role of the media in campaigns and elections?

• The media creates ads for their favorite candidates.

• The media decides the outcome of elections based on poll data.

• The media presents information about candidates and important issues.

• The media helps finance political campaigns.

Answer explanation

The media presents information about candidates and important issues, helping voters make informed decisions.

Based on the graph, what conclusion can be drawn about Americans and the media?

• Few Americans have access to mainstream media sources.

• The media has few opportunities to influence public opinion.

• Television is one of the most effective ways to reach American audiences.

• Newspapers continue to be the primary source of information for Americans.

Answer explanation

Television is the most effective way to reach Americans, according to the graph.

When presented with media messages, what information should Americans keep in mind?

• 
  the First Amendment requires that news reports be accurate and free of bias.

• all people should evaluate media messages for accuracy and balance.

• media messages should never be taken seriously.

• propaganda is against the law.

Answer explanation

Americans should evaluate media messages for accuracy and balance.

During an American election campaign, a candidate is LEAST likely to do which of the following?

• use Facebook to communicate with voters.

• 
  create a Web site to communicate with voters.

• rely on newspaper ads to communicate with voters.

• open a Twitter account to communicate with voters.

Answer explanation

During an American election campaign, a candidate is least likely to rely on newspaper ads to communicate with voters.

Which of the following is true about public opinion polls that are based on random sampling and computer modeling?

• They are nearly always accurate.

• They are usually ignored by politicians.

• They can be used to focus government attention on specific problems or issues.

• They can only be conducted in a period of 48 or more hours before and election.

Answer explanation

Public opinion polls based on random sampling and computer modeling can focus government attention on specific problems or issues.