Civics: Unit #5

Which of the following best describes the function of media as a watchdog?

• It exposes officials who violate accepted legal, ethical, or performance standards.

• It alerts the public to important developments as soon as possible after they happen

• It serves as a conduit through which political leaders communicate with the public.

• It serves as a conduit through which political leaders communicate with the public.

Objective journalism is based on the idea that the reporter's job is to

• report the facts and cover alternative sides of a partisan debate.

• report what political leaders want them to report.

• discover what other reporters are saying and provide a uniform interpretation of events.

Describes the ability (of the news media) to influence the importance placed on public issues that most demand the attention of government officials.

• Forum for conversation

• Framing

• Agenda-setting

• Information analysis

How can the media influence public opinion?

• Offer a forum for opposing viewpoints
• Hold government officials accountable
• Focus attention on select issues
• Regulate media use

The primary function of political action committees (PAC's) is to

• serve as fund-raising organizations for challengers

• provide members of Congress with unbiased information regarding proposed legislation

• encourage broader participation in politics among the electorate

• raise campaign funds to support favored candidates

Political Action Committees (PACs) have become more influential in recent campaigns because they ________..

• limit the number of candidates seeking elected office

• help pay the high costs of campaigns

• provide candidates for public office

• limit opportunities for people to run for office

Why do wealthy individuals often have an advantage when running for public office?

• Political Action Committees (PACs) will only contribute to wealthy candidates.

• They have a broader educational background

• Rising campaign costs have limited opportunities to run for office

• The government has set stricter requirements for political candidates

Campaign finance reform has led to legislation that ______

• Limits the number of candidates

• Allows unlimited funding

• Promotes free advertising

• Limits individual contributions

Mass media affects politics most by:

• Providing information on both parties

• Reporting the results of public opinion polls

• Providing in-depth coverage on political issues

• Focusing people’s attention on certain issues

The view that a significant part of the public has about an issue is called

• public spotlight
• public opinion
• public policy
• public agenda