Public Policies

Which of these is a function of a free press?

• to promote the actions of business leaders

• to strengthen the public image of the president

• to inform citizens of the actions of the government

• to provide advertising for the political party in power

Which event most shows that freedom of the press is important in democracy?

• Journalists reported on a sporting event

• Journalists discovered that leaders lied about taxes

• Journalists published the operating hours of a new store

• Journalists informed people about how to register to vote

What is the role of news media in a representative democracy?

• to praise the policies of government leaders

• to inform citizens about government actions

• to represent the nation to governments abroad

• to settle disputes among governemtn agencies

Which is the most direct way for a person in this state to ensure that the current level of funding for parks in maintained?

NEWS ALERT: Due to state budget shortfalls, the state legislature is considering a drastic reduction in funding for state parks. Sources say county governments will be expected to make up the difference in funding. These cuts will enable the state to continue making highway improvements.

• join a wildlife preservation society

• write a letter to a newspaper

• read transcripts of county government meetings

• contact state legislators

Which of the following would be considered an appropriate activity of a lobbying group?

• requesting favors in return for financial campaign contributions

• paying members of Congress to pass laws supporting a particular industry

• providing representatives with information that supports a particular action

• giving gifts to members of Congress to persuade them to vote a certain way

Which act of civic participation is most directly related to politics?

• volunteering to visit with seniors

• raising money for school equipment

• joining a group that maintains parks

• posting an opinion about the government online

Which action is an example of political lobbying?

• the governor gives special advice to legislative members

• a mayoral candidate holds a campaign rally for registered voters

• the local newspaper exposed corrupt practices in election campaigns

• a health group asks legislators to pass tougher antipollution laws

Local governments preparing a response to an international health crisis would most likely-

• end visits by international travelers

• develop a public safety plan for the city

• shut down international airline flights

• ask the military to policy the city

Which of the following demonstrates the media offering a forum for opposing viewpoints?

• A headline about a government official's mishandling of state funds

• A press conference regarding a controversial decision made by the governor

• A news story on a local school's plan for improving test scores

• A debate is help between the candidates running for mayor

Which of the following influences public opinion and public policy?

• news organizations like Fox News

• citizens who register to vote and campaigns for a candidate

• a major outbreak of Canine Influenza that has spread from South Africa into other countries, including the US

• All of the above