Media and Public Policy

The spreading of ideas, information, or rumors for the purpose of helping or hurting a certain cause or person is:

• a political duty

• the media's role in the political process

• a federal crime

• propaganda

When the media exposes a political scandal, it is acting as

• a watchdog

• a gatekeeper

• an agenda setter

• an interest group

One drawback of the media acting as an agenda setter is ____.

• too much corruption might be exposed

• an important issue might not get enough coverage

• elected officials might ignore what the media covers

• the media might avoid deciding which issues are most important

One way for citizens to verify the objective truth of political communication is to

• read a newspaper editorial

• visit a fact checking website

• stick to one source for information about a topic

• read literature provided by candidates seeking office

Which is an example of how freedom of the press is a limited right?

• Reporters may not be sued for libel

• If asked, a reporter must testify before a grand jury

• The government cannot influence how the press communicates information.

• Newspapers have free rein when it comes to reporting matters of national security

Citizen advocacy is an effective way to

• demonstrate support for certain public policy alternative

• discourage the private sector from helping to solve public problems

• let the government take charge of solving a complex public policy issue

• avoid legal issues that can accompany problems solving at the local level

Who influences public policy by emphasizing issues, broadcasting different points of view and holding gov't officials accountable?

• individuals

• media

• interest groups

Why should voters carefully evaluate information presented in ads and campaign speeches?

• to make an informed choice

• to emphasize issues

• to communicate with the public

• to hold government office

Does the government use the media to communicate with the public?

• YES

• NO

What role does the media have by posting this headline?

• giving a contribution

• broadcasting different points of view

• holding gov't officials accountable

• offering a forum for opposing viewpoints