Media and Bias

Which of the following uses all the methods in this table to monitor, hold accountable, and influence government?

• individual citizens

• interest groups

• businesses

• media

Who do lobbyists represent in their attempts to influence government?

• newly elected officials

• active duty soldiers

• interest groups

• circuit judges

Which example represents a way in which the media, acting as a watchdog, impacts government?

• A politician holds a town meeting after the media reports she voted against a popular bill.

• A politician modifies a bill about an issue after the media reports on a public hearing.

• A politician resigns from office after the media reports that he accepted a bribe.

• A politician revises her election strategy after the media releases a poll.

How might a political action committee best focus its efforts to ensure that a candidate who wins an election will pursue its goals in government?

• send a letter to a U.S. senator’s supporters

• contribute money to a U.S. senator’s campaign

• write a letter to a newspaper about a U.S. senator

• contribute money to a charity in a U.S. senator’s state

In which way do the media typically influence government policy?

• by reporting court procedures

• by making political contributions

• by investigating illegal business practices

• by broadcasting campaign advertisements

Based on the government system in the United States, which individual activity is used to directly influence legislative decisions?

• watching political debates on television

• collecting opinions for a yearbook

• discussing political issues at work

• gathering signatures for a petition

What impact might the trend shown in this table have on the relationship between media and government?

• Government is less likely to regulate the press.

• 1. Government is less likely to respond to public concerns.

• Government is less likely to offer propaganda about policies.

• Government is more likely to offer greater access to the press.

Who do lobbyist represent in their attempts to influence the government?

• Newly elected officials

• Active duty soldiers

• Interest groups

• Circuit judges

Based on the government system in the United States, which individual activity is used to directly influence legislative decisions?

• Watching political debates on tv

• Collecting opinions for a year book

• Discussing political opinions at work

• Gathering signatures for a petition

According to this excerpt, which conclusion can be reached?

• Lobbyists impact how the media endorses officials

• Lobbyists impact how indiciduals use the media

• Lobbyists impact decision making

• Lobbyists impact court decisions