Monitoring the Government

Which example represents the media acting as watchdog?

• A journalist discovers that an office holder held a hearing.

• A journalist discovers that an office holder accepted a bribe.

• A journalist discovers that an office holder decided to retire.

• A journalist discovers that an office holder voted against a bill.

How might a political action committee influence government?

• 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

• Discussing political issues at work

• Collecting opinions for a yearbook

• Gathering signatures for a petition

Which type of communication is shown in this poster?

• Accurate

• Biased

• Informational

• Propagandized

Which phrase accurately describes the actions below:

-Start a petition

-Visit the office of a local member of Congress

-Vote in elections

-Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper

• How the media influences government

• How lobbyists monitor government officials

• How elected officials influence public opinion

• How individuals can influence the government

Who do lobbyists represent in their attempts to influence government?

• Military officers

• Elected officials

• Interest groups

• Circuit judges

Which source would give the most accurate information about the views held by an incumbent running for Congress? (Which is least biased?)

• Special interest group ratings of that Congress member

• A television commercial sponsored by a political party

• The voting record of the candidate while in Congress

• Flyers sent through the mail by the Candidate

The passage below is from a U.S. Supreme Court decision.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has for many years imposed …a “fairness doctrine,” requiring that public issues be presented by broadcasters and that each side of those issues be given fair coverage.

Based on the passage, what is a goal of the FCC regulation?

• To limit bias in political communication

• To promote bias in political communication

• To limit symbolism in political communication

• To promote symbolism in political communication

Below is a statement made by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

…the news media seem to want to carry the negative.

-Donald Rumsfeld

What type of political communication is being referenced in the statement?

• Bias

• Propaganda

• Persuasion

• Symbolism

What is the main message of this advertisement?

• It is not expensive to run for elected office.

• Citizens should donate more to political campaigns.

• Monetary contributions have too much influence on elections.

• Taxes on postage stamps help to pay for needed public services.