The Role of People in Government

Public opinion plays an important role in the workings of a government. How important is it?

• Very important

• Somewhat important

• Not important

• Irrelevant

Reflect on the examples provided: Current healthcare debate and Immigration reform. How do these examples illustrate the role of public opinion in shaping government policy?

• They show that public opinion has no impact on government policy.

• They illustrate that public opinion can significantly influence government policy.

• They demonstrate that government policy is solely based on expert opinions.

• They indicate that public opinion is irrelevant to government policy.

"Credible" means:

• Nervous

• Believable

• Strange

• Understandable

Which phrase MOST accurately describes the relationship between bias and media? 

• If a piece of media is biased, it has no value
• bias can be avoided easily
• biased media is more interesting
• all media has a bias

One role of the media is that is stands guard and decides what information passes through to the people.  In other words the media is used as a 

• Social Media
• Gatekeeper
• commercial
• bias group

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

True or false? If you watch the television news, you will hear about all the issues that exist.

• True

• False

Democrats and Republicans are the two major _____________ of the United States.

• civic values

• political parties

• democratic responsibilities

• interest group

To convince someone to do or think something.

• Persuade
• Discourage
• Personification
• Dissuade

"Credible" means:

• Nervous

• Believable

• Strange

• Understandable