Vocab
Define Public Opinion?
The ideas and attitudes that people hold about elected officials, candidates, government, and political issues
Name one personal background factor of public opinion
Age, Gender, Occupation (Job) race, religion
Define Mass Media
Mass Communication including tv, radio, internet, newspaper, magazines, books, podcast and movies
Define Interest Groups
a group of people who share a point of view about and issue and unite to promote their beliefs
Define Shield Laws
Protect reporters from reveling their source.
Define Public agenda
Issues that people and the government think are important.
Why are elections not always a reliable source of public opinion?
Name 2 types of Mass Media
TV, Radio, Internet, Newspaper, Magazines, Books, Podcasts, Movies
T Or F
Filing a lawsuit is the most common way an interest group influences public policy
FALSE
What does PAC stand for?
Political Action Committee
Define Pollster
A specialist whose job is to conduct polls regularly
How do you measure Public opinion?
Pollsters create Public Opinion Polls
What does the role watchdog mean in connection to the media
the media monitors the actions of the government
Which industries is the largest group that lobbies?
Healthcare
T OR F
Mass media reaches a small amount of people
F
Role of media reporting on waste or illegal practices
Why are public officials most likely to be influenced by public opinion high in intensity?
The opinion is strongly held
What is it called when reporters do not have to give up sources?
Shield Laws
Name an Interest Group
AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)
How does mass media influence public opinion?
by shaping the way people perceive and interpret events
Define Lobbyist
Someone who works for an interest group and contacts government officials to influence law making
T or F
One's occupation is a personal background factor that will influence opinions about public issues.
TRUE
What two forms of media does the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) monitor?
A. Internet and Telephone
B. Newspapers and Magazines
C. Video games and movies
D. Radio and television
D. Radio and Television
What is a common criticism of Interest Groups?
How do special interest groups influence the government?
By lobbying, campaign contributions and public advocacy