Vocabulary
Public opinion is
the attitudes people hold about an issue or person
Public opinion is described in three factors:
direction, intensity, and stability
The mass media plays a watchdog role. This means...
they keep a close eye on government activities
Name a Business or Labor Group
AFL-CIO, US Chamber of Commerce, Unions such as Teachers Union, United Auto Workers
Propaganda is
a way of persuading people to view a person or issue in a certain way
Mass media is
the various methods of communication that reach large numbers of people. Examples are: tv, radio, books, internet, social media, magazines, books, movies, podcasts
Stability with regards to public opinion is
how firmly people hold to their views
Because of the First Amendment, the media are free from prior restraint. Prior restraint is
government censorship of material before it is published.
Name an interest group that works for the rights of people with similar characteristics or interests
NAACP, AARP, NRA, Sierra Club
One propaganda technique is the band wagon. How does it work?
They make it seem like you should follow a candidate because everyone else is
Interest groups are
people who share a point of view about an issue
Direction refers to
whether public opinion on a topic is positive or negative
In order to prove libel, one must prove malice. Malice is....
evil intent
A public interest group benefits society at large and is non partisan. This means
The group is free from ties to a political party
Another propaganda technique is "Just plain folks" . Candidates use this by say and doing what?
referring to their upbringing as hardworking people, regular, rolling up sleeves
Lobbyists are people who
represent interest groups
A public opinion poll is
a survey in which individuals are asked to answer questions about a particular issue or person
The media is regulated by the FCC or
Federal Communications Commission
What is an argument in favor of interest groups?
they tell elected officials what the people want
Endorsement is used by candidates to show they are supported by
famous people, or people who have large followings or fan groups
PACs are
Political action committees
Polls can be conducted by
door to door (Canvassing), internet, phone, interviewing
Social networking sites can have an effect on democracy in what ways. Name a positive and a negative
Pros:
revolutionary tool, spread of info fast, allow for people who might otherwise not be aware of something to become aware quickly, rally support for something easily, organize groups of like minded people
Cons:
based on weak ties, can be biased, can encourage hate groups and other discriminatory groups, dials up the volume on outrage, echo chambers, political polarization
Why must former government officials wait before becoming lobbyists?
too much influence, friends among lawmakers, inside information
A propaganda technique used by Trump to appear patriotic is
transfer