Media as Watchdog
This Amendment protects freedom of the press.
What is the First Amendment?
Casting a ballot in an election is called this.
What is voting?
An organization that tries to influence public policy is called this.
What is an interest group?
Favoring one side over another in reporting is called this.
What is Bias?
Public opinion means what?
What is the views or attitudes held by the public?
When the media investigates government wrongdoing, it is acting as this.
What is a watchdog?
When citizens gather peacefully to express disagreement with a law, they are doing this.
What is protesting?
When an interest group meets directly with lawmakers to persuade them, this is called what?
What is lobbying?
Using an eagle or the American flag in a political ad is an example of this technique.
What s symbolism?
If news coverage consistently presents a politician negatively, this may influence what?
What is public opinion?
A news station uncovers that a mayor misused tax money and publishes evidence. This is an example of what media role?
What is monitoring/holding government accountable?
Writing to lawmakers to request a change in policy is called what?
What is petitioning the government?
An interest group creates ads encouraging people to contact Congress about climate change. This method is called what?
What is influencing public opinion / advocacy?
A news headline reads: “Disastrous Policy Destroys America.” This is likely an example of what?
What is bias or loaded language?
Explain how bias in media can affect elections.
What is it can shape voters’ perceptions and influence their choices?
Why is free press imprtant in a democracy?
What is informs citizens and prevents abuse of power?
A citizen attends a city council meeting and speaks during public comment. This is an example of what method of civic engagement?
What is participating in civic meetings/civic participation?
An interest group goes to court to try to stop a new law because they believe it violates the Constitution. What method are they using to influence government?
What is using the court system / filing a court case?
A candidate films a campaign commercial while eating at a local diner and talking about growing up in a small town. What propaganda technique is being used?
What is Plain Folks Appeal?
A viral social media post spreads misleading information about a law. What impact could this have?
What is it can misinform citizens and shift public opinion?
A government tries to stop a newspaper from publishing a story about corruption before it is released. This action violates what constitutional principle?
What is freedom of the press/protection from prior restraint?
A citizen believes change can only happen from inside government, so she files paperwork to appear on the ballot. What method is she using?
What is running for office?
An environmental group keeps track of new bills in Congress. They email members updates and encourage them to contact lawmakers to vote “no.”
Identify TWO ways this group is monitoring or influencing government.
What is monitoring laws being proposed and encouraging members to contact lawmakers / lobbying?
A political ad says, “9 out of 10 Americans support this law — don’t be left out!” This is an example of what technique?
What is Bandwagon?
A news network repeatedly interviews only guests who agree with one political viewpoint and uses emotional images to criticize the opposing side. Identify TWO techniques being used and explain how they could influence public opinion.
What is bias (selection of sources), propaganda (emotional appeal), and influence by shaping viewers’ beliefs?