Explain the five critical roles the media play in the American political system.

What will be an ideal response?


The ideal answer should include:
1. Media are the channels through which those in power talk to the public. Whether a new policy is being launched, a crisis responded to, or daily government announcements made that need to be heard, political leaders depend on the media to relay the information to the rest of us.
2. Media are the way that those in power talk to each other.
3. News media are a watchdog. Media investigate whether elected officials and others are abusing their privileges, showing favoritism to cronies, or not keeping their campaign promises.
4. News media provide feedback so officials can learn whether their policies are working.
5. News media provide channels through which the general public can bring its needs, demands, and views to the attention of officials.

Political Science

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Common law is a set of __________ that originates in __________.

A. judge-made laws; Germany B. judge-made laws; England C. Parliamentary laws; France D. Congressional laws; the Articles of Confederation period E. state laws; Pennsylvania

Political Science

Gregg claims to have been wronged and is bringing a lawsuit. He will be the __________ in that suit.

A. plaintiff B. prosecutor C. adjunct D. defendant

Political Science

The federal Office of Personnel Management has published human capital standards that chart the connections between which of the following four elements?

a. broadbanding, human capital, career development, and potential for abuse b. agency mission, human capital, program performance, and government’s accountability c. program performance, flexibility, career development, and linking pay to skills d. recruitment, agency mission, turnover, and broadbanding

Political Science

Current trends in democratization show

A. a slight halt to the process in recent years. B. a reverse in democratization since 1990. C. democracy continuing to spread rapidly in the 2000s. D. that transitions to democracy have become easier.

Political Science