Deck 12: The Media and American Politics

Question 1

Which characteristic of the news media allows networks to provide objective coverage of events and information?

A) Channels often run news stories 24/7.
B) The government does not own the news media.
C) Networks hire only independent and centrist anchors.
D) The news is usually broadcast live.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Which is an important function of the media in American politics?

A) providing partisan coverage of events
B) promoting government-approved messages
C) facilitating public debate about issues
D) setting the legislative agenda

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Arnold is a journalist for a major news network and often reports events as they happen. This can sometimes make the stories dry and boring, but he believes that audiences appreciate his ability to keep his personal politics out of the coverage of events and report straight facts. Arnold is upholding which value as a journalist?

A) subjectivity
B) objectivity
C) sensationalism
D) bias

Answer 3

B

Question 4

What is the most basic function of the media in American politics?

A) providing objective coverage of events
B) offering partisan reporting of incidents
C) holding the government accountable
D) facilitating public debate

Question 5

The period of time from the late 1700s through the early-to-mid1800s, during which newspapers supported a particular political party, is known as the ______.

A) printing revolution
B) partisan press era
C) ratification debates
D) Civil War era

Question 6

Which statement best characterizes early newspapers prior to the American Revolution?

A) Newspapers featured opinion pieces and other partisan stories.
B) Newspapers included notifications of public events, not news.
C) Newspapers were objective and covered major colonial events.
D) Newspapers prioritized politics over objective reporting.

Question 7

What distinguishes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) equal time rule from its fairness doctrine?

A) The equal time rule has been effectively ended, while the fairness doctrine continues to be enforced and has even been expanded upon.
B) The equal time rule applies to electronic media such as radio and television, while the fairness doctrine applies to print media.
C) The equal time rule applies to political advertisements, while the fairness doctrine applied to public affairs programming.
D) The equal time rule pertains to the media's role in facilitating public debate, while the fairness doctrine pertains to its role as a government watchdog.

Question 8

Which major event showcases the role of the media as a government watchdog?

A) the Watergate scandal
B) the 2000 Bush v. Gore presidential election
C) the election of President Donald Trump
D) the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks

Question 9

Why has the media been referred to as the "fourth estate"?

A) The Founders refer to the press as such in the First Amendment of the Constitution.
B) It was James Madison's intent to have the media act as a fourth branch of government.
C) The media acts as a government watchdog to check the power of the federal government.
D) The media has historically been divided among four private companies.

Question 10

What is a likely goal of objective news reporting?

A) to provide information to the public to evaluate and interpret themselves
B) to foster tension and division along political party lines in America
C) to persuade people to support a particular candidate or policy
D) to influence the outcome of an election or the legislative process

Question 11

Dennis Prager is a conservative radio talk show host who often receives calls from those who disagree with his points of view. Those who call in to his show discuss their points of agreement or disagreement with him, which other listeners can then evaluate. This is an example of which function of the media?

A) facilitating public debate
B) reinforcing ideologies
C) increasing partisan divisions
D) exacerbating party conflict

Question 12

What action would a magazine, newspaper, or website most likely take to facilitate public debate about an issue?

A) announcing an in-person debate between editors of other publications
B) publishing an opinion piece that goes against the traditional ideology of the publication
C) running an article that reinforces the existing ideology of the publication
D) closing comment sections and forums on the publication's website

Question 13

What did President Theodore Roosevelt call the journalists who were conducting in-depth investigations into political corruption?

A) gonzo journalists
B) muckrakers
C) yellow journalists
D) reporters

Question 14

What value does partisan reporting have for American political culture?

A) Partisan reporting offers different perspectives on issues, which facilitates public debate.
B) Partisan reporting allows individuals to evaluate objective facts to form an opinion.
C) Partisan reporting gives people the opportunity to hold the government accountable for its actions.
D) Partisan reporting helps clarify the lines between the major political parties in America.

Question 15

How does the "free marketplace of ideas" benefit democracy?

A) by regulating the media to prevent distortion and bias
B) by providing citizens with a wide variety of ideas to choose from
C) by preventing the government from stifling opposing opinions
D) by offering an objective perspective on as many events as possible

Question 16

Which action exemplifies the media acting as the "fourth estate"?

A) focusing on entertainment during times of political turmoil
B) reporting on events as directed by the government
C) formally proposing changes to legislation and policy
D) conducting investigations into government actions

Question 17

Which event brought about the era of the partisan press?

A) the Boston Tea Party
B) the battles of Lexington and Concord
C) the American victory against Britain
D) the Constitution's ratification debates

Question 18

What is the expected relationship between the media and the government in a functioning democracy?

A) The media acts as a mouthpiece for the American people to voice their opinions on government.
B) The media acts as a check on government power by holding officials and institutions accountable.
C) The media depends on government stories and controversies to attract audiences and boost profits.
D) The media is embedded in the political system, working to promote and implement government policies.

Question 19

What role is the media playing when it frames issues and offers different perspectives on a problem?

A) acting as government watchdog
B) sowing division among Americans
C) providing objective coverage of events
D) facilitating public debate

Question 20

A few neighbors are talking about an article they read in the editorial section of the newspaper about the issue of gun control and the variety of laws that have been proposed to make purchasing a gun more difficult. While some of the neighbors agree with the points made in the article, others have a different way of looking at the issue, sparking a heated but respectful discussion. This article is an example of which function of news media in America?

A) acting as government watchdog
B) providing partisan coverage
C) facilitating public debate
D) objectively reporting on events

Question 21

What impact did the televised debates between Nixon and Kennedy have on how candidates debated one another?

A) Candidates became more concerned with their physical appearance and presentation.
B) Candidates had to focus more on clearly explaining their policy positions.
C) Candidates presented themselves more as celebrities than potential public officials.
D) Candidates were expected to remain civil toward one another during debates.

Question 22

Danielle is a recent college graduate who studied journalism and political science. She likes to get a variety of perspectives when it comes to information about politics and current events, and prefers to get her information from traditional media sources. Which news source is Danielle most likely to consume?

A) her Twitter feed
B) CNN talk shows
C) The Wall Street Journal
D) HuffingtonPost.com

Question 23

Which invention allowed for the widespread electronic transmission of information in the mid 1800s?

A) the telegraph
B) the rotary press
C) the radio
D) the television

Question 24

What was the significance of the debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy in 1960?

A) It marked the first time that a presidential debate had been broadcast on the radio.
B) It exemplified the growing importance of television in American politics and political culture.
C) It indicated that Americans prioritized looks over experience for presidential candidates.
D) It established a tradition of debates between presidential candidates continued to the present day.

Question 25

The Internet, smartphones, and cable TV are all part of ______.

A) traditional media formats
B) the modern print media
C) declining media formats
D) the new media

Question 26

Why would a newspaper journalist include high quality photos with his or her articles?

A) to adhere to long-held journalistic standards
B) to help keep their readership engaged
C) to help contextualize events and circumstances
D) to compete with the visuals on television

Question 27

What happened in 1923 that changed the way information about news and politics was communicated to the American people?

A) The telegraph system was expanded.
B) The first radio station was established.
C) The television was invented.
D) The telephone was invented.

Question 28

Which type of print media would provide the most in-depth and detailed coverage of a particular political event, individual, or administration?

A) pamphlets
B) newspaper op-eds
C) magazine articles
D) books

Question 29

It is late 1787, and Noah is a Bostonian merchant who supports the ratification of the new constitution and the arguments presented in the Federalist Papers. Among the various papers that characterized the partisan press era, which newspaper would Noah be most likely to read?

A) the National Intelligencer
B) the National Gazette
C) American Minerva
D) the New York Weekly Journal

Question 30

What incentive did publishers have to continue printing partisan newspapers long after the end of the ratification debates?

A) The invention of the rotary press increased reader demand for partisan news.
B) Partisanship was seen as critical to the health of the American political system.
C) Partisan newspapers were more successful than objective papers in the market.
D) Partisan behavior was often rewarded with government business and influence.

Question 31

It is the early 1800s, and Ichabod, the owner of a newspaper, is looking for a way to expand his audience beyond the local market and reach readers in other states. His main concern is that he does not have the capacity to produce newspapers in the quantity needed to satisfy both his current market and a new market. What should Ichabod look into in order to address this issue?

A) acquiring a printing press
B) purchasing rotary press
C) investing in a telegraph system
D) promoting railroad expansion

Question 32

It is late 1787, and Josiah is a small farmer from South Carolina who fears the consequences of the strong central government of the newly proposed constitution. Amongst the various papers that characterized the partisan press era, which newspaper would Josiah be most likely to read?

A) the National Intelligencer
B) Gazette of the United States
C) American Minerva
D) the New York Weekly Journal

Question 33

Which statement best describes the recent trend in print media consumption?

A) Most people still get their information from print media rather than from digital media sources.
B) Traditional print media has remained a fierce competitor to digital media formats.
C) Print media is on the decline as more people get information from the television or Internet.
D) Newer generations have increasingly rejected digital media in favor of more traditional print media.

Question 34

Which technological innovation significantly impacted the newspaper business in the early 1800s?

A) the radio
B) the telephone
C) the rotary press
D) the television

Question 35

Aside from the difference in medium, radio differed from print in that it ______.

A) made news communication more immediate and intimate
B) focused more fully on objective reporting of the news
C) led politicians to focus more on style and presentation
D) increased public pressure for government accountability

Question 36

Newspapers, magazines, and books are examples of ______.

A) modern print media
B) the partisan press
C) new media technologies
D) dying media formats

Question 37

Suppose you are a newspaper publisher in the mid 1800s. You have access to a new rotary press and have just signed a contract with a railroad company to transport your newspaper to regions outside of the local area. What else should you do to ensure that you can reach the most people possible and maximize profits?

A) align stories with one political party
B) shift exclusively to opinion pieces
C) print more objective news stories
D) run short stories for entertainment

Question 38

Having read about the approaches of several presidents, which factor appears to be most important in ensuring a successful press conference?

A) taking a combative stance toward journalists
B) demonstrating preparedness for questions
C) developing an informal rapport with reporters
D) having previous experience dealing with media

Question 39

Why have presidents been expected to hold regular press conferences with the news media?

A) It is a tradition established back in the early republic by George Washington.
B) Press conferences are a way for presidents to update the public directly.
C) Holding press conferences are a signal of a healthy American democracy.
D) Press conferences demonstrate executive power and boost the president's approval.

Question 40

Who was the first president to hold regular press conferences to periodically update the public?

A) Woodrow Wilson
B) Lyndon B. Johnson
C) Franklin D. Roosevelt
D) John F. Kennedy

Question 41

Which theory regarding the effects of media on attitudes of viewers or readers suggests that the media has little to no effect on how people vote in elections?

A) the agenda-setting theory
B) social learning theory
C) minimal effects theory
D) cultivation theory

Question 42

Social learning theory and the concept of priming were reflected in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 by ______.

A) requiring the television industry to develop a rating system based on content
B) allowing the government to censor certain programs targeted at children
C) giving parents increased control over what their children could and could not watch
D) expanding the role of the government in the production of entertainment and news

Question 43

What is the primary difference between ABC and PBS?

A) ABC is geared more toward adults, while PBS offers programs for children.
B) ABC is privately owned, whereas PBS receives federal funds.
C) ABC offers more entertainment, while PBS is more informative.
D) ABC tends to be more conservative, whereas PBS is more liberal.

Question 44

What is one argument against the concentration of ownership of the news media?

A) Most news channels are owned by nonmedia corporations, which blurs the line between news and entertainment.
B) The concentration of media ownership under a few large corporations is no better than the government ownership of media.
C) The few large companies that do own the media are under the heavy influence of the federal government.
D) Most companies that own news media are politically biased, which creates distrust among viewers and readers.

Question 45

The increased use of the Internet to communicate and consume information about politics and current events has led to which phenomenon?

A) the rise of citizen journalism
B) a resurgence in print media
C) the distrust of traditional media
D) increased computer sales

Question 46

According to social learning theory, violent television programs have which impact?

A) Viewers may become more violent.
B) Viewers will be largely un-affected.
C) Viewers may see the world as more violent.
D) Viewers will support policies to decrease violence.

Question 47

Mike is a life-long Republican and holds traditional, conservative views about the economy and social issues. If Mike is exposed to more liberal media outlets before an election, what will most likely result, according to the minimal effects theory?

A) Mike will more closely consider whom he votes for.
B) Mike will experience an ideological shift and vote Democratic.
C) Mike will vote for the Republican candidate.
D) Mike will become indecisive and abstain from voting.

Question 48

The idea that one thought activates other thoughts when exposed to certain cues is known as ______.

A) cultivation
B) observational learning
C) priming
D) telecommunication

Question 49

Which news media format contributed to the decline in public support for the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War?

A) the television
B) the Internet
C) the newspapers
D) the radio

Question 50

How did the Framers view government ownership of the media?

A) The Framers were in favor of government influence over the media to help control the narrative.
B) They believed that the government would have too much power if it controlled the media.
C) The Framers thought that government control of the media would help ease fears of Americans.
D) They did not see an issue with the government owning and controlling the media.

Question 51

Which idea underpins the minimal effects theory?

A) People tend to be more open-minded about other perspectives and welcoming of challenges to their own beliefs.
B) More often than not, people tend to reject the comfort of their preexisting biases in favor of other perspectives.
C) People generally want to avoid ambivalence and seek information that conforms to their existing attitudes.
D) People generally consume a variety of different perspectives only during election season so as to be more informed.

Question 52

What is the defining characteristic of television?

A) its high accessibility
B) its entertainment value
C) its visual nature
D) its trustworthiness

Question 53

Following the August 2019 mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, many public officials began to blame violent video games as part of the reason for the shootings. This notion is characteristic of which theory?

A) cultivation theory
B) agenda-setting theory
C) minimal effects theory
D) social learning theory

Question 54

What impact has the Internet had on how people consume information about news and politics?

A) It has made the consumption of news a more passive activity.
B) It has allowed people to find information particular to their interests.
C) It has restricted the ability for people to find specific information.
D) It has lessened divisions between how different groups consume the news.

Question 55

Brian likes to get his news from a variety of sources. In the mornings, he likes to check his Twitter and Facebook feeds for news stories, and after work, he tunes into ABC for the evening news that airs before his favorite primetime shows. During election season, Brian checks into the coverage available on CNN.com. Given this information, Brian is primarily a consumer of ______.

A) new media
B) social media
C) traditional media
D) print media

Question 56

What is the primary idea behind the social learning theory?

A) People are generally not affected by the media when it comes to voting decisions.
B) People will imitate what they view on television through observational learning.
C) People tend to be easily influenced about policy issues that are covered by the media.
D) People develop a view of the world based on what they see on television.

Question 57

______ is one of the three large networks that have dominated television since the 1950s?

A) CNN
B) C-SPAN
C) ABC
D) Fox

Question 58

The idea that people evaluate news based on their own partisan perspectives and process that information in a way that is consistent with their preexisting attitudes are aspects of the ______.

A) minimal effects theory
B) social learning theory
C) cultivation theory
D) agenda-setting theory

Question 59

Paul has a relatively long commute to work each day and gets most of his news about local and national events, and traffic reports during those drives to and from work. Which media format is Paul most likely a consumer of?

A) the Internet
B) radio
C) television
D) newspapers

Question 60

Who is most likely to be negatively impacted by the digital divide?

A) Laurel, a senior citizen who does not own a computer and prefers to listen to AM radio.
B) Caleb, a college graduate who uses a GoPro and his smartphone to livestream events.
C) Sophia, a high school freshman who is constantly on her smartphone checking Twitter.
D) Drake, a father of three who is a freelance writer for CNN.com.

Question 61

How has sensationalism extended to election coverage?

A) Debates between candidates are scripted to include conflicts.
B) Most of the coverage focuses on personal background than policy positions.
C) Polling results are often under-reported to create the illusion of a close race.
D) News outlets have developed strong partisan positions to create conflict.

Question 62

Which news stories tend to get higher ratings on television?

A) violent crime
B) local traffic updates
C) feel-good stories
D) polling results

Question 63

Which news story is an example of sensationalism in elections?

A) reporters discussing presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard's progressive agenda
B) an in-depth review of Ted Cruz's voting record as a member of Congress
C) a comparison of Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton's proposed policies
D) news coverage of inappropriate language used by Donald Trump over his career

Question 64

Which theory about the effects of media served as a basis for the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996?

A) agenda-setting theory
B) social learning theory
C) minimal effects theory
D) cultivation theory

Question 65

Which program is an example of news media sensationalizing content to attract viewers?

A) ABC's Good Morning America's coverage of political scandals and conflicts
B) C-SPAN's coverage of hearings and votes conducted in Congress
C) CNN's reporting on election results as votes are cast on Election Day
D) the coverage of a presidential debate and party responses on MSNBC

Question 66

What has happened as a result of private media companies trying to increase viewership and maximize profits?

A) Media companies have increasingly turned to the government for support.
B) News stories have turned toward entertainment more than informative programming.
C) Most of the news stations are owned by a few companies that provide the same information.
D) Private media companies have developed their own political agenda to influence policy.

Question 67

How did the government attempt to limit the exposure of children to violent or graphic programs in the 1990s?

A) It required that all television programs adhere to a set of strict standards.
B) It required all TV manufacturers to install a V-chip that parents could program.
C) It restricted all children's programs to one specific channel.
D) It took control over children's television programming completely.

Question 68

The idea that those who watch significant amounts of violent television programs are more likely to view the world as violent is characteristic of the ______.

A) cultivation theory
B) agenda-setting theory
C) maximum effects theory
D) social learning theory

Question 69

The media tends to give more attention to violent gun crimes than other tragedies like car accidents or deaths due to influenza. This has created the perception that gun violence is a larger threat than any other type of crime, an example of the ______.

A) agenda-setting theory
B) cultivation theory
C) social learning theory
D) minimal effects theory

Question 70

What motive is there for a news program to focus on a presidential candidate's character and background rather than his or her positions on policy issues?

A) Such a focus drives more views and boosts advertising revenue for the media outlet.
B) It is critical that the public be aware of the character of candidates.
C) Data suggests people care more about the personality of candidates than policies.
D) Americans use personal character more than policy positions when voting.

Question 71

What is the main goal of sensationalizing content?

A) to increase the public's trust in the media
B) to hold the government accountable to the public
C) to drive views and maximize profits from advertiser revenue
D) to demonstrate objectivity in reporting events

Question 72

What is one likely impact sensationalism in election coverage has had on American voters in recent years?

A) Voters have become uninterested in politics altogether and turnout rates for midterm and general elections has declined.
B) Voters are better able understand the personal character of presidential candidates, which is critical in elections.
C) Voters have shifted their preferences from competent candidates to more likeable candidates.
D) Voters are subject to an onslaught of information that makes it difficult to examine issues and policy positions.

Question 73

The popular television show The Sopranos depicts a significant amount of crime and violence. Based on cultivation theory, someone who is a fan of the show and watches The Sopranos regularly will likely develop which tendencies or beliefs?

A) They will view the world as being more violent and crime-ridden than it actually is.
B) They will imitate the characters in the television show and develop violent tendencies.
C) They will support stricter gun control and law enforcement policies.
D) They will have little to no measurable change in their attitudes or behaviors.

Question 74

Cultivation theory is the idea that ______.

A) viewers imitate what they see on TV through observational learning
B) heavy television exposure helps develop an individual's overall view of the world
C) voting decisions are not impacted by the media due to preexisting beliefs
D) the media can persuade the public to support one policy over another

Question 75

Why is private ownership of media not necessarily a positive thing?

A) Different companies still tend to follow a standard format.
B) The media is still influenced heavily by the government.
C) Media companies are driven by profits, not the desire to inform.
D) Large media companies are more likely to hire biased reporters.

Question 76

What do recent studies suggest about how Americans feel about news reporting?

A) Many Americans believe news reporting is boring and dry.
B) Most Americans do not think news reporting is fair and accurate.
C) Americans generally think that news reporting is objective.
D) American trust in news media has increased in recent years.

Question 77

What is one criticism of sensationalism surrounding election coverage?

A) There is not enough focus on a candidate's background.
B) There is too much pre-election coverage.
C) Heavy coverage overloads voters with information.
D) Such coverage decreases voter turnout rates.

Question 78

Suppose a media company is struggling to gain viewers and keep advertisers as a result of newer generations getting their news from a variety of online sites. What is the wisest move for the media company to make to hold onto advertisers and grow its audience share?

A) produce a physical newspaper to be sold across the United States
B) cover interesting stories about popular culture instead of just politics
C) add more news programming to the lineup of shows on the network
D) hire a physically attractive anchor team to deliver primetime news

Question 79

The idea that the media is influential in telling the public what to think about is known as the ______.

A) cultivation theory
B) the primacy tendency
C) priming
D) agenda-setting theory

Question 80

According to the agenda-setting theory, what is the main function of the media?

A) to get viewers to think about a certain issue, event, or actor
B) to shape the perception the viewer has of the world around him or her
C) to compel the viewer to adopt certain behaviors
D) to influence how an individual votes in an upcoming election