What is referred to as the fourth branch of government or the "Fourth Estate?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The media is often referred to as the fourth branch of government or Fourth Estate because of its role in providing an independent and critical voice to hold the other branches of government accountable. The term Fourth Estate comes from the traditional divisions of society in Europe and refers to a group outside of the clergy, nobility, and commoners who had the power to influence society.

What Is Referred to as the Fourth Branch of Government