AP US Government : Influence on Public Opinion
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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Influence On Public Opinion
Which of the following statements accurately describes the average American newspaper?
They are circulated to a national market
They often run detailed coverage of controversial political issues
It tends to strongly favor one political candidate over another
It is primarily oriented to its local market and local audience
It heavily covers all elections
It is primarily oriented to its local market and local audience
In strong contrast to many other countries, American newspapers are primarily oriented to the local market and the local audience, and there is typically more local than national news inside. There are a few widely read national newspapers, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, but these are the exception rather than the norm.
Example Question #12 : Influence On Public Opinion
Which is not a role that the national press plays in relation to the federal government?
Gatekeeper
Scorekeeper
Mediator
Watchdog
All of the other answers are roles that the national media plays in relation to the federal government.
Mediator
The media plays the role of gatekeeper because it can influence what subjects become national political issues and for how long. As scorekeepers, the national media helps keep track of the progress of various candidates in elections. As watchdogs, the media pays close attention to the politicians that they are interested in, and will expose corruption (as in the Watergate Scandal).
Example Question #44 : Special Interests And Mass Media
A salient issue is one that __________.
has little impact on people’s daily lives
people don't care about
people think about most
causes voters to stay home on election day
voters are uninformed about
people think about most
Salient is defined as the most noticeable or important. A salient issue is one that is topmost on people's mind. An example would be the economy during times of recession.
Example Question #45 : Special Interests And Mass Media
More than two-thirds of Americans report that they receive “all or most” of their political information from which source?
Academic journals
The Internet
Radio
Newspapers
Television
Television
Since its invention, television has become the easiest accessible and most prevalent source of information. Additionally, 24 hour news networks provide the easiest means for people to acquire political information.
Example Question #46 : Special Interests And Mass Media
What is the principal effect of television on public opinion?
Telling people what to think
Establishing new political ideals
Telling people how to think
Persuading people to take a side on a political issue
Setting the agenda
Setting the agenda
The most important impact of television is the agenda setting. News networks can choose what stories get the top of the hour and how much time to spend on them.
Example Question #47 : Special Interests And Mass Media
The first and most influencing group on one's political socialization is who?
Peers
The family
Teachers
None of these
Religious leaders
The family
As early as 5 years old, young people start to assimilate and have affective feelings on political subjects provided by their interactions with their parents and family. This process continues until they form their own political worldview.
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