American Government Homework Seven
From Conservapedia
American Government
Seventh Homework
First read the chapter on “Mass Media,” pp. 123-28 in the textbook. Take the 15 multiple choice questions at the end. Grade your answers yourself, and include your score in your homework. Study what you missed. Then answer problems 1-7 below.
Next read the first two pages only in the chapter on “Political Parties,” pp. 135-36 in the textbook. No need to read more at this time.
Questions 1-9 are worth 3 points each.
1. The biggest benefit and harm of the media are _________ and _____________.
2. What is the “sound bite”, and is it getting longer or shorter? Why?
3. Describe briefly how you think newspapers influence public opinion.
4. Suppose that a reporter promises you that if you “leak” him information, then he will never reveal your name as the source of the information. Should you believe him? Explain.
5. Is a political “trial balloon” filled with air or helium? Explain what it is.
6. The “fairness doctrine” required broadcasters to give equal time to both sides in campaigns and personal attacks. It was abolished in 1985. Should it be reinstated?
7. While newspapers have a constitutional right to free speech and freedom of the press, economic considerations place limits on what newspapers feel they can say. Please explain with an example.
Questions 8-9 are based on pp. 135-36:
8. Are third parties (other than the Democratic and Republican Parties) relevant? How?
9. Are platforms of political parties irrelevant? Explain, including a description of what a “plank” is.
Extra Credit (worth 5 points):
10. There can be bias in a question. Consider this question: the captain of an overcrowded lifeboat kicked someone else off in order to save the lifeboat and the group. Is this murder? Does the answer change if the victim is chosen by drawing lots? Many schools ask young students about this “lifeboat” situation and force them to answer. Do you see a subtle bias in forcing students to answer this “lifeboat” question?
