Elections, Campagins, and The Media

Why is media important in a democracy?

It informs the public and holds the government accountable.

What is print media?

Newspapers and magazines that allow in-depth reporting and analysis.

What is yellow journalism?

Sensationalized reporting focused on rumors and fear to sell papers.

What is muckraking?

Journalism exposing corruption and pushing for reform.

What are airwaves?

Broadcast media like radio and television.

Why are airwaves considered public property?

They are accessible to anyone with the right equipment.

How does the government regulate airwaves?

By leasing frequencies and controlling some content.

What did the Telecommunications Act do?

Reduced regulation and increased competition.

What is chain ownership?

Companies owning multiple media outlets.

What is a media conglomerate?

A company that owns many different media businesses.

What is a documentary?

A detailed film exploring a specific topic.

What is digital media?

News and entertainment delivered through the internet.

What is social media’s role in news?

Sharing and creating news content.

What is democratization of news?

Anyone can access and report news.

What is citizen journalism?

Regular people reporting news without formal training.

What is defamation?

False statements that harm someone’s reputation.

What is libel?

Written or published defamation.

What is slander?

Spoken defamation.

What is actual malice?

Intent to harm someone’s reputation with false information.

What is a press release?

A written statement from the government.

What is a press briefing?

Meeting between media and a government spokesperson.

What is a press conference?

Event where officials answer media questions.

What does “on the record” mean?

Information can be quoted with the source named.

What does “off the record” mean?

Information cannot be quoted or attributed.

What does “on background” mean?

Information can be used but the source remains anonymous

What is an adversarial press?

Media that actively investigates and challenges the government.

What was Watergate?

A political scandal involving a break-in and cover-up.

What was the impact of Watergate?

Increased distrust in government and more aggressive journalism.

How did media coverage change after Watergate?

More negative and focused on corruption

What happened to presidential privacy?

It decreased significantly.

How did journalists’ roles change?

They became more visible and influential.

What does immunity mean for journalists?

Protection for publishing certain information.

What is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?

Law allowing access to government records.

What are shield laws?

Laws protecting journalists and their sources.

What is prior restraint?

Government blocking publication of news (generally not allowed).

What is the “Fourth Estate”?

The press as an important force in society.

Who is most influenced by media?

Uncommitted voters.

What is an editorial?

When someone (probably an editor) gives an opinion on a news story. It was different from the story.

What is framing?

How a story is presented.

What is a narrative?

The way a story is told.

What is gatekeeping?

Choosing which stories to report.

What is agenda-setting?

Promoting certain issues to influence public focus.

What is the Equal Time Rule?

Equal opportunity for political candidates in media.

What was the Fairness Doctrine?

Required presenting both sides of issues (no longer in effect).

What is an election?

The process people use to select leaders.

What is a campaign?

What candidates do to get elected.

What is legitimacy in government?

Support from the people that gives leaders authority to rule.

Why are elections important in a democracy?

They give citizens a voice and create legitimacy.

Why do dictators hold elections?

To show (or appear to show) public support.

How do elections organize government?

By selecting officials.

What does it mean to choose priorities in elections?

Citizens decide what issues government should focus on.

What is a mandate?

Authority to rule given by voters.

Who determines voting rules?

The states.

What does the 15th Amendment guarantee?

Voting rights regardless of race.

What does the 19th Amendment guarantee?

Voting rights regardless of gender.

What does the 24th Amendment ban?

Poll taxes.

What does the 26th Amendment do?

Sets voting age to 18.

Who is the electorate?

People eligible to vote.

How does education affect voting?

More education = more likely to vote.

How does income affect voting?

Higher income = more likely to vote.

What is a racial trend in voting?

White voters are overrepresented.

How can turnout be increased?

Easier voting, longer hours, fewer restrictions.

What is absentee voting?

Voting without being physically present.

What is political efficacy?

Belief your vote matters.

Who can vote in NC?

U.S. citizens.

What is the voting age in NC?

18 (or 17 in primaries if turning 18 by general election).

Residency requirement in NC?

30 days.

Who cannot vote in NC?

People currently in jail for a felony.

What is Motor Voter?

Registering to vote when getting a driver’s license.

Do you have to choose a party?

No.

When are polling hours?

6:30 AM – 7:30 PM.

What information is needed to vote?

Name, address, signature, photo ID.

What is a provisional ballot?

Used if eligibility is uncertain; counted later if valid.

What is an absentee ballot?

Ballot for voters not present on Election Day.

What is a referendum?

Voting on an issue.

What is a ballot initiative?

Citizens petition to put an issue on the ballot.

What is a recall election?

Vote to remove an official.

What is an incumbent?

Current officeholder.

Why do incumbents have an advantage?

Money, staff, visibility, name recognition.

What is the franking privilege?

Free mail for members of Congress.

What does a campaign manager do?

Focuses on winning strategy.

What does a finance chair do?

Manages campaign money.

What do volunteers do?

Support campaign without pay.

What is hard money?

Direct donations to candidates.

What is soft money?

Money given to organizations, not candidates.

What is a PAC?

Group that raises money to elect candidates.

What did Buckley v. Valeo (1976) decide?

Candidates can spend their own money.

What did Citizens United v. FEC (2010) decide?

Corporations can spend money on political speech.

What is free media?

News coverage without paying.

What is paid media?

Campaign ads.

What is an attack ad?

Ad criticizing an opponent.

What is a primary?

Election to choose party nominee.

Closed vs open primary?

Closed = party members only; Open = anyone can vote.

What is a caucus?

Party meeting to choose candidate.

When is Election Day?

Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

What is straight-ticket voting?

Voting all for one party.

What is split-ticket voting?

Voting for candidates from different parties.

How many electoral votes are there?

538.

How many are needed to win?

270

How are electoral votes determined?

Representatives + 2 senators.