AP Gov Byall Interest Groups and Media Quiz

for byall

Media “Fourth Estate”

Information gatherer, gatekeeper, scorekeeper, and watchdog. (1st Amendment Press)

Information gatherer

The role of the media to investigate, research, and report on events, issues, and policies to the public.

gatekeeper

The function of the media to determine which stories are newsworthy and what information is presented to the public, influencing the agenda.

scorekeeper

The media's role in tracking and reporting the status of political events, candidates, and public opinion.

watchdog

The role of the media to monitor and scrutinize government actions and political leaders, ensuring accountability and transparency to the public.

Adversarial Role

A function of the media that involves challenging and questioning government officials and policies, often highlighting conflicts and controversies.

Trial Balloons

An intentional leak of information to the media by a political actor to test public reaction to a proposed policy or idea.

New Media

Digital platforms and technologies, such as the internet, social media, and blogs, that provide news and information, often characterized by audience participation and immediate dissemination.

Extensive news coverage

Less reliance on parties for communication, predominantly negative or positive (e.g., Vietnam).

Volatile Coverage

Media coverage that is highly unstable, rapidly changing in tone or focus, and subject to intense, often unpredictable shifts, particularly in response to political events or public sentiment.

Presidential Approval Rating

The percentage of the public who approves of the way the president is doing his or her job, often measured by polls. Coverage of president is negative or positive.

Horse Race Journalism

Horse race journalism is reporting during elections that focuses heavily on the competition aspect, like who is leading or trailing in polls, rather than on policy issues or candidate qualifications

Slant (Spin) Bias

Does the story clearly take a side? Framing? Loaded language? Sources? Evidence?

Story Location (Placement) Bias

Is it prominent?

Headlines (labeling)

Does it fairly represent the body of the story?

Omission

Leaving out important information

Editorial Page

What opinions are found in this section regularly

Selective Attention

Only reading/watching sources that agree with your opinions

Interest Groups (Lobbies)

An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence the making of public policy

Common bond: religious, professional, racial, common interest, etc.

Lobbyist in D.C.: K Street, Gucci Gulch, “Revolving Door”

Examples of Interest Groups

NRA, NAACP, AMA, ADL, Sierra Club, National Right to Life Committee, NARAL

Reasons why Interest Groups are common in US

Divisions in Society = more interests, Fed 10 - “factions… in the nature of man”

More points of access to the government

Nonprofit Sector in the US

501c 3 organizations - tax exempt, no lobbying
501c 4 organizations - social welfare that lobbies
weakness of political parties - direct access

Factors leading to rise of interest groups

Economic developments

Government policy

Organization entrepreneurs

Increased government involvement

All protected by 1st Amendment

Types of Interest Groups

Institutional Interests - Individuals/organizations representing other organizations

Membership Interest - Organizations supported by the activities and contributions of individuals

Free rider - Individual who benefits from the work of an interest group without providing financial support

Types of Interest Groups (Categories)

Economic Groups: Formed to protect or promote economic interests (e.g., Labor unions, professional groups).

Public Interest Groups: Organization seeking a collective good that will not selectively or materially benefit group member (e.g., NRA, Sierra Club, Public Citizen).

Government Interest Groups: States and cities lobbying groups (e.g., National Association of Governors/Mayors).

How Interest groups influence government

Direct lobbying - influence government officials

Testifying before congress - members to testify

Socializing

Political donations - Political Action Committees (PACs)

Endorse Candidates - Support Candidates
Court Action - Lawsuits to address issues (litigation)

Rallying Membership - Encourage Involvement

Propaganda - Press release and advertisements

Funds for Interest Groups

Foundation grants

Federal grants and contracts

Direct mail/private contributions

Money and Elections: $ from interest groups; PACs, Super PACs, 527 Groups

Limits on Lobbying

Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act (1946): Register w/ Government and disclosures

Laws limiting the “revolving door” - Government officials becoming lobbyists

Buckley v. Valeo (1976) - Campaign contribution protection and limits

Bans on gifts to Congress

Citizens United v. FEC (2010) - Super PACs, no coordination w. campaign candidates