Politics & The Media: How Media Shapes Democracy

A set of flashcards focused on key terms and concepts related to the intersection of media and politics, highlighting the influence of various forms of media on democracy.

Marshall McLuhan

Media theorist who argued that the medium of communication is more important than the content.

The medium is the message

A concept by McLuhan indicating that the form of communication affects thought processes more than the actual information conveyed.

Printing press

A technology that expanded access to knowledge and encouraged democracy by reducing reliance on elites.

Television

A medium that emphasizes visuals and entertainment over substantive content, leading to less depth in public discourse.

Social media

Platforms that create shorter attention spans and reinforce preexisting beliefs through algorithm-driven content.

Amusing Ourselves to Death

A critique of modern media that prioritizes entertainment over critical information and civic engagement.

Polarization

The increasing division among people, often exacerbated by selective exposure to media.

Selective exposure

The tendency to consume media that aligns with one's existing beliefs.

Media bias

A skew or distortion in reporting that can stem from story selection, framing, or tone.

Profit Motive

The need for media outlets to generate revenue, often leading to a focus on ratings and entertainment.

Libertarian Theory

The idea that the press should be free from government control and act as a watchdog.

Social Responsibility Theory

The belief that media should be accurate, truthful, and serve the public good.

Penny Press

Early newspapers that utilized sensationalism to attract readers.

Yellow Journalism

The use of sensationalist journalism to influence public opinion.

Fairness Doctrine

A former policy requiring broadcasters to present both sides of a controversial issue.

Cable News

Television news channels that operate on a 24/7 news cycle, leading to a rise in ideological news.

Digital Media

Online platforms that provide unlimited content choices and contribute to media fragmentation.

Agenda Setting

The process by which media influences the importance placed on topics in public discourse.

Framing

The way media presents information, shaping how audiences perceive issues.

Third-Person Effect

The belief that media affects other people more than oneself.

Bicameral legislature

A legislative body with two chambers, such as the U.S. Congress, which includes the House and Senate.

Incumbency Advantage

The advantage current officeholders have when seeking reelection, often due to name recognition and other factors.

Constituency

The group of people represented by an elected official.

Casework

The assistance provided by elected officials to constituents in dealing with government-related issues.

Pork barrel spending

Government spending on localized projects to gain political support.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislative action.

Gridlock

A situation where the government is unable to act due to conflict between parties.

Political efficacy

The belief that one's vote matters; a measure of a citizen's confidence in their political influence.

Nomination

The process of selecting a candidate for election.

Campaign strategy

A plan devised by candidates to win an election.

McGovern–Fraser Commission

A group that recommended reforms to make presidential primaries more democratic.

Citizens United v. FEC

A Supreme Court case that allowed for unlimited independent political spending.

401(c) Groups

Nonprofits that engage in political activity without adhering to strict contribution limits.

Super PACs

Political action committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money independently.

Executive Privilege

The right of the president to withhold information from Congress or the courts.

Veto

The constitutional right of the president to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Pocket veto

The ability of the president to indirectly veto a bill by taking no action on it.