Lecture on Media, Congress, Presidency, and Courts

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on media, congress, presidency, and courts.

What is the purpose of the news?

To report timely, important, and interesting events, though it selects what seems important and may distort reality.

What is yellow journalism?

Sensational, exaggerated news intended to attract readers, often at the expense of truth.

What is objective journalism?

Reporting facts fairly and presenting both sides of an issue.

What is partisan journalism?

News that supports a specific political viewpoint.

What is the FCC?

A government agency that regulates broadcast media, including TV and radio.

What was the Fairness Doctrine?

A rule that required media to present both sides of issues to ensure balanced reporting.

What is agenda-setting?

The media's ability to influence what issues people think about.

What is framing in media?

The process of how a story is presented, which can affect public perception.

What is priming in media?

The process by which media influences how people evaluate issues or leaders.

What is an echo chamber?

A social situation where individuals only hear opinions they already agree with.

What is pork-barrel spending?

Government spending allocated for specific local projects to benefit a specific district.

What is redistricting?

The process of redrawing district lines every ten years, typically after the census.

What is gerrymandering?

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party.

What is a filibuster?

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block a vote by extending debate.

What is cloture?

A procedure for ending a filibuster and bringing a debate to a close.

What is a high-choice media system?

A situation where individuals have many options for media, leading to less shared reality.

What is the signaling function of media?

The ability of media to alert the public to breaking news and important events.

What is the common-carrier function of media?

The role of media as a channel for politicians to communicate with the public.

What is the watchdog function of media?

The investigative role of media in checking for wrongdoing, such as corruption and scandals.

What are the key roles of the president?

Chief Executive (enforces laws), Commander in Chief (controls the military), Chief Diplomat (handles foreign policy), and Chief Legislator (proposes laws).

What is the War Powers Act?

A law that limits the president's military power during wartime, requiring approval for military action beyond 60 days.

What is judicial review?

The power of courts to strike down laws or government actions that are unconstitutional.

What does 'stare decisis' mean?

The legal principle of following precedent in judicial decisions.

What is the majority opinion in a court case?

The main decision reached by a court, representing the official ruling.

What is a concurring opinion?

An opinion that agrees with the majority but offers different reasoning.

What is a dissenting opinion?

An opinion that disagrees with the majority ruling.