Campaign Ad Brain Dump: Propaganda and the Media

Vocabulary terms covering propaganda techniques, media roles, and the constitutional duties and rights of the press.

Name Calling

Using insulting words and scary messages to make people dislike, fear, or believe something about a person, group, or ideas.

Testimonials

A propaganda technique where famous or well-respected people are chosen to endorse a product or idea.

Glittering Generalities

A propaganda technique that uses slogans that are easy to remember and designed to stick in your head.

Bandwagon

A propaganda technique that relies on the message that everyone uses it, so you should too.

Word Stacking

A propaganda technique where creators only list the positive things about a candidate, product, or idea.

Plain Folk

A technique used to make people believe that the person running for office is just like them.

Transfer

A technique that uses symbols to make you think about and connect specific ideas or feelings.

Setting the Public Agenda

A media function where the media tells the public which issues are considered "important."

Informing Policy Makers

The role of the media in introducing new information to lawmakers, which directly influences public policies.

Watchdog Role

A role of the press to investigate and report on officials and rivals to keep the government accountable.

Informing Citizens

A primary role of the press to supply information to the public so they can make informed decisions.

Freedom of the Press

A right established in the First Amendment that protects the press to keep the government accountable.