Interest groups and Media

Goal of Interest Groups

To influence policymakers with information, money, and votes for their causes.

Lobbying

The process by which interest groups attempt to influence policymakers.

Amicus Curiae

A brief submitted by an interest group to influence a court case or decision.

PAC (Political Action Committee)

A non-profit organization that raises money for political campaigns and allows interest groups to donate.

Elite Theory

The view that only powerful interest groups significantly affect policy.

Pluralist Theory

The belief that multiple interest groups can make an impact on politics.

Revolving Door

The practice of individuals moving between government positions and lobbying jobs.

Free Rider

Someone who benefits from an interest group's efforts without contributing.

Agenda Setting (Gatekeeper)

The media's role in determining which stories are covered and promoted.

Fourth Branch (Watchdog)

The media's responsibility to oversee government actions and expose corruption.

Scorekeeper

The media's role in tracking elections and public opinion.

Prior Restraint

The government censorship of news before publication, which is illegal.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The government agency that regulates television and radio content.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

A law requiring government agencies to release information to the media upon request.

Media Ownership Concentration

The trend of media being increasingly owned by a small number of people or companies.

Sound Bites

Brief, oversimplified news segments used in media.

Sensationalism

The practice of exaggerating news to attract attention.

Media Bias

A tendency for news to be presented from a one-sided perspective.

Fake News

Fabricated news stories presented as if they were true.