Name: ______________________________

Mod: ________
Date: _______________________________ U3.LP6: Media in Politics

Objective: Students will analyze political media excerpts in order to examine the impact of media
coverage on politics, including voters and government officials.

Warm-Up
Read and answer the following questions. Before you answer them, circle the actors and underline
the actions.
In some eastern Arizona counties, the largest segment of the population is under 18 years of age.
By contrast, in some western counties of Arizona, a large segment of the population is 65 years or
older.
Based on the information above, what would political candidates likely focus to gain support from
citizens in eastern Arizona.
A. increase funding on higher education institutions
B. support medicaid/medicare funding
C. increase social security income
D. protecting the rights of migrant farmworkers

The United States Census Bureau projects that the percentage of people over 85 years old will
triple in the next fifty years.
What federal government action could best help the United States adjust to this demographic trend?
A. granting college scholarships to low-income students
B. providing low-interest loans to first-time home buyers
C. increasing the minimum wage
D. funding health care services

Which of these is an example of lobbying by a special interest group?

A. A hotel association develops a plan to attract more tourists.
B. An animal rights organization presents its views to a legislator.
C. A group of citizens asks city officials for a schedule of public hearings.
D. A neighborhood association backs a group of candidates for an election.

Which action would a special interest group take to gain support for a law proposed in Congress?
A.meet with representatives to educate them about the bill
B.present the groupʼs position in lawsuits heard in court
C.donate money to a presidential re-election campaign
D.endorse political party candidates for the state legislature

Intro to New Material

Main Idea Supporting Details

What is media? - Media is a product that provides the general public with _____________.
- ________________, magazines, radio, _____________, and the internet
are all considered media.
- It has tremendous __________ on public opinion and the political ______.
 Main Idea Supporting Details

What role does - The media is often referred to as the _____________ branch of
media play in government for numerous reasons, such as the following:
government? - it greatly influences public _______________.
- it limits the power of government officials because it is constantly reporting
on their every move
- what media ________________ to focus on can greatly ____________
which issues people care about

How can media - Not only does the media _____________ on the practices of government,
affect public but it also provides __________________.
opinion? - Sometimes this analysis is critical, or _______________ towards particular
political parties or individuals.
- It also changes the way that individuals _______ particular ___________.

What are the - Regular citizens have more ___________________ to inform themselves.
positive effects of - The power of government officials is kept in check.
media? - People can be ______________ ___________ because they develop a
better understanding of issues and candidates.

What are the - Voters may not vote at all because ________ organizations have
negative effects of ____________ the winners of elections.
media? - People may receive _______________ information, and make poor
choices as a result.
- __________________ or political parties with more money and power
could possibly influence news networks.

Can the - Yes, it absolutely can when the media does one of the following:
government limit - When media prints government ____________ that might threaten
the freedom of the national security.
press? - When media prints stories that could ______________ the safety of the
general public.
- When media prints stories that are _____________, or false, about public
officials (this concept is called _______________)
Group Practice
Today we are going to analyze political media, in order to better understand how it can influence the
opinions of people.

- You will see a video clip, and be asked to answer four basic questions.
- You will turn and talk with your neighbor in order to answer each of the questions AFTER the
clip has finished.
- You will then be called upon to share out your thoughts with the class.
- We will then have a quick and meaningful discussion where you must participate.
Clip #1

1. Is there bias? Yes or No.

2. Why do you think there is bias? What actions or words demonstrated bias?

3. What are the people in the clip trying to get the general public to think?

4. How does this clip make you feel?

Clip #2

1. Is there bias? Yes or No.

2. Why do you think there is bias? What actions or words demonstrated bias?

3. What are the people in the clip trying to get the general public to think?

4. How does this clip make you feel?

 Independent Practice
You will complete the same activity for each of the following video clips.
Clip #3

1. Is there bias? Yes or No.

2. Why do you think there is bias? What actions or words demonstrated bias?

3. What are the people in the clip trying to get the general public to think?

4. How does this clip make you feel?

Clip #4

1. Is there bias? Yes or No.

2. Why do you think there is bias? What actions or words demonstrated bias?

What are the people in the clip trying to get the general public to think?

How does this clip make you feel?