Lesson 8.03 Public Opinion, Politics, and the Media

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Review Game

After completing the Learn section of the lesson, assess your understanding of the concepts by playing this game.

1. A ________ is a popular method of assessing and reporting public opinion by surveying people with carefully crafted questions.
   1. sample
   2.  poll
   3. quiz
   4. none of the above

   Answer: b.  poll

2. All of the following statements is true regarding public opinion EXCEPT
   1. Public opinion can shape legislation.
   2. Public opinion is significant in a democracy.
   3. Public opinion rarely changes over time.
   4. Public opinion can be influenced by the media.

   Answer: c. Public opinion rarely changes over time.

3. A well-developed poll will contain which one of the following characteristics?
   1. short questions
   2. limited choices
   3. simple questions
   4. carefully crafted questions

   Answer: d. carefully crafted questions

4. A well-developed poll will contain which one of the following characteristics?
   1. limited choices
   2. a self-selected sample
   3. a random sample
   4. all of the above

   Answer: c. a random sample

5. A carefully selected random sample:
   1. is almost impossible to get.
   2. is an accurate predictor of election results.
   3. is more accurate if it only includes wealthier voters.
   4. is more accurate if it only includes urban dwellers.

   Answer: b. is an accurate predictor of election results.

6. Public opinion is difficult to ascertain for all of the following reasons EXCEPT
   1. It changes daily.
   2. People may have no opinion a certain issues.
   3. Media reports can change people’s opinion.
   4. Polling is not allowed in most states.

   Answer: d. Polling is not allowed in most states.

7. All of the following statements are true EXCEPT
   1. All polls have a margin of error that may be calculated.
   2. Polls can determine public opinion with 100% accuracy.
   3. A well-done poll will have a carefully selected random sample.
   4. A well-chosen sample can determine public opinion on a topic with a high degree of accuracy.

   Answer: b. Polls can determine public opinion with 100% accuracy.

8. All of the following are true concerning regional differences in public opinion EXCEPT
   1. Public opinion on many issues varies by region in this country.
   2. People on either coast tend to be more liberal in their political views than those in the middle of the country.
   3. Recent presidential elections indicate a general support for Republicans in the South.
   4. The solid south still votes overwhelmingly for democratic candidates today.

   Answer: d. The solid south still votes overwhelmingly for democratic candidates today.

9. Newspapers popular in the late nineteenth century that were highly partisan and often influenced by political party machines were called _________.
   1. yellow journals
   2. penny press
   3. tabloids
   4. party press

   Answer: d. party press

10. Writing sensational stories to appeal to the masses and increase circulation is called _________.
    1. yellow journalism
    2. party press
    3. penny press
    4. print media

    Answer: a. yellow journalism

11. Newspapers sold to appeal to the common man at very low prices were called ________.
    1. party press
    2. yellow journals
    3. penny press
    4. tabloids

    Answer: c. penny press

12. ________ in the form of newspapers and magazines has been influencing public opinion and politics since our nation was extremely young.
    1. Print media
    2. Radio
    3. Yellow Journalism
    4. Penny Press

    Answer: a. Print media

13. _______ became most popular form of media in United States in 1920s.
    1. Television
    2. Radio
    3. Internet
    4. None of the above

    Answer: b. Radio

14. Franklin D Roosevelt used the power of radio to:
    1. mobilize public opinion in support of his measures.
    2. criticize the actions of the press.
    3. turn public opinion against the press.
    4. warn people of the dangers of television viewing.

    Answer: a. mobilize public opinion in support of his measures.

15. Known for his mastery of media politics, Franklin D. Roosevelt:
    1. feared the power of the press.
    2. made reporters his enemies.
    3. held over 1000 press conferences.
    4. rarely spoke to reporters.

    Answer: c. held over 1000 press conferences.

16. All of the following are true concerning talk radio EXCEPT
    1. It is once again being popularized as a source of political information by such people as Rush Limbaugh.
    2. Broadcasts often feature extreme conservative or liberal viewpoints and are attractive to many Americans.
    3. It has been cited as one of the causes of party polarization that appears to be occurring in the United States.
    4. It is the number one source of media today in influencing public opinion.

    Answer: d. It is the number one source of media today in influencing public opinion.