AP US Government : Influence on Public Opinion

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP US Government

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Influence On Public Opinion

Which of the following statements accurately describes the average American newspaper?

Possible Answers:

It heavily covers all elections

It is primarily oriented to its local market and local audience

It tends to strongly favor one political candidate over another

They are circulated to a national market

They often run detailed coverage of controversial political issues

Correct answer:

It is primarily oriented to its local market and local audience

Explanation:

In strong contrast to many other countries, American newspapers are primarily oriented to the local market and the local audience, and there is typically more local than national news inside. There are a few widely read national newspapers, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, but these are the exception rather than the norm.

Example Question #12 : Influence On Public Opinion

Which is not a role that the national press plays in relation to the federal government?

Possible Answers:

Scorekeeper

All of the other answers are roles that the national media plays in relation to the federal government.

Watchdog

Gatekeeper

Mediator

Correct answer:

Mediator

Explanation:

The media plays the role of gatekeeper because it can influence what subjects become national political issues and for how long. As scorekeepers, the national media helps keep track of the progress of various candidates in elections. As watchdogs, the media pays close attention to the politicians that they are interested in, and will expose corruption (as in the Watergate Scandal).

Example Question #11 : Influence On Public Opinion

A salient issue is one that __________.

Possible Answers:

people think about most

causes voters to stay home on election day

people don't care about

voters are uninformed about

 has little impact on people’s daily lives

Correct answer:

people think about most

Explanation:

Salient is defined as the most noticeable or important. A salient issue is one that is topmost on people's mind. An example would be the economy during times of recession.

Example Question #411 : Ap Us Government

More than two-thirds of Americans report that they receive “all or most” of their political information from which source?

Possible Answers:

The Internet

Television

Radio

Academic journals

Newspapers

Correct answer:

Television

Explanation:

Since its invention, television has become the easiest accessible and most prevalent source of information. Additionally, 24 hour news networks provide the easiest means for people to acquire political information.

Example Question #12 : Influence On Public Opinion

What is the principal effect of television on public opinion?

Possible Answers:

Establishing new political ideals

Persuading people to take a side on a political issue

Setting the agenda

Telling people how to think

Telling people what to think

Correct answer:

Setting the agenda

Explanation:

The most important impact of television is the agenda setting. News networks can choose what stories get the top of the hour and how much time to spend on them.

Example Question #13 : Influence On Public Opinion

The first and most influencing group on one's political socialization is who?

Possible Answers:

None of these

The family

Peers

Religious leaders

Teachers

Correct answer:

The family

Explanation:

As early as 5 years old, young people start to assimilate and have affective feelings on political subjects provided by their interactions with their parents and family. This process continues until they form their own political worldview.

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