CPCT Media and Political Communication Flashcards
6 cards from real CPCT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CPCT Media and Political Communication flashcards as text
What is 'political polarization' as commonly discussed in U.S. media?
Answer: The increasing ideological distance and hostility between opposing political groups
Political polarization refers to the growing ideological gap and mutual hostility between political parties or groups, making compromise increasingly difficult.
What does the term 'fourth estate' refer to in political context?
Answer: The press and news media as an independent watchdog on the other branches of government
The 'fourth estate' is a term for the press and news media, recognizing its important role as an independent watchdog and check on governmental power.
What is 'political advertising' regulation under the Federal Election Campaign Act?
Answer: Candidates must disclose who paid for the ad with an 'I approve this message' statement
The FEC requires political ads to include a disclosure statement identifying who paid for them, such as the 'I approve this message' statement from candidates.
What is 'priming' in the context of political media effects?
Answer: Media coverage that influences what standards people use to evaluate political figures
Priming is a media effect in which the issues heavily covered by the press influence the criteria citizens use to evaluate political leaders or candidates.
What is the significance of the Citizens United v. FEC (2010) Supreme Court ruling for political communication?
Answer: It ruled that corporations and unions have First Amendment rights to spend unlimited funds on independent political expenditures
Citizens United held that the First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting independent political spending by corporations, associations, or labor unions, leading to the rise of Super PACs.
What is 'confirmation bias' and its relevance to political media consumption?
Answer: The tendency to seek out and favor information that confirms one's preexisting beliefs
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, and recall information in a way that confirms one's existing beliefs, which can reinforce political polarization when applied to media consumption.