The Basics of American Government

Read the textbook entitled The Basics of American Government (chapter 4) below. Political Socialization and the Media          Use details from the textbook to help you.

                                                        Discussion Questions

1. What is the role of political socialization in forming our values and expectations of government in the United States? How does this experience vary among American schoolchildren? What is the implication of these divergent approaches to political socialization?

2. Identify and describe the various ways in which Americans can participate in the political process. Which types of political participation are the most effective and why?

3. Describe the influence of the communications media in the public policy making process. How do the communications media help set the policy agenda?

4. What is the influence of public opinion on policy outcomes? Is public opinion important? Why?

Involve and answer both paragraphs 

Paragraph One:  Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, your beliefs had to come from somewhere.  What shaped the political beliefs you currently hold?  Was it from your family, a teacher, your church, listening to a talk radio show, etc?  Please explain.

Paragraph Two:  How or where do you get your news?  Please explain.