What impressions of Congress have you gained from the media? Are your impressions generally positive or negative?

On high-profile issues like climate change, lobbyingGroup of answer choiceshas little effect on the views of members of Congress.has an effect with some members and no effect on other members of Congress, regardless of party.has great potential to change the views of members of Congress.has little effect on members of Congress who are Democrats, but great effect on members of Congress who are Republicans.

What is the likely result of spending hours listening to partisan talk shows?Multiple Choicemisinformationliberalismpragmatismwell-rounded political viewsa distaste for politics

The attitudes of Americans toward politiciansGroup of answer choiceshas remained stable in recent years because there is no reason to expect any significant changes in public attitudes toward governmentis increasingly negative because public distrust of government has deepened markedly as Americans believe that public officials are corrupt and government wastes taxpayers’ moneyhas improved slightly in recent years as politicians rediscovered the value of bargaining and compromise to break political gridlockis increasingly positive as the government has reduced the differences in wealth and well-being among individuals and groups

Which of the following statements best describes the effect of the media on public opinion and eventually public policy?Group of answer choicesThe media set the agenda, frame issues, and color public perceptions about alternative public policies.The media are biased toward a particular ideological position, which permeates most aspects of reporting and thus sways the American public in that direction.The media are, to a great extent, controlled by government officials through regulations placed on the media.The media are manipulated by government officials by what they say during press conferences and official press statements, and have difficulty ever criticizing government policy.

Reflect on your personal performance during the debate. What were your strengths, and what areas do you feel you need to work on?