Readings:

Pages 130-151

Learning Outcomes:  Upon completion of this course, students will be able to discuss and critically analyze political events in the United States government. Second  students will be able to identify and explain the role of  informal institutions and their effect on policy. 

• representational inequalities- people with higher incomes are more likely to be members of an interest group.

• Access and resource inequalities
  • Buckley v. Valeo
  • Independent Expenditures- Citizens United vs. FEC
    
• Privileged position of business.

It is important to understand that in the United States, the primary goal of the media is to make a profit.   

HOW THE MEDIA INFLUENCES POLITICS

REPORTING THE NEWS:  

What We care about?

• Breaking Political News from Blossom
• On Television
• On the internet

SETTING THE AGENDA

• The Role of Gatekeepers
  • Sometimes they do not do their job
    
    

  
   
  

PROVIDES PEOPLE WITH POLITICAL INFORMATION

We would, however, watch mistakes

• Bad Sushi?
• Jerry Ford

THE MEDIA AND ELECTIONS

WHY MIGHT THE MEDIA\CAMPAIGN NOT BE THAT INFLUENTIAL IN ELECTIONS?- this is the minimal effects model
 

HORSE RACE COVERAGE- What is it?

• Focused on the Polls

  

• Expectation Setter

  
  
  
  
  
  

• Mentioner

• Categorizer 
  • Mitt Romney
  • The UFO
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Winnower- no media coverage forces me to drop out

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