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Lesson PreviewLesson 12 of 13 in this unit

5.12 The Media

Part of Political Participation in AP® US Government & Politics. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

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The media functions as a linkage institution by connecting citizens to political information and government action. Through news coverage, investigative reporting, and commentary, media outlets shape public awareness of political issues and events. Agenda setting occurs when media attention elevates certain topics, influencing what citizens and policymakers perceive as important.

In this unit

13 lessons

  1. 5.1Voting Rights and Models of Voting BehaviorPreview lesson
  2. 5.2Voter TurnoutPreview lesson
  3. 5.3Political PartiesPreview lesson
  4. 5.4How and Why Political Parties Change and AdaptPreview lesson
  5. 5.5Third-Party PoliticsPreview lesson
  6. 5.6Interest Groups Influencing PolicymakingPreview lesson
  7. 5.7Groups Influencing Policy OutcomesPreview lesson
  8. 5.8Electing a PresidentPreview lesson
  9. 5.9Congressional ElectionsPreview lesson
  10. 5.10Modern CampaignsPreview lesson
  11. 5.11Campaign FinancePreview lesson
  12. 5.12The MediaThis lesson
  13. 5.13Changing MediaPreview lesson

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