Identify the four roles the media performs in current American politics, discussing which two roles you think are most crucial to protecting democracy.

Do you think the media encourages or discourages a mass-based participatory democracy? Why or why not?

Do you think that the way the media covers politicians and political events today is healthy or damaging to the public's image of American government?

Increasingly during political campaigns the media engages in what is called "negative reporting," which is in turn supported by campaign advertising that is personalized and negative. Despite what studies show about the "success" of this type of coverage, do you think it serves the public well in selecting the best candidates for office, or does this type of coverage make any difference to an intelligent, well-informed voting public?