American Government

12.8

Government and the Media

Political Cartoons

Summary of Prior Lesson

• The media has an impact on public opinion

• The media is a tool used to persuade individuals

• There are many ways the media can influence public opinion - lets review the ways we have already discussed in class

Political Cartoons

• Another way the media influences public opinion is by Political Cartoons.

• What is a political cartoon? AKA - Editorial Cartoon Defined as a an illustration containing a

commentary that usually relates to current events or personalities.

They are usually a combination of artistic skill, hyperbole, and biting humor whose purpose is to question authority and draw attention to problems and issues within our political system

The Media’s Message in Political Cartoons

• Questions to ask when evaluating a political cartoon What is the intention of the message? Does the author mean to be a “watchdog” of the

government? Is the author trying to persuade your opinion? Is this form of media harmful or not to the political

process?

Now lets evaluate a political cartoon. Keep in mind the questions above.

So What Do You Think?

• Assignment Create your own political cartoon. You may use images from the internet to create your cartoon or draw one yourself.

The cartoon must have text voicing a political opinion

The cartoon must be accompanied by a reflection paper that addresses the message and intent of the cartoon. (You should use this assignment to voice your political opinion and judgment)

A handout and rubric stating the specific expectations of the assignment will be provided. The assignment and due dates are also posted on SchoolLoop.

The assignment is due on Monday, October 17th.