You should read the case studies below and provide solutions to the questions which follow it.

The Mass Media and Political Participation

One of the most obvious ways in which an individual can participate in a political system is to vote. Therefore, levels of turnout are one important measure of political participation. Low turnout is a problem because it brings into question the government's legitimacy and the strength of its electoral mandateIt is clear that voters are more likely

to turn out to vote when they value the institutions to which individuals are hoping to be elected. This may explain the relatively low levels of turnout at local elections. However, in some cases, intense coverage in the 'mass media' can encourage people to turn out in a particular election or constituency, especially when published opinion poll results seem to suggest that the contest is close and every vote might be important.

Case Study Questions:

a) Explain the term 'mass media', and state how the mass media may have influenced political participation since the second world war.