Democracy and Informed Electorate.
Democracy and Informed Electorate
(Democracy and Informed Electorate)
Do you feel our democracy is threatened by an uninformed electorate
View the ABC documentary by Stossell and then write a 2 page essay (minimum of 700 words) and upload for submission. The essay should address whether you feel our democracy is threatened by an uninformed electorate. Also address what role the current cable news shows (spinning) has on miss-informing the electorate.
Essay Structure
1. Introduction
- Briefly introduce the topic of democracy and the importance of an informed electorate.
- Mention the key premise of the ABC documentary by John Stossel.
- State your thesis: whether you believe democracy is threatened by an uninformed electorate and how cable news contributes to this issue.
2. The Threat of an Uninformed Electorate
- Discuss why an informed electorate is essential to a functioning democracy.
- Analyze the risks posed by widespread misinformation or a lack of knowledge about political processes.
- Reference examples or insights from the documentary to illustrate these points.
3. The Role of Cable News in Misinformation
- Address how cable news networks contribute to spinning information, sensationalism, and bias.
- Highlight specific trends, such as confirmation bias, political polarization, or the prioritization of entertainment over factual reporting.
- Cite examples from the documentary or your observations to demonstrate these trends.
4. Potential Solutions or Counterarguments
- Suggest ways to combat misinformation and educate the electorate, such as media literacy education or fact-checking initiatives.
- Briefly discuss whether there are counterarguments, such as the accessibility of diverse media perspectives.
- Consider the role of social media in both spreading and debunking misinformation.
5. Conclusion
- Summarize your key points about the risks posed by an uninformed electorate and the impact of cable news spinning.
- Reiterate your stance on whether democracy is truly at risk.
- End with a call to action, encouraging critical thinking and responsible media consumption.
Tips for Writing
- Watch the Documentary: Take notes on key points, examples, or quotes that relate to the assignment.
- Stay Objective: Even if you hold strong opinions, back up your arguments with evidence and reasoning.
- APA or MLA Format: Use proper citations if you reference the documentary or any external sources.
- Proofread: Ensure clarity, coherence, and grammar accuracy before submission.
