The document discusses political cartoons and their influence on public opinion. It defines political cartoons as illustrations containing commentary on current events or personalities that use artistic skill, hyperbole, and humor to question authority and draw attention to problems in government. When evaluating political cartoons, people should consider the intention of the message, whether the author aims to act as a watchdog of government, if the author is trying to persuade opinion, and if this media form is harmful or helpful to the political process. Students are then assigned to create their own political cartoon expressing a political opinion and accompany it with a reflection paper addressing the cartoon's message and intent.

1. American Government 12.8 Government and the Media Political Cartoons