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Politics and the Media

The First Amendment of the Constitution ensures freedom of the press and freedom of speech. Considering the power of words, these rights are extremely important. You can also imagine why it would be vital that the press also act responsibly with this freedom.

Politicians in American have been using the media to influence people since before the United States was even born. When the British government started increasing taxes and decreasing freedoms in its American colonies, many colonists became extremely discontent. They published pamphlets, or small books, outlining the outrageous acts of Britain and calling for colonists to unite and fight for freedom.