Question

Which of the following is an accurate description of “agenda setting”?
Responses

the ability of certain institutions or individuals to impact the topics that people are thinking about
the ability of certain institutions or individuals to impact the topics that people are thinking about - no response given

the ability of interest groups to impact the specific policy positions that candidates adopt
the ability of interest groups to impact the specific policy positions that candidates adopt - no response given

the ability of the media to prescribe what individuals think regarding political issues
the ability of the media to prescribe what individuals think regarding political issues - no response given

the ability of the president to direct Congress as to which legislation will be considered

Answer 1

Correct answer: "the ability of certain institutions or individuals to impact the topics that people are thinking about."

Brief explanation: Agenda setting refers to shaping the public (or political) agenda by influencing which issues are seen as important. It does not necessarily tell people what to think about those issues (that's closer to framing or persuasion), nor is it limited to interest-group influence on policy positions or the president's power over Congress.