New
New
Year 11

How does media limit the power of government?

I can explain how the media can limit the power of governments.

New
New
Year 11

How does media limit the power of government?

I can explain how the media can limit the power of governments.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The media provides information and holds those in power to account.
  2. Governments in a democracy make laws and manage national policies.
  3. A free media challenges government actions through investigations and public reporting.
  4. Media scrutiny helps prevent misuse of power and keeps citizens informed.

Keywords

  • Media - the different ways we share and receive information on a large scale; this includes things like television, radio, newspapers and the internet

  • Government - the group of people with the authority to govern a country; in the UK, the Government is chosen and led by the Prime Minister (PM)

  • Press freedom - the ability of the press to give information and express opinions

Common misconception

The media can always hold the Government to account, no matter the country.

The media can only effectively challenge the Government in countries where press freedom exists. In these countries, journalists are free to investigate, report and criticise those in power without fear of government control or censorship.


To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: How does media limit the power of government?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

When teaching synoptic links, encourage pupils to think in both directions such as how the media influences or challenges the Government and how the Government influence or limit the media.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Who leads the UK Government?

the monarch
the Lords
Correct answer: the Prime Minister
the Speaker

Q2.
Match the type of media to its example.

Correct Answer:broadcast media,a live news report on TV

a live news report on TV

Correct Answer:print media,a front page article in a newspaper

a front page article in a newspaper

Correct Answer:social media,a political video shared on Instagram

a political video shared on Instagram

Q3.
The is responsible for making decisions and running the country in the UK.

Correct Answer: Government

Q4.
What best describes press freedom?

Correct answer: when journalists are allowed to report without fear or censorship
when media must get approval before publishing stories
when only positive news about the Government is published
when the Government decides what the media can report

Q5.
Where is press freedom most likely to exist?

in countries where only one political party is allowed
in countries with strict government control of media
Correct answer: in democracies that protect free speech
in dictatorships where media is state-run

Q6.
Which of these best describes key roles of the media in a democracy?

to campaign for political parties
Correct answer: to inform the public
Correct answer: to question and inform citizens about government actions
to punish lawbreakers

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term to the correct meaning.

Correct Answer:media,ways of sharing and receiving information

ways of sharing and receiving information

Correct Answer:government,people with authority to run a country

people with authority to run a country

Correct Answer:press freedom,allows the media to report without government control

allows the media to report without government control

Q2.
Which of the following is a power the UK Government has in a democracy?

choosing the next monarch
controlling all media content
Correct answer: making and enforcing laws
investigating itself without oversight

Q3.
What is one way the media can hold the Government to account?

by avoiding political topics
Correct answer: by investigating misuse of power
by promoting government adverts
by reporting only positive news

Q4.
In which type of country can the media effectively challenge the Government?

one where only social media exists
one where the Government controls the news
one with no laws at all
Correct answer: one with press freedom

Q5.
In a democracy, the media can limit government power by keeping citizens informed and by the Government to account.

Correct Answer: holding

Q6.
Which of the following are examples of the media challenging the Government?

covering the State Opening Of Parliament
Correct answer: investigations into the partygate scandal
the launch of a new government website
Correct answer: exposing the MP expenses scandal