A fascinating survey that shows how America's media and politics have influenced each other over the last 200 years.Where mass media and politics intersect is a distinctly American brand of political communication. Media and Politics in America: A Reference Handbook examines the major events, people, controversies, and resources of political communication from the Revolutionary War to the election of 2000. It follows the adoption of the First Amendment, the emergence of the penny press, women's suffrage, the selection of presidential candidates, the advent of radio and television, and the influence of the Internet.Readers will find government documents, Supreme Court cases, campaign statistics, media trends, and public opinion polls. The chapter on resources and the directory of organizations are extensive.