Final answer:
Political cartoons are considered graphic design because they effectively use images and words to communicate specific messages to an audience, aligning with the fundamental goals of graphic design.
Step-by-step explanation:
Political cartoons are considered graphic design because they incorporate both images and words to convey a message. This combination is a fundamental aspect of graphic design, which is not only about creating aesthetically pleasing visuals but also about communicating messages effectively to a specific audience.
Graphic design involves the use of elements such as layout, color, scale, balance, unity, and variety to create compelling compositions. Political cartoons exemplify this by using visual metaphors, symbolism, and satire to comment on political events, often with the intent to influence or communicate particular viewpoints.
In essence, political cartoons must deliver a specific message through their visuals and text, which aligns with the objectives of graphic design: to create images that communicate to an audience what the creator intends. While color can have a significant emotional impact and is an important tool in design, it is the strategic combination of images and words that best explains why political cartoons are considered graphic design.