Question

The press is sometimes referred to as “The Fourth Estate,” meaning it is like a fourth branch of government and that it has a role in balancing the other branches. How does freedom of the press make this role possible? Give two reasons why this is the case.

Note: Please make the answer a few sentance answer, thank you

Answer 1

Freedom of Press which is under the United States First Amendment gives the Press the opportunity and power to serves as the "Fourth Estate or fourth branch of government." This is made possible in the sense that, Freedom of the Press allows observation and scrutiny of the political process by the Press.

Similarly, it gives the media or Press the power to ensure the public office holder does not exploit the democratic system. It is also known that it gives Press the chance to get involved in a vital position that influences the consequence or effect of political issues and candidates.

Why is the media called the fourth estate? The term hails from the European concept of the three estates of the realm - the clergy, the nobility and the commoners. It has come to symbolise the media or press as a segment of society that has an indirect but key role in influencing the political system.

What does it mean when we refer to media as the Fourth Estate?

The term Fourth Estate or fourth power refers to the press and news media both in explicit capacity of advocacy and implicit ability to frame political issues.