Explain the Open Meetings and Public Information Acts. Explain ...

[B]

Explain the Open Meetings and Public Information Acts. Explain how these laws help the media do their jobs.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is the Capitol press corps and what has happened to it in recent years? Why might it matter for the nature of politics in Texas?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[trog]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Define and explain the Open Meetings and Public Information Acts.
2. Describe the role of media as watchdogs.
3. Explain how open government allows the media to more easily keep tabs on government and perform the watchdog role.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Define the Capitol press corps.
2. Explain that the Capitol press corps has been shrinking and give some examples of this.
3. Explain that the media's ability to act as a watchdog of state government is being undermined and that public officials may be less inclined to behave as desired as a result.
4. Explain that it may offer an opportunity for special interests to increase their influence.