The fluidity of alliances is underscored by __________.

Consider the feature box, "The Game, the Rules, the Players: How Washington Dealt with the Financial Crisis." Which of these statements best characterizes the effects of the recent economic crisis?

a. Americans have greater trust in the ability of corporations to be self-regulating. b. Most small businesses have experienced renewed prosperity and growth. c. The Federal Reserve has kept interest rates high to encourage economic investment. d. The overall influence of the federal government in the economy has increased.

In the United States, the press is often referred to as the "fourth branch of government" because __________

a. of its key role in keeping government accountable to citizen demands b. of its constitutional obligation to keep citizens informed about public affairs c. of the cooperative arrangements made between the media and the other three branches d. it is considered equally as powerful as the other three branches in its impact on government decisions