Section Warm-Up
When we study government we often share our opinions and those of others. Of course, everyone has an opinion but some are better informed than others. In our discussions in this course we want to share informed opinions based on factual information. Much of the information we access originates on the Internet. How can you know what is true and what isn’t? As you hear people voice their opinions, some will appear valid to you and some will not.
What sources of information are most reliable? Imagine that your teacher asked you to research the Supreme Court. Visit the following websites and consider the validity of each.
Ordering: Check that Source
In the following ordering game, put these sources of information you might consult in order from most reliable on the top to least reliable on the bottom.
- Decide if the person who gives it to you is trustworthy or an authority on the subject.
- Consider the overall point of view the person holds.
- Ask where they got their information.
- Ask about the research or evidence the person presented to support the opinion or information.
