Mass media and politics have long functioned in a symbiotic existence in the United States. Mass media have not only served to communicate the messages of political actors; their presence has shaped the political process itself. To understand the American political process, it is essential to have knowledge of the relationship between the media and political actors. Understanding the role of the media in American politics is now complicated by the advent of the Internet and social media. Although traditional mass media such as television, radio and print sources still play a significant role, the new social media are radically altering the political landscape of the United States, with significant implications for both traditional mass media outlets and the political process itself. マスメディアはアメリカの政治において大きな役割を担ってきました。アメリカの政治を理解するにはマスメディアとの関係を知ることが欠かせません。テレビやラジオ、新聞などに加え、インターネットや新しいソーシャルメディアもアメリカの政治との関わりが強くなっています。この授業では、そういった面からアメリカの政治を見ていきます。