The media, commonly referred to as the fourth estate of the realm , monitors the activities of government on behalf of the

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks who the media (the "fourth estate of the realm") watches over government on behalf of. In other words, who benefits from the media's watchdog role?

Step 2: Explain the concept The term "estates of the realm" originally referred to the main classes or powers in society. In modern democracies, the three arms of government are:

1. Legislature
2. Executive
3. Judiciary

The media is called the fourth estate because it acts as an unofficial "fourth arm" that checks the other three. Its main roles include:

• Informing citizens about government policies and actions
• Exposing corruption and abuse of power
• Holding leaders accountable
• Serving as a link between the government and the governed

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. People: The media gathers and reports information so that citizens can judge their government. It is the public's watchdog, so this fits.
• B. Executive: The executive is one of the bodies being monitored, so this is wrong.
• C. Civil society: Civil society groups (NGOs, labour unions, and so on) also act as watchdogs, but the media's duty is to the general public, not to one group within it. This is too narrow.
• D. Media organisation: The media does not monitor government for its own sake. This is wrong.

Step 4: Answer The media monitors government activities on behalf of the people.

Exam tip: "Fourth estate" means the media is the people's watchdog. When you see "on behalf of" in a question about the media's role, think of the public or citizens.