Assertion (A): Mass media are powerful political instruments in a popular democracy. Reason (R): Because they can always be effectively used to manipulate people's opinions and behaviours. (A) Both (A) and (R) are true. (B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). (C) (A) is true, but (R) is false. (D) (A) is false, but (R) is true. Correct Ans: (C) Explanation:Mass media play a powerful political role in democratic societies. They inform citizens, shape public discourse, and influence political participation. Through news, debates, and digital platforms, media connect people to policies, leaders, and elections. So, the assertion is true—mass media do act as vital instruments in democratic systems. However, the reason given is flawed. It suggests media can always manipulate people’s opinions and behaviors. That’s an overstatement. Media influence exists, but it's not automatic or absolute. People process media messages differently. Education, social background, personal beliefs, and media literacy all shape how individuals respond. Moreover, in a democracy, people access diverse viewpoints. Competing narratives often balance each other. As a result, audiences don’t just absorb messages—they interpret, question, and sometimes reject them. Manipulation becomes possible only under certain conditions, such as limited media freedom or extreme polarization. While media can influence, they do not guarantee control over public behavior. The public often pushes back, especially when media bias becomes obvious. In fact, high media exposure sometimes leads to more critical thinking, not blind persuasion. In conclusion, the assertion is valid—mass media serve as political tools in democracies. But the reason is false because influence is not equal to guaranteed manipulation. Democratic audiences think, challenge, and choose for themselves.