Why is a free press important and to a democratic society?
a) it allows presidential candidates to control citizens' votes
b) it prevents political parties from buying an election
c) it citizens become aware of a politician’s wrongdoings.
d) it gives the government a way to influence information.
e) it stops private companies from owning major media outlets.

I believe the answer is: C) It helps citizens become aware of a politician’s wrongdoings.

Without the free press, politicians could make legislation which would not be beneficial for the citizens even without the awareness of the citizens.

But the freeedom of press need to be accompanied with accountability to ensure that the press do not intentionally created a biased point of view when presenting their piece.

manifest functions are the recognized and intended consequences of any social pattern, while latent functions are those unrecognized and unintended consequences. to analyze the manifest functions of any social institution, we have to study its contribution to the continuation of a group, community, or society.