which form of mass media is now the principal source of political information for about 80 percent of the population of the united states?

My best guess is TV.

What does your text say?

The correct answer is the television.

The principal source of political information for about 80 percent of the population of the United States is television.

To determine the principal source of political information for about 80 percent of the population of the United States, we need to look at recent surveys and research conducted on media consumption habits. While I don't have access to real-time data, as of my last update, television remains the most common form of mass media for political information in the United States.

To get the most up-to-date statistics, you can refer to reputable sources such as research organizations, news outlets, or academic studies that focus on media consumption habits. They often conduct surveys and analyze data to identify the primary sources of political information.

Here's how you can find the current information:

1. Conduct a search: Start by conducting a web search using keywords like "current sources of political information in the United States," "media consumption habits in the United States," or "primary sources of news for Americans." This will provide you with recent articles, studies, and reports on the topic.

2. Check research organizations: Look for reputable research organizations that focus on media and public opinion, such as Pew Research Center, Gallup, or the Center for Media Engagement. These organizations regularly publish reports and studies on media consumption habits, which can include data on the primary sources of political information.

3. Explore news outlets: Reputable news outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, or BBC often publish articles or studies analyzing media trends. Look for their reports on media consumption habits and political information sources to get insights into the current landscape.

Remember, media consumption patterns can change over time due to evolving technologies and shifts in media habits. Therefore, always try to access the most recent and reliable sources of information to get an accurate understanding of the current principal source of political information in the United States.