Final answer:
The by-product theory posits that Americans often gain political information accidentally as a by-product of other activities, rather than through active efforts to become informed.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the by-product theory, most Americans gain their political information accidentally while they are otherwise going about their lives. This theory suggests that political knowledge is often acquired incidentally when engaged in activities not specifically aimed at obtaining political information. For example, someone might learn about a political issue while watching a news segment intended for entertainment or through conversations on social media. In contrast, active engagement involves deliberate efforts to become informed, such as researching candidates before an election or following specific political news feeds. The by-product theory underscores the idea that a significant portion of political information is absorbed passively, rather than through active pursuit.