Identification (five points each): 50 points total
Identify each term by its definition and historical significance in American government. This is a four to six (or more) sentence response. In short, your response should go beyond a simple definition, but clearly identifies how each term ties into a broader importance (including significant complications, debates and examples) during the progression of American politics.
Party polarization
Sociological and agency representation
Political Action Committees (Super PAC’s)
Traditional Political Participation and Online Participation
Apportionment, Gerrymandering and Redistricting
Short Essay (25 points total)
Consider this portion the essay part of the exam. Your answers can be anywhere from three to four solid paragraphs (or more!). Please choose any 1 questions to answer from the following 7 choices. In each answer, you will want to show a clear point of view and provide evidence from our readings and lectures that support your response. You can use historical examples, current events and Supreme Court rulings to etc. to frame your argument. The purpose of this exercise is to show that you are able to make clear connections between American political culture, political conflict, historical events, and political processes in American government.
Choose ONE question from the following:
Describe state electoral laws including registration requirements, formal barriers, voting registration and reforms. Why is voter turnout so low in the U.S.? What are the consequences of low voter turnout?
Discuss the political issues surrounding campaign funds. Be sure to include sources of funding, (ie. SuperPacs, 527 committees etc.), campaign finance regulation, political parties, and whether or not campaign finance reform is an effective measure for controlling excessive campaign contributions.
Describe the process on how a bill becomes a law. Be sure to include details included in your text concerning processes, terminology, committees, debate, filibuster and presidential action.
Discuss organization of Congress including differences in the House and in the Senate. You will want to discuss party leadership, the committee system, the staff system and the caucuses.
Discuss the patterns of participating among major social groups that might include African Americans, Latino, Asians, gender, religion and age. Are there specific barriers or voting trends among the groups? How does each group effect presidential elections?
Describe the types of election in the United States, including plurality and winner take all elections as opposed to proportional representation. What are the different kinds of ballots (or voting methods). You can also talk about the complications with electoral districts and gerrymandering during legislative and presidential elections. Finally, the Electoral College lends much to discussion. What are some of the benefits or advantages and criticisms of the Electoral College in a democratic system?
