POL 213 American Government

Final Examination

Friday, December 26, 2003

 

Remember to check your user profile with Turnitin.com, and then submit (upload) your essay no later than midnight tonight.

 

You do not have to reproduce all the questions here. Just be sure to number your answers consistently so I know which answer is your response to any particular question. Do read the questions carefully and answer the question as asked, providing all the information requested.  All the best.

 

 

  1. In Federalist #10 (at A-18 in our text), Madison discusses factions, or what today might be labeled interest groups. Discuss the founders’ perceptions of these sorts of organizations, explaining why they did or did not anticipate them, and why they did or did not fear them. (Your answer should be 2-3 paragraphs in length. 10 pts possible)

 

 

  1. With reference to our text discussing interest groups, define a pluralist and an elitist, indicating what position you believe is to be preferred in today’s governmental arrangements. (Your answer should be 1-2 paragraphs in length. 5 pts possible)

 

 

  1. List some key roles noted in our text that political parties played in the past that could not be played by other interest groups, and explain whether they can or should continue to play those seminal roles in the future. (Your answer should be 2-3 paragraphs in length.8 pts possible)

 

 

  1. True or False – America is a 2-party system because that’s the way the founders wrote the Constitution.  Write the word true or false and then explain why your answer is correct. (4 pts possible)

 

 

  1. According to our textbook, the Democratic party was first known as the _________? Write your answer to fill-in the blank and explain why it is correct. (4 pts possible)

 

 

  1. Why is money so important to federal election campaigns in the US, when it’s not nearly so important in other countries? (4 pts possible)

 

 

  1. We saw a video about televised election ads for the presidency. But just what roles do the media play in such major election cycles? Name at least three (3) of the roles outlined in our text, and indicate whether you think they are legitimate roles. (6 pts possible)

 

 

  1. Compare the flowcharts on pages 335 and 340, showing how a bill becomes law and how the budget becomes law. Note at least 3 key points of difference between these two flows and briefly explain why those differences exist. (6 pts possible)

 

 

  1. Where in the Constitution is there language about the President’s cabinet? Cite the appropriate article and section.  (4 pts possible)

 

 

  1. How many cabinet posts are there today? Give the number and explain why your answer is correct.  (3 pts possible)

 

 

  1. What is the difference between an executive agency under a cabinet position, and an independent agency established by Congress?  (Your answer should be 1-2 paragraphs in length. 4 pts possible)

 

 

  1. In the video of his speech in 1988 and during the question and answer period, Justice Scalia said that the judiciary in general and the US Supreme Court in particular is decidedly, purposefully, antidemocratic. What did he mean by that, and what support from the Constitution does he have for making that claim? (Your answer should be 2-3 paragraphs in length. 10 pts possible)

 

 

  1. True or False – The US Supreme Court is the only court explicitly established by the Constitution; all the other courts noted on page 430 were created by Congress. Write the word true or false and then explain why your answer is correct. (4 pts possible)

 

 

  1. Name two reasons supporting the position that the President through his domestic policies does not and cannot directly influence economic well-being during his term of office.  (4 pts possible)

 

 

  1. Name two reasons supporting the position that the President through his domestic policies does and can directly influence economic well-being during his term of office.  (4 pts possible)

 

 

  1. Name two reasons for the shift from Congress to the Presidency with regard to foreign affairs power.  (4 pts possible)

 

 

  1. Name and briefly note the decision of one legal case where the US Supreme Court directly influenced or changed

 

    1. domestic policy of the President or Congress (3 pts)

 

    1. foreign policy of the President or Congress (3 pts)

 

 

  1. Write the phrase “I swear or affirm that I have met the honor conditions for taking and submitting this exam as my own work” and for 3 pts extra credit explain what the difference is between swearing or affirming any statement. Cite appropriate passages from the Constitution if you can.

 

 

Participation counts in this course, as laid out in the syllabus. I have marks in mind for you. But I also want you to have a chance to provide one final bit of input. What marks for participation do you judge you have earned and why? Write a number between 1 and 13 for in-class participation, and between 1 and 12 for Blackboard participation (1 = lowest level and 13/12 = highest level), along with a brief reason explaining why you deserve those particular marks. Use whole numbers only; no fractions, please.)

 

For in-class participation, I have earned _____ points; and for Blackboard participation, I have earned _____ points. Fill in the blanks and provide some reasons for your responses.