Davis, Kathleen

Describe what a PAC is, and why it is significant. What role do PAC’s play in major election campaigns in the United States? Are PAC’s a reflection of democracy in action, a threat to democracy, or something in between? Explain

Chapter 10 FRQ

How does the Electoral College system work? Do you prefer it to direct popular election? Who serves in this college? Describe the outcome of the 2000 presidential campaign. Who objected? Did it threaten the legitimacy of our political system? What policy proposals emerged following the campaign? Will they succeed?

Chapter 11 FRQ

Define interest groups. What do Americans generally feel about interest groups? What are some of the common characteristics of groups today? How do interest groups in the United States differ from groups in other democracies?

Chapter 2 FRQ

Describe the major features (2 or 3) of the articles of confederation and explain why the articles failed.

Chapter 3 FRQ

A. Explain dual federalism and cooperative federalism.

B. What’s the difference between the two?

C. What are the standard operating procedures for cooperative federalism?

Chapter 4 FRQ

What is the establishment clause and the free exercise clause? What controversies have arisen in the United States over the issue of freedom of religion, and how have they been resolved?

Chapter 5 FRQ

Other than women and racial and ethnic minorities, what other groups have sought over the past few decades for greater recognition of their Civil Rights? With what success? Do you agree that these groups are entitled to similar Civil Rights protection? Explain.

Chapter 6 FRQ

Describe the major influences on one’s political socialization, and how this comes about. From you own perspective, which influence do you think contributed most to your political attitude today? Explain.

Chapter 7 FRQ

What events helped to make television the most important news medium in the country? Are people getting the news they need from this source? Is the widely held belief that “seeing is believing” appropriate? Explain.

Chapter 12 FRQ

List and briefly describe the different types of committees in Congress. What role do the committees play in the Congressional process?

Chapter 13 FRQ

Compare and contrast the Constitutional powers of the President with the informal expansion of Presidential power.

Chapter 16 FRQ:

Describe the significance of the Marbury v. Madison ruling by the Supreme Court. Has the legacy of this ruling been positive or negative one? Did the dramatic ruling in this case serve to weaken American democracy? Explain.

Chapter 14 FRQ:

Describe the role of incrementalism and uncontrollables in the budget process. What alternatives have been offered for each? Is incrementalism necessary for an efficient bureaucracy? In what sense are uncontrollables "really" uncontrollable? Why or why not?

Chapter 15 FRQ:

Identify, describe, and give examples of the four basic types of bureaucracy in the federal government.

Chapter 17 FRQ:

How does a high unemployment rate or high inflation affect the way Americans vote? Is there logic behind how voters view the parties in regard to addressing unemployment or addressing inflation? Why are the parties and elected officials limited in how they can affect the economy? Explain.

Chapter 18 FRQ:

Describe the differences between a progressive tax, a proportional tax, and a regressive tax. Why is a proportional tax often regressive in its effect? Is a progressive tax fair to those who make more money? Explain.

Chapter 19 FRQ:

Describe some of the key laws passed by Congress in the last three decades to protect the environment. How effective have these laws been? What is the significance of the Environmental impact statement requirement? Explain.

Chapter 20 FRQ:

Describe the containment doctrine pursued by the United States during the Cold War, where it led us, its cost, and its effect on American society. In retrospect, what were the strengths and weaknesses of the policy? Explain.