Exam #1 (larger topics)

Question 1

the major attributes of liberal democracy (review the class discussion outline on Bridges)

Question 2

significant elements of Declaration of Independence

Question 3

elements of American political culture and some basic differences with other countries

Question 4

key points in the Wehner and Nichols articles (assigned readings for 9/9)

Question 5

main provisions of the Articles of Confederation; perceived deficiencies of Articles

Question 6

enumerated powers of Congress (Art. I, Sec. 8) Get the thrust of the enumerated powers; no need to memorize the particulars (but do know the significance of Commerce and Elastic Clauses)

Question 7

Presidential powers under Article II of the Constitution

Answer 7

commander in chief, grant pardons, make treaties, appoint officials, ensure laws are executed

Question 8

the basics about the electoral college system

Question 9

main provisions in re the Federal judiciary in Article III of the Constitution

Question 10

Constitutional requirements for super majorities, and rationale behind them

Question 11

the two procedures for amending the Constitution (Article V)

Question 12

Constitutional provisos and compromises (3) over slavery (pre-amendments)

Question 13

Core arguments of Federalist #10 and #51

Question 14

Capsule history of federalism in the U.S. - with emphasis on absolute and relative growth of Federal power during 20th century, and main reasons for that growth

Question 15

typical responsibilities of state govt

Question 16

typical responsibilities of municipal govt (i.e. cities and towns)

Question 17

principal sources of revenue for national, state, and local (municipal) govt (in general terms not looking for %)

Question 18

differences between traditional “layer cake” federalism (also called dual federalism) and present “marble cake” (aka cooperative federalism) arrangement

Question 19

advantages and disadvantages of federalism in comparison to unitary systems

Question 20

the darker side of federalism’s “laboratories of democracy”

Question 21

differences between the two chambers of congress and reasons behind the differences

Question 22

basic functions served by political parties

Question 23

capsule history of political parties in the US

Question 24

reasons why there are only 2 major political parties in teh US (most important factor centers on the single member district, plurality/first-past-the-post electoral system)

Question 25

important 3rd/independent parties (just a few) in US history and the functions they’ve served

Question 26

reasons parties are weak in the US- but now act as if they were strong (in Congress, members of both parties act with cohesion and discipline, as in strong party system) due to polarization/tribalism

Question 27

reasons for the deep polarization between Democrats and Republicans in today’s world

Question 28

the traditional electoral dynamic that pushes candidates toward the center in general election

Question 29

the ongoing change in that dynamic, which fuels hyper-partisanship