INTRO:
Terms of interest:
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power
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political science
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structure
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scientific method
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function
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government
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Some things to think about:
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How
much power do you have in your life?
What
titles or formal authorities do you have? How do they relate to
your actual ability to get things accomplished in your life?
Do you
have power over others? Who and how much? Do you use your power wisely?
Who
has power over you? Is it because you allow it? Do you want to change
that? Isn't it up to you?
Who is
"in charge" of your life? Do you like that? What can you do
about it? Isn't it up to you?
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Chap 1, American Political Culture and the Pluralist and Elite
Theories.
Terms of interest:
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citizenship
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suffrage
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direct
action politics
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Elite theory
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Pluralism
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laissez-faire
capitalism
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bourgeois
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politics
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equality
of opportunity
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political equality
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popular sovereignty
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Key Concepts from the text:
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- Even though the relationship between the citizen and
the government is central to American politics, the government does not
necessarily do what the majority of the people want.
-Government effects our lives every day.
-Different types of government are defined by how
powerful the government is and how free the people are.
- Politics in America changed when more people won the
right to participate.
- The identity and characteristics of Americans have
changed over time.
- Liberty, equality and democracy are core American
values, though they often come into conflict with each other.
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Some things to think about:
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1. Do
you think you know what words like "freedom,"
"justice," "democracy" mean? Are they natural? Where
do you derive your own meaning for those words?
2.
What do you think are the most important reasons for low public trust in
government? How could public trust in government be increased?
3.
Combating terrorism has entailed restrictions on civil liberties. How can
we reconcile civil liberties and national security? What sorts of limits
on personal freedom do you think are acceptable? What sort of actions are
not acceptable? How does national security affect Americans' support of
liberty?
4.
What values do Americans tend to share? Are there any values that all
Americans share? why do we disagree so vehemently about the proper role
of government in upholding those values?
5.
Does the American Political System uphold American Values? Explain. Give
an example of a US “Founding Father” who is a hero (or not) to you?
Explain.
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Chap. 2 , Why "Back then" never was.
Terms of interest:
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bicameralism
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Shays' Rebellion
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politics
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judicial review
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Constitutional Convention
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social contract
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supremacy clause
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Checks and balances
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majority rule/minority rights
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Articles of Confederation.
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Separation of powers
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power
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The Federalists
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Federalism
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Virginia Plan
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The Antifederalists
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Bill of Rights
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New Jersey Plan
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The Federalist Papers
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Republic
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The Great Compromise
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limited government
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Key Concepts from the text:
|
|
- Even though the relationship between the citizen and
the government is central to American politics, the government does not
necessarily do what the majority of the people want.
-Government effects our lives every day.
-Different types of government are defined by how
powerful the government is and how free the people are.
- Politics in America changed when more people won the
right to participate.
- The identity and characteristics of Americans have
changed over time.
- Liberty, equality and democracy are core American
values, though they often come into conflict with each other.
|
|
|
|
|
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Some things to think about:
Can you discuss these questions? If not, re-read your
text and the lecture notes or do a little research on the web.
|
1. Do
you think you know what words like "freedom,"
"justice," "democracy" mean? Are they natural? Where
do you derive your own meaning for those words?
2.
What do you think are the most important reasons for low public trust in
government? How could public trust in government be increased?
3.
Combating terrorism has entailed restrictions on civil liberties. How can
we reconcile civil liberties and national security? What sorts of limits
on personal freedom do you think are acceptable? What sort of actions are
not acceptable? How does national security affect Americans' support of
liberty?
4.
What values do Americans tend to share? Are there any values that all
Americans share? why do we disagree so vehemently about the proper role
of government in upholding those values?
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Chap. 3 Federalism, How's your relationship (with the
federal government?) "The levels of Government."
terms of interest:
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un funded mandate
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preemption
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unitary
system
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regulated federalism
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New federalism
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confederation
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cooperative federalism
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block grants
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implied powers
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nation centered federalism
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general revenue sharing
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reserved
powers
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state centered federalism
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devolution
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concurrent
powers
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dual federalism
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federal system
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full
faith and credit clause
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privileges and immunities
clause
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Key
concepts from the Text:
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- Federalism has shaped American politics from the
country's beginnings to the present.
- the definition of federalism has changed radically
in the last two centuries. The federal government has done far more since
the 1930's than it did during the traditional system from 1787 to the
1930's
- The states continue to exert great power over citizens'
everyday lives.
- the "New federalism" of recent years has
turned more power back to the states.
- Sometimes the federal government requires the states
to do things but does not give the states money to do them.
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some things to think about:
Can you discuss these questions? If not, re-read your
text and the lecture notes or do a little research on the web.
|
1. The
diversity of state laws and procedure creates situations that may seem
unfair to many citizens. Should the federal government have more power to
require greater uniformity in policy among the states/ What policies
would you like to see equalized?
2. the
Founders clearly envisioned a smaller role for the national government
than what we currently see. How have society and technology changed to
allow and/or require greater national government control?
3.
Should issues related to immigration, that have to be negotiated with
other countries, be open to state and local regulation? What about the
burdens created on the state and local governments (eg,
police, education, health services, etc)? Does
this financial stake justify state and local regulation?
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Chapter 4, Civil Liberties…protection from government... and
Chapter 5, Civil Rights... protections from arbitrary
treatment.
terms
of interest:
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Civil Liberties
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Brown v Board of Education
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Establishment
clause
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Civil rights
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Civil rights Act of 1964
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Due process of law
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Separate but equal doctrine
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school desegregation
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Slander
& Libel
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Literacy test
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Voting Rights Act of 1965
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Exclusionary rule of evidence
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substantive liberties
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poll tax
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Plea bargaining
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procedural liberties
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ERA Equal Rights Amendment
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De
facto segregation
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strict scrutiny
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ADA Amer. with Disabilities
Act
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De
jure segregation
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clear and present danger
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Affirmative Action
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suffrage
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mobilization
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participation
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Key
Concepts from the text (chs. 4 & 5)
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- Civil liberties are protections from government,
Civil Rights are protections by government.
- We can thank the opponents of the Constitution 9 the
Anti federalists for the fact that a Bill of Rights was added to the
Constitution.
- the 14th Amendment made it possible for citizens to
enjoy key Bill of Rights protections in their daily lives through the
process of incorporation.
- African Americans fought long and hard to win basic
civil rights.
- Other disadvantaged groups followed the trail blazed
by the civil rights movement.
- Affirmative Action programs were designed to right
past wrongs.
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some things to think about
(Remember - half of the final exam questions come from
these "some things to think about" questions)
You should be able to discuss each of these.
|
1. Why
does the country need the reauthorization of the USA Patriot Act? What
are the arguments for and against it and how do you see it? Does national
security demand a diminishment of civil liberties?
2. Did
you attend public school? Was there prayer at your commencement? At
Lunch, or practice, or somewhere else? Did it occur to you that your
teachers, coaches or principal might be violating a Supreme Court ruling?
Is it ever acceptable for some one to violate
the law? under what conditions? What would happen if everyone decided she
or he could choose what laws to obey?
3. How
much free speech should we allow in the United States? would you allow a
white racist to give a speech on campus? A member of a freeman's militia?
A black racist?
4. Why
have most of the advances in civil rights come through the federal courts
and not through the legislature? What does this say about our democratic
system? Which would you rather have: judges who believe in judicial
restraint when it comes to civil rights, or judges who are activists?
5.
Should the time, place and manner of the speech matter when deciding
whether the speech is constitutional? If hateful speech is political,
does that make it more constitutionally protected?
6.
What is the difference between Civil Liberties and Civil Rights? Give an
example of each FROM YOUR LIFE that demonstrates you understand the
difference as it applies to you.
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Ch 6. Methodology (How do we know what we know?).
terms
of interest
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Random Sampling
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conservative
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Political socialization
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Exit poll
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push polling
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Public opinion
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liberty
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selection bias
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Political opinion
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equality of opportunity
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margin of error
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Political opinion polling
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democracy
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methodology
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Scientific polling
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liberal
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Political culture
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Key
Concepts from the Text
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- Americans' opinions are shaped by fundamental values
and demographics background.
- Family, social groups, education and political
conditions all transmit political values and information.
- The ability of public opinion to influence
government decisions depends on specific conditions and events.
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some things to think about
(Remember - half of the final exam questions come from
these "some things to think about" questions)
You should be able to discuss each of these.
|
1.
What effect has college had on your political attitudes? Why does it have
the effect? Are college faculty effective at indoctrinating students,
either consciously or unconsciously? Why or Why not?
2.
What is your opinion on same sex marriages? What is the basis for your
opinion: legal, social, or religious beliefs, other? Has your opinion
changed in any way over the last few years or so? If so, how and why?
3.
Does political advertising manipulate public opinion about issues and
candidates? Is this any different from advertising a consumer product? If
political attitudes are the results of manipulation, does this make a
mockery of free elections? If citizens' preferences are not freely
chosen, what does this mean for democracy?
4.
Describe the difference between liberal and conservative ideologies in
American politics. Using one social or demographic group as an example,
describe some of the factors that may have shaped the ideological
orientation of that particular group.
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Chap 7 – Voting and Elections
and how to win 'em...
terms
of interest
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general election
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open primary
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Plurality
vote
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Electoral College
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closed primary
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"winner
take all"
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voter turnout
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caucus primary
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Single
Member District
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vote by mail/absentee voter
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off-year election
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Gerrymandering
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registered voter
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voter suppression
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Suffrage
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"Polling place/voting
booth"
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literacy tests
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|
|
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Key
concepts from the Text:
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- The bases for voter decisions are party, issues and
candidates. Image is very important.
- America's electoral process consists of many rules,
levels and types of elections.
- Money is the "mother's milk of politics."
- The Citizens United Case means corporations and
others can spend unlimited amounts of money on elections and not have to
report the source of the money.
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some
things to think about:
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1.
Should a voter support a third party that has no chance of winning or
should they vote for the major party they dislike the least? How might
one reconcile his or her decision to support a third
party candidate in our two party system?
2.
Candidates must court interest group money. If you were a candidate which
interest groups would you go after? Are there any you would not take
money from? What can you promise them in return for money to support you?
3.
Studies have shown that partisan tv programs, films, books, etc are consumed mostly by those who already agree
with their message, thus the persuasive impact of partisan media is
limited. Does the proliferation of partisan fragmented media negatively
impact our democracy? Why or Why not?
4.
What motivates regular citizens to run for local political office, given
that the positions usually offer low pay and many challenges and a loss
of privacy? Would you ever run for public office? Why or why
5. Why
is the Citizens United case (in the Supreme Court) so
important and what does it mean to US politics?
6.
Today many politicians hire private investigators to check out their
opponents' credit reports, medical records, high school and college
records, etc. Does this sort of scrutiny drive off good potential
candidates? What can be done about this or is the complete loss of
privacy simply the price of public office?
7. Can democracy be
sustained when so few people are involved in the political process? Voter
turnouts at local elections sometimes run less than ten per cent, and yet
local governments are the ones that affect people closely on a daily
basis. Why don't more people vote? What can or should be done, if
anything?
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Ch 8 –
Media and Setting the Agenda
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terms of interest
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Agenda Setting
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Spinning & Spin doctors
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Bias
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Trial balloon
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Broco vs. Print Journalism
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Framing
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Horse Race Elements
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media concentration
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Priming
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Cold Fax
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Key Concepts from the Text
- Broadcast, print and internet media
are the three mains sources from which Americans get
their news.
- the First Amendment protection of free press
protects print media more than electronic media.
- Journalists, media organizations, news sources, and
consumers all influence the content of news.
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some things to think about
(Remember - half of the final exam questions come from
these "some things to think about" questions)
You should be able to discuss each of these.
|
1.
With campaigns using YouTube and Facebook, do you think that the internet
promotes and helps democracy? What challenges are there in making sure
that citizens relying on the internet are informed political
participants?
2. The
intent of the Communications Decency Act was to prevent children from
obtaining obscene or pornographic material from the internet. Would you
support broad censorship of the internet to protect children? Do you
think you should be protected from such material? Whose responsibility is
it to protect children from offensive materials?
3. Why
is a free press essential to democracy? If there were no free press, how
would you get your information? If you couldn't trust the information,
what effect would that have on your political attitudes? Can we maintain
a democracy when most Americans pay little attention to political events?
4. In
wartime, can media criticism of government action provide aid and comfort
to the nation's enemies? Should there be limits on media criticism of the
government during time of war, or does criticism actually enhance the
nation's strength?
5. To
what extent are the media biased? As more news sources have become
available, has this led to more or less bias in the media? What is media
concentration? Is it a serious problem? Why or why not?
6. How
has the internet changed the News Media’s coverage and effect on US
Politics? Is it “better” or “worse” for our country? Give specific
reasons to defend your position
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Ch. 9 - Where Your Party at?
terms
of interest
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national conventions
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Single issue interest group
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Political
party
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nominations
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Public Interest groups
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Political
party identification (ID)
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minority party
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Corporate interest groups
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Independents
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majority party
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coalition
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"third"
parties
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Lobbying & Lobbyists
|
|
divided
government
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PACs (political action
committee)
|
|
Key
concepts from the Text:
|
- America is one of the few countries with only two
strong political parties (the 2 party system).
- It is to the advantage of both major parties to
bring in minor parties and social movements.
- American political parties are coalitions of many
interests, people and beliefs.
- Electoral realignments define the important stages
of American democracy.
- Political party dealignment means others, like
interest groups and corporations, are now doing what political parties
used to do and o many Americans the power,
relevance and importance of political parties has fallen greatly.
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So what do parties STILL do?
1. They recruit candidates to run for office and help others
run for office.
2. They
organize nominations.
3. They
"get out the vote."
4. They facilitate voter choice (or at least the appearance
of choice).
5. They
organize power in Congress and in state houses.
6.
Most candidates still need political party help to get elected.
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some things to think about
|
1.
How has your parents party identification affected your choice of
party? Is there a strong relationship between their party choices and
your own? According to your religious affiliation, ethnicity, gender,
residence and social class, what party would you be expected to belong
to?
2.
In the past, critics have frequently charged that there are very few
differences between the two major parties. Is that true today? What do
you think the Republicans and Democrats said they stood for in the
nineties? Has it changed? How and why?
3.
In what ways have American parties become weaker? what are the
advantages and disadvantages to a system characterized as having weak
political parties?
4. How influential are religious groups in American
politics? Has this changed over time? How important should religion be
in politics?
5.
Which groups voted for the Democrats and which voted for the
Republicans in 2008. Was that a change from the past? Which groups will
probably vote for the same party as the past? What does this say about
democracy in America?
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Ch 10
- Interest Groups
Not
all Interest Groups are Equal !
terms of interest
|
pluralism
|
staff members (staffers)
|
Lobbying
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"iron triangle"
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single issue group
|
lobbyist
|
grass roots
|
multiple issue group
|
interest
group
|
going public
|
|
Key
concepts from the Text:
|
- Interest groups have become the most vital and
effective form of political expression for citizens trying to shape
government policy.
-Interest group activity does not necessarily equal
democracy, since those with more time, money, information and resources
are more likely to succeed through group action.
-The growth of government programs and the over-all
economy have spurred the growth of interest groups.
- Interest groups follow many strategies aside from
lobbying to shape government decisions.
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some things to think about
Remember any of these may be on the final exam!
|
1.
Foreign corporations and governments also lobby the U.S. federal
government, as do American ethnic and religious groups with direct ties
to foreign countries. Should foreign firms, and others with ties to
foreign countries or corporations, be allowed to lobby in the U.S. at all
levels of government? Why or why not?
2. The
tobacco lobby has always been one of the largest and most powerful in
D.C. But it seems "big tobacco" is on the defensive. Why do you
think the tobacco lobby lost some of its power?
3.
James Madison asserted that in a free society the clash among competing
interests, each pursuing selfish goals, would result in policies that
serve the common good. Is free competition among competing interest
actually the best way to promote the common good? Is such a free
competition typical in the U.S.?
4. How
do interest groups differ from political parties? Should we prefer a
political process dominated by parties or one in which interest groups
are more important? Why or Why not?
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Ch 11.
Congress, our elected representatives.
Key
concepts from the Text:
|
- Congress was designed to be the people's most direct
voice in the national government, and the most powerful of the three
branches.
- Power in Congress us allocated by political party.
- Most of Congress's important work is done in
committees, sub commitees and by staff people.
- Because of the lengthy process by which a bill
becomes a law, most bills never become law.
- The president, interest groups and constituents all
influence congressional action.
|
some
things to think about:
|
1. Why
does the American public have such a low opinion of Congress? Less than
one-quarter approve of the way Congress does its job, and less than half
say their own member deserves to be reelected. What can Congress do to
improve its reputation among the general public? Does it matter if they
mostly get reelected?
2. How
representative is Congress? Most members of the House and senator are
rich, white, males "middle age' or older. What impact does this
skewed representation have in terms of liberty, equality, and democracy?
can these people really represent women, minorities, and poor people?
How? Realistically, could a poor person ever get elected to Congress?
3. Are
there stages at which the legislative process is more democratic than it
is at others? In your opinion, is the overall process of legislation
democratic?
4.
Should members of Congress do what a majority of their constituents want
even if they personally disagree, or should the people trust the member's
judgment?
5. Is
the primary goal of most members of Congress good public policy or to be
reelected? Is that good or bad for democratic government. What should
their goal be? Could you ask everyone you know for money every time you
see them? That's what a candidate must do. Would you ever run for public
office? Why or why not?
6. Who
is your US Congress representative? Who are California’s US Senators?
Would you vote for each of them? Explain why or why not.
|
Ch. 12. The Presidency - "He's just the President…"
(Some day: she)
terms of interest
|
express powers
|
staff (administration)
|
Impeachment
|
delegated powers
|
War Powers Resolution (or Act)
|
Veto
|
inherent powers
|
"political outsider"
|
Pocket
veto
|
executive order
|
"bully pulpit"
|
Commander-in-Chief
|
executive privilege
|
"kitchen cabinet"
|
|
informal power
|
|
Key concepts from the Text:
|
- Presidential power is rooted in the Constitution.
- The powers exercised by all modern presidents far
outstrip what the Constitution provides.
- The modern president is served by numerous office and departs (more than 10,000 people are
presidential appointees and staff members.)
- To get things done, presidents rely on a variety of
political resources, including elections, political parties, interest
groups, the media, and public opinion.
|
some things to think about
|
1.
Would giving the public direct access to watch presidential press
briefings live and successors over the internet increase public
awareness, information or participation? Are there other ways the
internet could contribute to the democratization of the presidency?
2. Do
recent events in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere enhance the need for a
more engaged Congress on foreign policy? Or should the presidency as an
institution be granted greater political latitude in the war on terror?
3. How
much do we need to know about the personal lives of our presidents? Does
what goes on in their personal lives affect
their ability to govern? Have our most effective presidents also been the
most exemplary? Have the most moral been the most effective?
4. Why
do you think the American president is called the most powerful leader in
the world? If that is true, what special responsibilities does that
carry? Should we limit the president's role in world affairs? Why or why
not?
5.
Presidents have expressed, delegated, and inherent powers. Which do you
think most accounts for the powers of the presidency?
6. How
is the American president limited or constrained in his powers to act as
he pleases? Why must the president resort to the "power of the bully
pulpit" to accomplish his goals? What are the formal and informal
resources available to the president as he attempts to persuade others to
help meet his goals?
|
Ch 13.
The Federal Courts. "...and justice for all…"?
terms
of interest
|
Common law
|
solicitor general
|
plaintiff
|
Civil law/civil court
|
amicus curiae brief
|
defendant
|
Criminal law/criminal court
|
supremacy clause
|
original
jurisdiction
|
Judicial review
|
Supreme Court
Opinion/Dissenting Opinion
|
trial
court
|
Judicial self-restraint
|
Universal Commerce Code
|
Court
of Appeals
|
Judicial activism
|
due process of law
|
Supreme
Court
|
Chief Justice
|
Miranda rule
|
plea
bargain
|
writ of habeas corpus
|
writ of certiorari
|
Key
concepts from the Text:
|
- Millions of cases come to trial in the United States
every year.
- State Courts handle the vast majority of court cases
in American (about 98%).
- The key to the power of the courts is judicial
review.
- Only a tiny percentage of cases get to the Supreme
Court, which tightly controls the flow of the cases it hears.
- Court decisions are shaped by the justices' activism
and ideology.
|
some things to think about
Remember any of these may be on the final exam!
|
1. As
digital technology evolves, the US federal courts find themselves
bombarded by questions of intellectual property rights and copyright law,
like peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, and the musicians' right to
compensation. Should the courts be more accommodating of innovative
technologies? Or should they do more to protect artists and
"traditional" businesses?
2. The
Supreme Court seems more willing to declare acts of Congress
unconstitutional than it is willing to confront the president on the
constitutionality of his actions. Why might this be the case? When has
the Supreme Court checked presidential power?
3. In
what ways are courts, judges and justices shielded from politics and
political pressure? In what ways are they vulnerable to political power? What
does this say about our justice system?
4.
Suppose the federal courts did not have the power of judicial review.
Instead all acts of Congress and the president would be considered
constitutional. How would this change our system? Would you favor such a
change? Be creative but not silly.
|
Ch 14,
The Bureaucratic Theory -
Or why
No One runs the government.
We are all bureaucrats. Because we expect (and get) bureaucracy
everywhere!
terms of interest
|
Bureaucracy
|
Cabinet Departments
|
Spoils
system
|
Civil service
|
independent agencies
|
Merit
system
|
Congressional Oversight
|
government corporation
|
Deregulation
|
Managerial President
|
Federal Reserve System (the
Fed)
|
Whistle-blower
|
fiscal policy
|
|
Key
concepts from the Text:
|
- Bureaucratic structures exist to improve efficiency
in large organizations.
The bureaucracy of the federal government is smaller
than it used to be, and is composed of people whose job is to serve the
public.
- Different types of government agencies perform
different tasks.
- Bureaucracy is controlled by the president,
Congress, and federal rules.
|
some things to think about
|
1.
What are the primary goals of government agencies and how do they
prioritize those goals? How is the national agenda determined, when many
more agencies and issues desire attention than can have it?
2.
Suppose you were aware of some corruption that was occurring in the
government agency in which you worked. What would you do? Would you be a
whistleblower? What are the possible consequences to you for reporting
corruption? Do you believe you are an honest and ethical person? If you
didn't report the corruption, would you still consider yourself to be an
honest and ethical person?
3.
Many people complain about government red tape. Suppose we were to
abolish the red tape and just let bureaucrats make their own decisions,
using their own judgment. Would you support that change? Why or Why not?
4. As
governments downsize, they often contract with private companies to
perform what was once considered to be traditional work of government.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of privatizing jails, public
schools, military plane maintenance, state welfare agencies and state
employment agencies?
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Ch 15, on State and Local Government, has no lecture nor notes.
You should read this chapter as you research and prepare your Course
Project Paper, which MUST be about California State or local government
POLICY. (Please DO NOT cite this nor any other textbook in your Course
Project Paper Reference List
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