(two of these six questions will comprise the exam, one each day, and each essay will receive its own letter grade)
The responses to the following prompts should only be based on Wasserman’s Basics of American Politics (13th, 14th, or 15th ed.), Parenti’s Democracy for the Few (8th or 9th ed.), and other required readings in conjunction with the course lectures and discussions. Other course readings and films can be included, but are not required for this exam.
Remember to define your terms and to clearly explain your ideas. Be explicit instead of making assumptions; discuss rather than simply assert; be as clear and specific as possible. Provide examples only when appropriate, but don’t use examples, anecdotes, or questions as substitution for explanation and discussion. Think carefully and comprehensively.
Students are encouraged to discuss these issues with each other, share notes and thoughts, and form or join study groups. Although test taking is an individual effort, studying for the exam could be a cooperative and collaborative process. Please feel free to study with each other.
Remember to be on time and to turn off all your electronics during the exam, so as not to disturb or distract the rest of the class and the testing environment. Please do not leave the classroom until you have completed the test.
For this in-class, closed-book/notes essay exam, please use pen (any dark color), regular loose-leaf paper (Blue/Green Books are neither necessary nor encouraged), put your name at the top of each page, and be sure to write as neatly as possible, with double-spaced lines, single or double-sided pages (the messier you write, the more space you should leave between words and between lines).
Feel free to make notes, outlines, diagrams, etc. on your exam sheet to assist you.
Although there is no length requirement, be sure to address ALL parts of each question and to answer as clearly, comprehensively, and neatly as possible. No more than 6-7 paragraphs
1. Describe and discuss (a) the branches of the federal government, (b) paying special attention to the specific powers of each branch and (c) how the branches work together.
2. Define and discuss (a) the concepts of democracy and plutocracy, assessing how well they (b) go and (c) don’t go together.
3. Discuss what (a) Wasserman and (b) Parenti each say about the concepts of (c) politics and (d) power, (e) defining and discussing both of these terms.
4. Define and discuss (a) the concepts of civil rights and civil liberties. (b) What would Parenti say about both (c) the benefits and (d) the limits of civil rights and civil liberties?
5. Discuss how (a) the media affects elections and (b) how elections affect the media. Explain why you (c) agree or disagree with Parenti’s suggestions for reforming the media and/or the electoral process.
6. Discuss how the Constitution is both (a) a conservative and (b) a progressive document and (c) what the implications are for American society.