Political science 101 test

Need help with my Political Science question – I’m studying for my class.

Final Exam Structure

Posted at 11:00am, Monday May 4th; due 11:00pm that evening 50 points total
Focuses on topics covered since the midterm exam

Part 1: Descriptive Essay

• Pick 1 (out of 2); 25 points
• Explain some aspect of US politics. Make sure to answer every part of the question Part 2: Argumentative Essay

• Pick 1 (out of 2); 25 points
• Make an argument for or against some claim about US politics

1. Part 2: Argumentative Essay
   • Pick 1 (out of 2); 25 points
   • Make an argument for or against some claim about US politics

Overarching Themes for the Final Exam

US Political Culture

• Tocqueville: the innovations and pitfalls of the US social state
  • Innovations: local autonomy; self-interest properly understood
  • Pitfalls: tyranny of the majority; individualism; industrial aristocracy; new despotism
• Civil liberties and civil rights
  • Selective incorporation and the balance of personal freedoms and public security
  • The history of the civil rights movement: litigation vs. mass movement
  • Contemporary problems: why do we see unequal outcomes in a “colorblind” society?
• Political behaviors and institutions beyond the three branches of gov’t
  • Why does public opinion matter? How does the media shape it? What are some challenges in measuring it?
  • Interest groups vs. parties: who participates? Who tends to be excluded? Why do these organizations persist?
  • How might political outcomes change if we changed voting and campaigning rules?