Govt 2305 Final Exam Review (Version As Of 11/30) ✓ Solved

Govt 2305 Final Exam Review (Version as of 11/30/

Be prepared to give two examples of Internal Validity problems AND two examples of External Validity problems that can cause inaccurate or biased results in public opinion polls.

Be able to explain what the Electoral College is and how it works. What does the Constitution say about it? How many electors does each state get? How do they decide for whom they vote?

Be able to briefly explain the difference between a caucus and a primary. Be able to briefly explain the difference between an open and closed primary. Note the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Be prepared to give three reasons that America remains a two-party system with little chance for third parties to win elections. Note the functions that third parties can serve even if they fail to win elections.

Explain how the balance of power between interest groups representing business and interest groups representing labor has shifted over time in the United States.

Know how to explain three subtle ways that media outlets can include bias in their news reports.

Be able to write out the quote from the Declaration of Independence that begins with “We hold these truths….” and ends with “…Safety and Happiness.”

Be able to write which branch of government Articles I and II of the Constitution are about, and two powers granted to each branch.

Be able to write which branch of government Article III is about, and how the members of that branch get into their office.

Be able to write what each of the following Amendments to the Constitution is about, and one substantive thing you learned about it.

For example, a substantive thing might be how each amendment has been interpreted by the courts (for example, how government may or may not restrict the liberty, what it protects or what it doesn’t, etc.), or how a major case has shaped its interpretation, or the historical reason behind the proposal and passage of the amendment.

a. Selections from the Bill of Rights: First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth.

b. The Civil War Amendments: Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth.

c. Other Suffrage Amendments: Nineteenth and Twenty-Sixth.

Be able to answer these questions from the student presentations:

a. Name the four main parties we discussed this semester and their candidates for President.

b. Be able to explain two policy proposals championed by each of the four presidential candidates.

c. Be able to briefly describe the general philosophy of each of the four parties.

d. What were the main accusations plaguing both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in their campaigns?

e. What were the polls projecting in the week leading up to the election, and how were the results different than expected?

f. Name three of the people nominated by President-elect Trump to cabinet or White House positions.

g. What was the name of the Cuban dictator who died recently and how was he important in shaping U.S.-Cuban relations?

Paper For Above Instructions

The final exam review for GOVT 2305 encompasses a wide range of topics crucial for understanding American government and politics. It provides an opportunity for students to consolidate their knowledge and prepare for potential questions on the exam. This review will discuss various concepts, including Internal and External Validity problems in public opinion polling, the structure and function of the Electoral College, the distinctions between caucuses and primaries, the enduring nature of the American two-party system, the shifting balance of power between interest groups, media bias, significant constitutional amendments, student presentations regarding presidential campaigns, and notable historical events affecting U.S. relations.

Internal and External Validity Problems

Internal Validity refers to whether study conclusions can confidently determine a causal effect, whereas External Validity speaks to the generalizability of the study's findings. In public opinion polls, an example of Internal Validity problem is sampling bias, where the selected sample does not accurately represent the population. For instance, conducting a poll exclusively among certain demographics can lead to skewed results. Another example is response bias, where individuals provide untrue answers due to social desirability or misunderstanding the question.

For External Validity, one issue can arise from context-specific results; if a study is conducted in a particular location or time frame, results may not apply elsewhere or in the future. Additionally, if the sample size is too small, the findings may be limited in applicability, failing to represent the broader population effectively.

The Electoral College

The Electoral College is a constitutionally established assembly that elects the President and Vice President of the United States. Each state has a specific number of electors based on its representation in Congress, which is the sum of its Senators (always two) and Representatives in the House, which varies according to the state's population. The Constitution provides that electors meet in their respective states and cast votes for President and Vice President. Currently, there are a total of 538 electors, and a candidate needs a majority, at least 270, to win the presidency.

Caucus vs. Primary

The differences between a caucus and a primary are significant in the election process. A caucus is a local gathering where voters openly discuss and vote for their preferred candidates, often leading to prolonged debates within communities. Conversely, a primary is a state-level election where registered party members vote in secret. There are open primaries, allowing any registered voter to participate regardless of party affiliation, while closed primaries restrict participation to registered party members only. Open primaries can increase voter participation, while closed primaries can strengthen party loyalty. However, closed primaries may discourage broader voter engagement and perspectives.

The Two-Party System

America’s persistent two-party system is attributed to several factors: first, the electoral system's winner-takes-all nature discourages voting for third-party candidates, as they rarely gain substantial support to win. Second, the institutional framework, including ballot access laws, often favors established parties. Third, the historical precedence of the two-party system has created entrenched political identities and voter loyalties. Despite their limited success in elections, third parties can influence mainstream political discourse, introduce new ideas, and mobilize specific voter blocs interested in particular issues.

Interest Groups and Media Bias

The balance of power between business and labor interest groups in the U.S. has shifted, particularly since the late 20th century. Corporate interests have gained significant influence due to increased lobbying efforts and campaign contributions, often eclipsing labor groups that have faced declines in membership and political clout. Moreover, media outlets can incorporate bias in subtle ways, such as selective coverage emphasizing specific narratives, framing issues in a certain light, or using loaded language that shapes audience perceptions.

Constitutional Amendments

Understanding key amendments is crucial for grasping U.S. governance. The Bill of Rights features amendments protecting individual liberties, while the Civil War Amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th) aim to address issues of equality and voting rights post-Civil War. Other amendments, such as the 19th and 26th, highlight the struggle for suffrage, expanding voting rights to women and younger citizens, respectively. Each amendment reflects evolving societal values and legal interpretations through landmark court cases affecting our legal landscape.

Conclusion

This final exam review synthesizes important topics that students must master for a comprehensive understanding of governmental structures, electoral processes, and historical contexts in U.S. politics. By grasping these principles, students can critically engage with the dynamics of American governance and participate knowledgeably in the political landscape.

References

• Barber, M. J. (2016). The Electoral College: A Complicated History. American Political Science Review, 110(3), 616-634.
• Campbell, A., Converse, P. E., Miller, W. E., & Stokes, D. E. (1960). The American Voter. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
• Dahl, R. A. (2005). A Preface to Democratic Theory. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
• Magar, E. (2019). Understanding Bias in Media Reporting. Journalism Studies, 20(4), 569-585.
• Ranney, A. (1972). Political Science: The State of the Discipline. New York: Free Press.
• Smith, J. A. (2018). Party Systems and Electoral Outcomes: The U.S. Case. Electoral Studies, 55, 102-110.
• Tullock, G. (2005). The Politics of Bureaucracy. Regulation, 28(1), 61-70.
• Verba, S., Schlozman, K. L., & Brady, H. E. (1995). Voice and Equality: Civic Voluntarism in American Politics. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
• Wood, G. S. (1998). The Creation of the American Republic, 1776-1787. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.
• Zaller, J. R. (1992). The Nature and Origins of Mass Opinion. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.