Midterm!

ECompanion: AMERICAN GOVERNMENT TAKE-HOME MIDTERM

Please answer all of the following in one word document and turn in as hard copy, send to me at khofheimer@southuniversity.edu, or upload to ecompanion. Make sure to save along the way and have a back-up copy. This is due next Monday at the beginning of class, even if, for some reason, you must be absent. You may use your textbook, notes, and even the internet, but do not copy and paste: all answers should be in your own words. Please cite the url (only) if you consult a website and use its material in your analysis (though you should incorporate your findings into your own working knowledge and not simply paraphrase). Full citations are not necessary here.

Part 1: Essay: Please select two questions and answer all parts of each in essay form. Each essay should be about one and a half pages long and well-organized, with a descriptive title, engaging introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and satisfying conclusion. Please use APA format.
1. Discuss the differences between Keynes’ and Hayek’s economic theories and tell which one better guides, explains, and informs modern politics and economics.
2. What are fundamental beliefs that form the core of American political culture? Further, what are the implications of this worldview, and to what extent has this worldview been realized?
3. How well has the Constitution worked over the long sweep of American history? Discuss, providing seminal examples.
4. When and how do you think the United States’ hegemony will end? Is there any way the United States can preserve its unipolar moment?
5. The original American colonists desired protected liberties based not on the king's prerogatives but on a “higher law” that embodied “natural rights” or “human rights.” This was an honorable imperative, yet why do you think it is taking so long for the natural right of equality to be manifest and felt?
6. Why do you think America, the country that “won” the Cold War and in 1991 was capable of setting the world's agenda and establishing global standards, is fumbling so desperately right now? Where did America go wrong, and how can it right its course? Or is it too late. Please discuss and explain.

Part 2: Short Answer: Please answer each of the following briefly and cogently, using complete sentences. Please write only a paragraph for each response, not an essay.
7. Contrast democracy (in theory) with two other forms of government discussed in class and/or in your text.
8. What is Dye and Sparrow’s main definition of politics? If the “who” in their definition refers to the elite, then do you suppose this elite would promote equality of opportunity programming or equality of result? What kind of programming are you most for? Are you more for conservative or liberal programs? Why?
9. How can democratic standards be measured?
10. Why are democracy levels (real and perceived) and a nation’s wealth closely correlated in today's world?
11. According to Francis Fukuyama, what is the “end of history”? If history indeed “ends,” what, if anything, begins?
12. Scholar Samuel Huntington does not foresee an “end of history,” but, rather a “clash of civilizations” as the defining tensionof today's world. What does he mean with this characterization? Do you think his theory has genuine merit?
13. Benjamin Barber, along with many others, predicts an imminent conflict between the “haves” and the “have nots” of this world. How might this come to pass?
14. For the American government, is the European Union more a threat or a new series of opportunities? How do you think the U.S. should position itself with regard to this relatively new entity? 15. Your text includes a section entitled “Katrina: Federalism Fails in a Crisis” (p. 112). How did federalism fail here, according to your text? Do you agree with this contention? (If not, or if you only partially agree, explain.) If you do agree, why do you think it failed, and what lessons need to be learned?

Part 3: True/False: Please write the word “True” or “False” for each of the following.
16. Hispanics are now the nation's largest minority.
17. A hobbesian world is characterized as highly competitive.
18. The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States require that every person (not just citizen) be afforded “due process of law.”
19. Proponents of globalization generally endorse high transnational taxes and tariffs.
20. Liberals tend to be “tougher” on crime than conservatives, often asking for greater numbers of police and prisons and less “coddling” by the courts.
21. Taking prayer out of public schools in the United States was a secular move.
22. Ideology refers to a person's worldview, often his or her political leanings.
23. According to your text, Virginia is a liberal state.
24. Clausewitz famously described war as politics that have become violent.
25. Night class: Our classmate Clinton endorses illegal immigration. Day class: Christopher Bowser, our classmate, claims to be addicted to following political news and said he hopes South University will soon include American Government 2 and 3.

Part 4: Multiple Choice: Please select the correct answer to the following questions.
26. All of the following were characteristics of the George W. Bush doctrine except
endorses America’s right to lead
supports preemptive strikes
believes in deterrence at all costs
was used to justify recent strikes in Afghanistan and Iraq

27. The United States is known globally for its
unwillingness to endure death of its own
lack of respect for United Nations’ decisions
popular celebrity culture
all of the above

28. The modern nation-state was established under which of the following:
Treaty of Paris
Treaty of Westphalia
Treaty of Versailles
Treaty of Rome

29. The U.S. policy towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War was:
Retribution
Containment
Appeasement
Democratization

30. Which of the following best describes the concept of power?
using one’s assets to affect events
purely tangible concept
purely intangible concept
communicating with the enemy

Part 5: more short answer questions: Please select only five of the following to answer. No more than a paragraph for each is required.

A. What are the differences between direct and indirect democracy? Which one is preferable? Why? To what extent does the U.S. have each form of democracy?
B. What is the purpose of government? What would the world be like without governments? Where does the authority to govern come from?

C. What are social movements? Under what conditions are they most likely to develop? Compare and contrast two social movements.

D. Describe the diversity of the United States and how it has changed over time. How has immigration influenced diversity?

E. What kind of government was created under the Articles of Confederation? Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Are there some ways that they were a success?

F. How was the U.S. Constitution shaped by compromises? Explain your answer.

G. What events led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence? Further, what are the most significant portions of the document?

H. What were the various complaints against the King of England enumerated in the Declaration of Independence?

I. How does the Declaration of Independence rely on religious authority to justify separation from England?

J. According to the Declaration of Independence, under what circumstances can states dissolve their political ties with their mother country?

K. Compare the constitutional powers of Congress and the president.

L. What powers are denied to the U.S. government by the Constitution?

M. How have amendments changed the Constitution?

N. How has the Supreme Court influenced the balance of power between the national and state governments?

O. According to the Constitution, which powers are given to the national government and which powers are reserved for state governments? Be sure to discuss the enumerated powers, supremacy clause, and the Tenth Amendment in your answer.

P. Describe the process of political socialization. What factors influence how a person is socialized?

Q. How is public opinion measured? What makes for a reliable public opinion survey?

R. What are the differences between liberals and conservatives? To what extent do Americans engage in ideological thinking?

S. Describe how Americans can participate in politics other than voting. How does voter registration affect political participation? Compare voter registration requirements in the U.S. with those in other democracies.

T. Explain how the federal government uses grants to increase its influence over the states.

U. Can sufficient improvement come from one of the two major U.S. parties, or is a third party required? Develop your answer from the text and other information. Why is it probably not good that the electorate is growing detached from parties? How could parties regain their place with the electorate?

V. How much should the American president’s personal moral character matter to his electorate?