Prof. J. S. Trachtenberg
Clayton State University
POLS 3380 – Interest Groups & Political Parties 
Fall Semester 2005                                     
Examination One

 INSTRUCTIONS:  I have revised the examination question to encourage students to provide a more comprehensive essay on the assigned topic. This should mean that more of the material you have researched may be included in your answer to the question.
 
DATE:  The Word formatted email attachment of the exam is due to the instructor no later than Noon, Saturday, October 1^st; As you have a week in which to prepare your answer, late examinations will have 25% of the earned score deducted. You will prepare for this examination outside of class and write this examination from off-campus, using your laptop computer. You may use notes and other research and reference materials in writing your examination answer. Once completed, you will email the completed Word formatted examination as an attachment to me at:

 joetrachtenberg@clayton.edu 

The examination answer is to be your work and yours alone. Your exam should be typed, double-space, using  at least twelve-point type. At the left top corner of the first page provide:  your full name, POLS 3380 – Interest Groups & Political Parties, and the examination date.  Provide a reference page at the end of the exam for all hard copy and Internet materials used in the preparation and writing of the exam. Remember, as stated in the CSU Student Handbook, plagiarism and cheating are not tolerated at Clayton State University .  

While I will not specifically deduct points for grammar, syntax or spelling mistakes, remember, common sense dictates that a well written (i.e. correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and clarity of meaning), logically organized, comprehensive and thoughtful treatment of the topic will earn more points than a short, poorly written, superficial treatment of the same subject.  

Assume I know very little specifically about your chosen issue or problem. As the instructor, I will want to know how well you understand the topic. A strong essay may include information from the textbooks, but it will also make extensive use of outside resources, accurate historical and current news, the opinions of recognized experts, objective analysis, and logical conclusions. Think about and explain the factual situation and concepts involved. Do not simply quote from and paraphrase the source materials you incorporate into your discussion.  Please, email me any questions.

 Examination Question (150 possible points): Please provide information in response to all aspects of the question.  

1. When the President nominates a federal judge, the Senate Judiciary Committee may hold hearings, and the full Senate may vote to approve or disapprove the nomination. Powerful political interests become involved in this process at the White House and in the Senate. In the instance of Judge John Roberts, nominated for the office of Chief Justice of the United States, what issue/s (personal background, political ideology, party preference, and written work) surrounding this nominee received attention from interest groups, members of the Senate and the press? Why did President Bush choose Judge Roberts as his nominee for this office? Which interest groups came out in favor of or opposed the nomination? Explain why did each interest group you have identified supported or opposed the Roberts nomination? Did Judge Roberts’ responses to questions put to him during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing provide insights as to how he might position himself when cases in various policy areas come before the Court? Did the Senate vote to approve or disapprove the nomination of Judge Roberts as Chief Justice?