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

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, December 3rd; 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 Questions: for 150 possible points, answer ONE of these three essay questions.  

1. Looking back over the decades since 1964, how has the Voting Rights Act of 1965 affected the American political system and the role voters, minorities and government plays in our political system and our society? Provide a detailed, in-depth answer to the various parts of this question.
   
   
2. Why do some people vote and others do not vote? Which voting groups are more likely to vote Democratic and which are more likely to vote Republican in presidential elections? Provide a detailed, in-depth answer to each of these two questions.

    3.  What is a PAC? Explain the role PACs play in presidential and congressional elections and their impact on the phenomenon of congressional incumbency, and policy-making at the federal and state levels. Provide a
         detailed, in-depth answer to the various parts of this question.