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

 INSTRUCTIONS: 

Examination Date: Saturday, December 3rd, A & S Bldg., Room G-229, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.  

You will prepare for this examination outside of class and write this examination in class, using your laptop computer. You may use notes in writing your examination answers. Once completed, you will email the completed examination to me at: joetrachtenberg@mail.clayton.edu  You will have the two hour examination period in which to complete your exam; if you arrive late for the exam, you will have the time remaining in which to complete your exam.  

The examination answers are to be your work and yours alone. Your exam should be typed, double-space, using twelve-point type. At the left top corner of the first page, provide:  your full name, POLS 3360 – The Congress, and the examination date.  

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, detailed, analytical exam, providing an in-depth treatment of a topic will earn more points than a short, poorly written, superficial treatment of the same subject.  

How long of an answer should you provide? If you have dealt clearly and effectively with all aspects of the question asked, the answer should be complete. 

 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 textbook, 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.

 Examination Study Questions:

Before you begin your on-campus examination, I will announce from among which of these study questions you may choose ONE question to answer for 150 possible points.  

1. What are the functions of the direct primary? Does a strong primary election victory for a candidate predict a victory in the general election that follows? Explain.
   
   
2. From the stand point of the two major parties, is the presidential caucus or the presidential preference primary system a better way to select a presidential nominee who will accurately represent the party’s position on the major issues of the day. Is either the caucus or the primary system more likely to result in a more electable presidential candidate?
   
   
3. Looking back in 2005, how has the Voting Rights Act of 1965 affected the American political system and the role government plays in our society? Provide a detailed, in-depth answer to this question.
   
   
4. 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.

5. “Presidential leadership involves exerting influence over the national party organization, the Congress, the executive branch, and even the judiciary.” Provide examples and a detailed, in-depth explanation of the ways in which a president may influence the party organization, the executive branch and the judiciary.  
   
6. What is a PAC? Explain the role PACs play in presidential and congressional elections and their impact on the phenomenon of congressional incumbency. Provide a detailed, in-depth answer to these questions.