POLI330
Political Science
Week 1
Discussion
DQ1 Politics in Our Daily Lives
As we read and discuss the definition of politics, let's
also consider the consequences of political decisions on our everyday lives.
Can you think of examples from your everyday life when you encounter politics?
What makes these experiences "political"?
As you discuss this with one another, let's not forget to
comment on other people's experiences. Have you experienced similar situations?
Can you think of creative ways in which politics plays itself out in your daily
life?
DQ2 The Study of Political Science
The reading this week discusses the role of political
scientists and their attempts to treat the study of politics as a science. In
these efforts, they build scholarship based on reason, balance, and supporting
evidence, although much of this scholarship is based on theory.
Discuss how political scientists attempt to quantify data,
manipulate data statistically, and attempt to validate hypotheses.
POLI330
Political Science
Week 2
Discussion
DQ1 Understanding the Theories
As your text explains, Plato is considered the father of
political science. Within The Republic, he presents his theories on the
foundations of a perfect government. Rather than a theoretical examination of
government, The Republic is written in story form, as the main character
Socrates explores the ideal way to form a city.
A largely studied portion of The Republic deals with Plato’s
cave allegory. The story goes something like this: You, as a person, find yourself
within a cave, chained to the ground, facing a stone wall. You cannot stand,
and all you know are the images that play out before you, which are the shadows
cast by a light source from behind you. You cannot see behind you, but you know
that there are others in the cave with you. This is the only state you have
ever known. It is your only reality of the world. Plato goes on to explain that
then one day, people come and remove your chains, and take you out of the cave.
As you can imagine, you are scared and frightful, and thus fight these
individuals as they drag you into this new setting. However, over time you
learn to accept the larger image of the world around you and come to understand
life outside of the cave. You then attempt to go back into the cave to free
others.
This story was Plato’s attempt to explain the world around
us. Just picture it: You are chained to the ground and all you can see in front
of you is a cave wall. There is a light source behind you, which casts
reflections on the wall.
What do you think you would think of these reflections?
Could they represent family members? Or friends? What about a god?
DQ2 Liberalism versus Socialism
The term liberalism, when applied to governments, is very
different from the term liberal in America. Where liberalism implies a limited
government, here in the United States a liberal is not usually seen as
supporting a smaller government. This can be very confusing. In an effort to
better understand these various meanings, we need to explore the variations
within liberalism itself.
So who would like to explain how modern liberalism varies
from classical liberalism? In addition, in what ways is classical liberalism
similar to conservatism today?
POLI330
Political Science
Week 3
Discussion
DQ1 Democracies Compared
Over the past few weeks, we have had the opportunity to
explore the roots of political philosophy. Let’s take a moment to focus in upon
the idea of democracy. What is the true definition of democracy?
DQ2 The Division of Power
As we have seen through our readings, governments differ on
where the power of the state should be held.
Unitary systems concentrate the power within the central
government and little or no authority is granted to the component areas. In
contrast, federal systems allow first-order civil divisions to have some
autonomy, while the central government maintains authority over some areas.
Take a moment to compare and contrast the strengths and
weaknesses of each system.
POLI330
Political Science
Week 4
Discussion
DQ1 Political Parties and Interest Groups
We continually hear about interest groups in the news.
Understanding this, what is the relationship between interest groups and
government? How does this apply to government-created interest groups? In
addition, what are the effects of bureaucrats as interest groups? Do you
believe this crossover between bureaucrats and interest groups to be right?
Please be sure to provide specific examples in your response.
DQ2 Elections
Compare and contrast single-member districts and proportional
representation (PR). How effective is each electoral system in representing its
people’s interests? How do they support the party systems around which they
arose?
POLI330
Political Science
Week 5
Discussion
DQ1 Parliamentary and Presidential Systems
As we turn our focus to the international realm, let’s take
a moment to compare the governmental systems of the United Kingdom and the
United States.
Identify a few key differences between a parliamentary and a
presidential system. How is the top leader selected differently? How do you
think this difference impacts the kind of people who are chosen?
DQ2 Federal Judicial Branch
The lesson this week suggests that the judicial branch is
the least democratic branch of government, due to how federal judges are
appointed.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a branch
of government where its members are not democratically elected? Would you
change the way federal judges are selected?
POLI330
Political Science
Week 6
Discussion
DQ1 Welfare Systems
Examine the efficacy of U.S. welfare programs. What do such
programs intend to accomplish? What are some criticisms against them? Be sure
to cite specific academic examples, not just ones from your opinion.
DQ2 Global Markets
Several countries around the world are transitioning to
market economies; the most significant of these are China and Russia. What do
you think the impact will be on other countries around the world as these two
countries become even more significant in the global economy? What are some
examples of this impact?
POLI330
Political Science
Week 7
Discussion
DQ1 Ethnic Violence
In discussing the concept of violence this week, let’s take
a moment to consider the following situation.
Imagine a country where religious factions inside a nation
want to have their own separate homeland. The government refuses, claiming that
the territory in question, which commands the nation’s only source of clean
water, is vital to security. Is violence inevitable?
DQ2 International Treaties
In considering the international realm, let’s consider the
concept of economic treaties. Specifically, let's think about an organization
like the European Union (EU).
Why was it formed? In addition, what are some of the
objectives of the nations that are joining the EU?
POLI330
Political Science
Week 1 Quiz
Question 1
(TCO 1) Anthropology applies most to political science based
on which example?
People are born with
predispositions towards conservative or liberal views.
People join groups
because they have innate desires to be with others.
Many ruling families
maintained power by passing down their authority from one generation to the
next.
Power typically ends
up with those with the most resources.
Question 2
(TCO 1) The statement “Man is by nature a political animal”
is attributed to _____.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Seymour Martin
Lipset
Mao Zedong
Aristotle
Question 3
(TCO 1) Which of the following explanations of power might
examine the tolerance of individuals?
Rational
Control
Authority
Culture
Question 4
(TCO 1) Which of the following best exemplifies sovereignty?
The United States
negotiating a trade agreement with Canada
The people of France
acknowledging the authority of their president
Israel asserting
jurisdiction over the Gaza Strip
President Obama
having the support of the people who elected him
Question 5
(TCO 1) Issues related to a border dispute between the
United States and Canada would relate to _____.
sovereignty
authority
legitimacy
monarchy
Question 6
(TCO 1) A(n) _____ is an initial theory a researcher starts
with to be proved with evidence.
quantify
hypothesis
qualify
empirical
Question 7
(TCO 1) _____ refers to something based on observable evidence.
Quantify
Hypothesis
Qualify
Empirical
Question 8
(TCO 1) Descriptions of political phenomena often lack
_____.
rationality
reasoning
theory
balance
Question 9
(TCO 1) The subfield of _____ studies major thinkers and attempts
to define the good polity.
public
administration
comparative politics
public policy
political theory
Question 10
(TCO 1) Which are both true for most political scientists?
They think
practically and seek accuracy.
They seek popularity
and are skeptical of power.
They offer single
causes and think abstractly.
They are skeptical
of power and offer long-term consequences.
POLI330
Political Science
Week 2 Quiz
Question 1
(TCO 6) Which of the following best characterizes Aristotle?
He only explained
what is.
He only explained
what ought to be.
He explained both
what is and what ought to be.
He neither explained
what is nor what ought to be.
Question 2
(TCO 6) Which of the following is most consistent with the
idea of a social contract?
Government should be
limited to ensure individual freedom.
Individuals join and
stay in civil society.
Citizens prefer
solitary lives to living in groups.
Citizens are more
concerned with their own social situations than the community.
Question 3
(TCO 6) If _____ were alive, he might suggest that poor
academic performance in schools could be attributed to a society that does not
promote education and provides few resources devoted to schools.
John Locke
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Thomas Hobbes
Niccolo Machiavelli
Question 4
(TCO 6) Which of the following would most likely be
supported by the bourgeoisie?
Equality for all
A revolt by the
proletariat
Minority rights
Conflict for
economic gain
Question 5
(TCO 6) Which of the following best undermines the Marxist
argument?
Capitalist societies
frequently collapse.
Socialism is the
natural replacement of capitalism.
Capitalism has
survived major stock market crashes.
India has a
democratic government.
Question 6
(TCO 6) Which statement best applies to Adam Smith?
His views began as
conservative, but are now associated with modern liberalism.
His views were once
considered liberal, but are now promoted by conservatives.
His views have
always been advocated by liberals.
Marxists promoted
his views because of concerns of the proletariat.
Question 7
(TCO 6) Which of the following propositions would likely be
favored by modern liberals?
Tax cuts for top income
earners
Regulation of the
banking sector
Little government
involvement in economic matters
Free markets
Question 8
(TCO 6) Modern conservatism adopts elements of which of the
following?
Economic views from
Edmund Burke and social views from Adam Smith
Economic and social
views from Adam Smith
Economic views from
Adam Smith and social views from Thomas Hill Green
Economic views from
Adam Smith and social views from Edmund Burke
Question 9
(TCO 6) How do Libertarians differ from liberals and
conservatives?
Libertarians are
more consistent in their views.
Libertarians are
less consistent in their views.
Libertarians prefer
intervention in economic matters only.
Libertarians prefer
intervention in social matters only.
Question 10
(TCO 6) _____ is an extreme form of nationalism.
Liberalism
Conservatism
Socialism
Fascism
POLI330
Political Science
Week 3 Quiz
Question 1
(TCO 2) Hereditary rule by one person is known as _____.
a monarchy
a republic
institutionalization
a state
Question 2
(TCO 2) According to Aristotle, democracy is the _____ form
of government by _____.
corrupt; one
corrupt; a few
corrupt; many
legitimate; many
Question 3
(TCO 2) The idea that American states serve as “laboratories
of democracy” is an advantage of _____ systems of government.
unitary
confederal
federal
proportional
Question 4
(TCO 2) Electoral systems that elect one person per district
are known as _____.
multimember
districts
majoritarian systems
single-member
districts
proportional
districts
Question 5
(TCO 2) If the Green Party receives 15% of the vote in a
proportional system, which of the following is likely to happen?
The Green Party
would receive no seats.
The Green Party
would try to form a coalition with other parties.
The Green Party
would attempt to gerrymander districts to its advantage.
The Green Party
would demand a recount of the votes.
Question 6
(TCO 2) Welfare states tend to have which of the following
combinations of state ownership and welfare benefits?
High levels of state
ownership and high levels of welfare benefits
High levels of state
ownership but low levels of welfare benefits
Low levels of state
ownership and high levels of welfare benefits
Low levels of state
ownership and low levels of welfare benefits
Question 7
(TCO 2) Judicial activism refers to _____.
liberal judges
conservative judges
judicial restraint
by judges
willingness to
override legislatures
Question 8
(TCO 2) Though rare, a “true” democracy, is a system in
which _____.
all citizens meet
periodically to elect officials
all citizens meet
periodically to elect officials and personally enact laws
popular
accountability is common, but political competition is extremely limited
the wealthy almost
always have greater influence than the poor
Question 9
(TCO 2) The mass media in totalitarian states _____.
show the system is
functioning well under wise leaders, but practice a mildly critical attitude
toward the official ideology
question the system,
but still push the official ideology
show the system is
functioning well under wise leaders, and sell the official ideology
question the system
only in times of crisis, otherwise selling the official ideology
Question 10
(TCO 2) Describe the purpose of total control as relates to
the image of the state.
To reveal the state
as a genuine and open entity
To excuse the
state’s invasive and/or violent political measures
To convey to the
citizens a perception of only everyday order
To convey to
visitors a perception of nearly perfect order
POLI330
Political Science
Week 4 Quiz
Question 1
(TCO 3) Explain which individuals have the most influence on
politics via interest groups.
Women
The elderly
A wide variety of
people
Rich individuals
Question 2
(TCO 3) What U.S. groups that are underrepresented by
interest groups took to the street in inner-city riots in the 1960s, thus
demonstrating what a group or groups might do when they cannot express their
grievances through legitimate channels?
Poor people and
Hispanic people
African American
people and women
Poor people and
African American people
Hispanic American
people and women
Question 3
(TCO 3) Bureaucracies have become big and powerful,
developing _____ of their own.
candidates
interests
political parties
media outlets
Question 4
(TCO 3) Some interest groups maintain a low profile by
promoting their objectives without _____ them.
lobbying for
fully funding
advertising
openly debating
Question 5
(TCO 3) Large parties in particular can be analyzed as
_____.
generations of
like-minded voters
coalitions of
interest groups
team-led
organizations based around a theme
trustworthy
representatives of national interest
Question 6
(TCO 3) _____ allow and even encourage parties to split.
Single-member
districts
“First past the
post” systems
Proportional
representation systems
Plurality systems
Question 7
(TCO 3) Which of the following has recently done much to
encourage state and local party organizations to cooperate with national party
platforms?
Door-to-door
canvassing
Cohesive national
platforms
Computerized mailing
lists
Local political pandering
Question 8
(TCO 3) What do you
think might be a side effect of or a cause of nations with very high voter
turnout having that level of turnout?
They may have a kind
of political fever in which partisan politics has become too intense.
They likely play
host to elections in which indistinct personalities and a relatively unified
electorate bring out more voters.
They probably don’t
offer automatic voter registration.
They usually have
mandatory voting.
Question 9
(TCO 3) Describe the impact of education on those who vote.
Education drops the
sense of participation and makes people feel more cynical, which makes people
more likely to take action but not to actually follow political news.
Education lifts the
sense of participation and abstract intellectual curiosity, which makes people
more likely to follow individual politicians.
Education lifts the
sense of political knowledge, which makes people more likely to follow
political news and feel involved.
Education lifts the
sense of participation and abstract intellectual curiosity, which makes people
more likely to follow political news and feel involved.
Question 10
(TCO 3) Why might factory workers in small towns feel a
different sense of the stakes elections hold than executives and professionals?
Factory workers in
small towns may perceive a great deal of difference between candidates,
noticing considerable change from one administration to another, and executives
and professionals feel generally less involved but still perceive a direct
correlation between who wins and their personal fortunes.
Factory workers in
small towns may perceive little difference between candidates, noticing little
change from one administration to another, and although executives and professionals
share this sense of noticing little change from one administration to another,
they still perceive a direct correlation between who wins and their personal
fortunes.
Factory workers in
small towns may perceive little difference between candidates, noticing little
change from one administration to another, and executives and professionals
feel involved and perceive a direct correlation between who wins and their
personal fortunes.
Executives and
professionals may perceive little difference between candidates, noticing
little change from one administration to another, and factory workers in small
towns feel involved and perceive a direct correlation between who wins and
their personal incomes.
POLI330
Political Science
Week 5 Quiz
Question 1
(TCO 5) Because they
were often at war, ambitious European monarchs desperately needed revenues.
Some of them started calling assemblies of notables to levy taxes. In return
for their “power of the purse,” these assemblies received a modest input into
royal policies. Such were the beginnings of the _____.
American Congress
French Estates
General
British Parliament
Swedish Riksdag
Chapter 13, page 207
Question 2
(TCO 5) Which systems demonstrate the clearest separation of
power between the executive and legislative branches?
Parliamentary
Presidential
Monarchies
Ministerial
Question 3
(TCO 5) How often does the cabinet change in a parliamentary
system?
Every 4 years
Every 6 years
Every 8 years
When the cabinet is
voted out or resigns
Question 4
(TCO 5) What is the effect of divided government, such as
that used in the United States, on spending and policy formation?
It encourages
unhealthy spending and foolish policies.
It holds down
spending and foolish policies.
It encourages
irresponsible spending because representatives are held accountable for only a
short amount of time.
It encourages
responsible spending, but is slow to implement policy.
Question 5
(TCO 5) Who directly calls forth the leader of the largest
party to take office with a cabinet and become the prime minister?
The voters
Parliament
The monarch
The House of Commons
Question 6
(TCO 5) When it comes to electing officials, which factor
matters the most to voters in both presidential and parliamentary elections?
Party affiliation
Political ideologies
Money invested in
campaign
Personality
Question 7
(TCO 4) Which of the following issues is a civil concern?
Extortion
Theft
Divorce
Trafficking
Question 8
(TCO 4) International law consists of _____ and established
customs recognized by most nations.
treaties
ratification
amendments
cease-fires
Question 9
(TCO 4) What legal agency in the United States generates
reputation-based ratings of prospective federal judges?
Judicial Ratings
Bureau
Federal Bureau of
Judicial Review
American Bar
Association
Office of Legal
Assessment
Question 10
(TCO 4) Describe the significance of Marbury v. Madison.
The ruling laid
precedent for judicial review.
The ruling stated
that the president is subject to the court’s decisions.
The ruling decreed
that current administrations must honor the appointments of previous
administrations.
The ruling claimed that
federal taxes could not be levied on the states.
POLI330
Political Science
Week 6 Quiz
Question 1
(TCO 7) Radicals use the term “political economy” instead of
“_____,” which is a hard sell these days.
Late capitalism
Marxism
Pure market system
Utilitarianism
Question 2
(TCO 7) Describe British economist John Maynard Keynes’
proposal to cure economic depressions.
Keynes suggested
infusing the economy with government funds to promote spending.
Keynes advocated for
“trickle-down” economic policies.
Keynes argued for
stronger stimulus packages to corporations and small businesses.
Keynes proposed to
cure depressions by dampening the swings of the business cycle.
Question 3
(TCO 7) President Jimmy Carter attempted to stimulate the economy,
but this made inflation worse. This led him to _____.
lose the 1980
election
slash prices of corn
and soybeans
subsidize major oil
companies
increase the
national deficit
Question 4
(TCO 7) What event is largely considered responsible for
deterring Johnson’s War on Poverty?
Great Society
Vietnam War
Middle-class
entitlements
Tax expenditures
Question 5
(TCO 7) The _____ administration simplified the Food Stamp
program by eliminating the provision that recipients buy the stamps at a
discount with their own money.
Kennedy
Johnson
Ford
Carter
Question 6
(TCO 7) Medical costs consume nearly _____% of the U.S.
gross domestic product, most of it paid through government and private health
insurance.
11
18
22
26
Question 7
(TCO 7) Why are many politicians wary about limiting Social
Security and Medicare expenses?
Many would be left
without enough to support them.
Caps to these
programs would undermine the welfare state.
It can cost them
votes.
Both are primary
social safety nets.
Question 8
(TCO 7) How might Americans’ reluctance toward entitlement
programs benefit them in the long run?
Citizens will pay
lower taxes, stimulating the economy via “trickle-down” economics.
Entitlement programs
are complex and inefficient; our government will save time and money by
proceeding with caution.
Americans can
justify raising the debt ceiling through entitlement programs, so long as they
are wary of the choices they make.
Government subsidies
to businesses, rather than spending on welfare programs, will help the United
States generate revenue and reduce overall spending.
Question 9
(TCO 7) According to the U.S. Labor Department, what
determines the poverty line?
The poverty line is
three times a minimal food budget for nonfarm families of four.
The poverty line is
twice the minimal food budget plus $400 for lodging.
The poverty line is
three times the city minimal lodging budget.
The poverty line is
four times the minimal living expenses for an urban family of five.
Question 10
(TCO 7) Many conservative economists argue that some banks
are _____, because they would topple the rest of the economy with them.
inherently
successful
too big to fail
destined for profit
practically
invincible
POLI330
Political Science
Week 7 Quiz
Question 1
(TCO 9) What is the most common response to serious domestic
unrest?
Revolution
Coup d’état
Military takeover
UN diplomatic action
Question 2
(TCO 9) Describe what can often happen in a changing society
when, during times of prosperity, some people get rich faster than others.
Jealousy is aroused.
Politicians pay more
attention to poverty.
The very poor
revolt.
Economists become
confused.
Question 3
(TCO 9) Why might a period of prosperity bring about
revolution?
When people move in
and out of poverty, they have no hope for the future, and so see nothing to
lose in rebelling.
When things improve
for the wealthy, they start imagining an even better future. No longer content
with their already luxurious lot, they want improvement faster than even a
growing economy can deliver.
When things improve
for the poor, they realize just how bad they’ve had it and their anger is
unleashed.
When things improve
for the poor, people start imagining a better future, and no longer content
with their lot, they want improvement faster than even a growing economy can
deliver.
Question 4
(TCO 9) What are the aims of terrorists via their calculated
acts of terrorism?
To panic their
enemies, to gain publicity and recruits, and to get the foe to overreact and
drive more people to side with the terrorists
To destroy as much
of the economic strength of a nation as possible
To kill national
leaders
To kill their
enemies, to gain recruits, and to get the UN to overreact and cause more people
to side with the terrorists
Question 5
(TCO 9) According to Hannah Arendt, the American struggle
was indeed a revolution, perhaps history’s only complete revolution, _____.
because it alone
ended with a democratic institutions.
because it became an
example for other nations.
because it managed
to rout what was then the great world power.
because it alone
ended with a new foundation of liberty instead of the tyranny that came after
other revolutions.
Question 6
(TCO 8) Countries generally sign treaties over which of the
following concerns?
Economic sanctions,
cease-fires, and fiscal cliffs
Tariffs,
infrastructure, and drug trafficking
Global warming, land
mines, and germ warfare
Trade, energy, and
education
Question 7
(TCO 8) The _____ keeps world trade open by cutting tariffs
and other barriers, creating freer trade and settling disputes.
North American Free
Trade Agreement
International
Monetary Fund
World Trade
Organization
General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade
Question 8
(TCO 8) _____ theory argues that leaders often misinterpret
another nation’s actions as hostile and threatening, and consider their own
actions to be merely defensive.
Supervision
Misperception
Hypertension
Home-defense
Question 9
(TCO 8) The United Nations’ predecessor, the _____, tried
collective security to ensure peace.
Geneva Convention
Fourteen Points of
Peace
Court of
International Justice
League of Nations
Question 10
(TCO 8) What precedent did the 1945–1946 Nuremburg War
Crimes Trials set for international law?
The trials
reinforced sovereignty as a defense for war crimes.
The court discounted
sovereignty as a cover for mass murder.
Nuremburg outlined
international rules of engagement.
The trials stated
that no sovereign body could declare another world war.
POLI330
Political Science
Week 1 CO
Assessment
Question 1
(TCO 1) What were your economic left/right results?
Question 2
(TCO 1) What were your social libertarian/authoritarian
results?
Question 3
(TCO 1) If a person believes that market should regulate
itself, and that government should stay out of business, would he or she fall
more to the right or the left side of the political scale?
Right
Left
Refer to the Week 1 Lecture.
Question 4
(TCO 1) If a person believes that federal agencies such as
the FDA, EPA, and SEC serve a public good, is he or she moving more to the
right or left of 100% capitalism?
Right
Left
Question 5
(TCO 1) If a person feels that the government is needed to
ensure that all people obtain equality, would he or she fall more on the right
or the left of the economic scale?
Right
Left
Question 6
(TCO 1) If a person believes that mandatory gun safety
classes should be required to buy a gun, would he or she move up or down the
social scale?
Up
Down
Question 7
(TCO 1) If a person believes that Christianity is or should
be the national religion of the United States, would he or she move up or down
the social scale?
Up
Down
Question 8
(TCO 1) If a person believes that he or she knows more about
his or her own life than the government, and thus should have the authority to
make his or her own decisions, would he or she move more up or down the social
scale?
Up
Down
POLI330
Political Science
Week 2 CO
Assessment
Question 1
(TCO 6) In a 100% capitalist structure, the owners are
offered what advantages?
The owners
understand that their efforts are not just for them, but for society as a
whole.
They can make as
much profit as they like, as long as they work hard and the market allows it.
They do not face the
risk associated with large business ventures.
They don’t have to
concern themselves with the welfare of their workers.
A and C
B and D
All of the above
None of the above
Question 2
(TCO 6) In a 100% capitalist structure, the owners face what
challenges?
Their overuse of the
raw resources can drive them out of business.
Overworking
employees may lead to low productivity, and thus lower profits.
They are seen as
equal to workers.
Understanding the
demands of the market can be overwhelming.
A, B, and D
B and C
Al of the above
None of the above
Question 3
(TCO 6) In a 100% socialist structure, the owners would be
offered what advantages?
They would never
lose everything, because the government would provide for their needs.
Even if they fail,
they have the opportunity to rise again by starting new companies if they only
put their minds to it.
They can use up as
many raw resources they can get their hands on, allowing for more profit
potential, as long as the market allows it.
They are placed in
positions that suit them, so if being owners is too hard, or if they would not
be successful in it, they would not be forced into positions in which to fail.
A and B
A and D
All of the above
None of the above
Question 4
(TCO 6) In a 100% socialist structure, the owners would be
faced with what challenges?
They lose the
opportunity to make and hold onto extreme profits.
They assume all the
financial risk if their businesses fail.
They no longer can
change careers because they “feel” like it.
They lose the
ability to start new companies of their own.
A and C
B and D
A, C, and D
None of the above
Question 5
(TCO 6) In a 100% capitalist structure, the workers are
offered what advantages?
They can seek employment
at any companies they like.
They have the
opportunity to rise above their positions to become owners if they can.
The harder they
work, the more they can earn.
They always have
positions waiting for them.
A and B
A, B, and D
C and D
A, B, and C
Question 6
(TCO 6) In a 100% capitalist structure, the workers face
what challenges?
Material perks are
not readily available options.
They cannot always
provide for their families.
They cannot rise
above and become elites.
They receive no
benefits to help with paying for the cost of their injuries.
A and C
B and D
All of the above
None of the above
Question 7
(TCO 6) In a 100% socialist structure, the worker would be
offered what advantages?
Their needs are always
met, whether they can work or not.
The sky is the limit
for them if they try.
They can rest easy,
knowing that their work provides for the welfare of the people, not a “fat cat”
owner.
Medical costs are no
longer a concern.
A and C
B and D
A, B, and C
A, C, and D
Question 8
(TCO 6) In a 100% socialist structure, the worker would be
faced with what challenges?
They may not always
like the jobs that they do.
When injured, they
earn no income.
They continually
face the risk of unemployment.
There is not great
opportunity to start over or do something new, because they must contribute to
the cause.
A and D
B and C
All of the above
None of the above
POLI330
Political Science
Week 3 CO
Assessment
Question 1
(TCO 2) As we have been discussing, throughout history, many
people were not fans of pure democracy. One of the reasons for this was the
idea of factions, as addressed in Madison’s Federalist No. 10. So what is the
definition of a faction?
Question 2
(TCO 2) Why are factions a threat to a democratic
government?
Question 3
(TCO 2) According to Madison, what are the two ways to
remove the cause of a faction?
Question 4
(TCO 2) From your reading, please distinguish why the two
ways to remove a faction are not effective.
Question 5
(TCO 2) What is it about human nature that causes factions
to form?
Question 6
(TCO 2) Differentiate the characteristics of a pure
democracy from a republic.
Question 7
(TCO 2) In referencing Madison, provide at least two reasons
explaining why a republic can do a better job of controlling the effects of
faction than a pure democracy.
Question 8
(TCO 2) Assess Madison’s argument. Do you find that a
republican form of government is the best way to control factions, in contrast
to pure democracy? And how do you think this system has worked in controlling
the factions over time?
POLI330
Political Science
Week 4 CO
Assessment
Question 1
(TCO 3) From your own research, what interest group did you
find? Please list its name and website information.
Question 2
(TCO 3) From your own research, list three important pieces
of information that give us a picture of what your interest group believes.
Question 3
(TCO 3) From your own research, describe a specific policy
action your group desires.
Question 4
(TCO 3) From your own research, whom does this group lobby
most, or most effectively? For example, is there a political party or certain
congressional representatives who seem to get more of its attention, money, or
information? Which committees and subcommittees would it particularly lobby?
Question 5
(TCO 3) From your congress.gov research, what is the title
of the legislation (include its origination or appropriate numbers)?
Question 6
(TCO 3) From your congress.gov research, who are its key sponsors
and their party affiliation?
Question 7
(TCO 3) From your congress.gov research, what is its current
status within Congress?
Question 8
(TCO 3) From your congress.gov research, describe briefly
your personal reaction to this legislation. Do you think it will pass and do
you think it should pass? Why? (Two to three sentences are required.)
POLI330
Political Science
Week 5 CO
Assessment
Question 1
(TCO 4) What are your initial, nonlegal, thoughts on this
case? How would you decide it based on your own belief structures? For example,
if you were the judge in this case, would you would allow Mr. Trident to leave
the hospital, thus bringing about his death? Or would you feel for Mr. Trident
but side with the hospital because he clearly is not in the right mind to make
such decisions for himself? Or would you perhaps side with the hospital because
people should not be allowed to refuse medical treatment or go to the extreme
of ordering the hospital to aid in the shortening of his life so that he did not
have to suffer a painful death? What would you do? Please put some thought into
your answer and provide at least 4–5 sentences as you explain it.
Question 2
(TCO 4) What is the difference between moral and legal
reasoning?
Moral reasoning is
based upon personal views rather than legal considerations.
Legal reasoning
focuses on what the law states only.
Moral reasoning can
vary with cultural beliefs, whereas legal reasoning is more static within a
nation.
Legal reasoning is
concerned with precedent.
All of the above
A and C only
Question 3
(TCO 4) In a true legal argument, should legal reasoning or
moral reasoning be used?
Legal
Moral
Both
Neither
Question 4
(TCO 4) Mr. Trident is arguing that the hospital has
violated his 14th Amendment right to due process. What part of the 14th
Amendment is he referring to in his argument?
All persons born or
naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are
citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.
No state shall make
or enforce any law that shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens
of the United States.
Nor shall any state
deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
Nor deny to any person
within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws
All of the above
None of the above
Question 5
(TCO 4) Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health is
a case studied in the right-to-die debate. What precedent did it help to
establish?
Americans have a
constitutional right to die.
Americans can refuse
medical treatment.
Americans must be
clear in stating their wishes regarding medical treatment.
A and B
B and C
All of the above
Question 6
(TCO 4) How does the Cruzan case factor into Mr. Trident’s
argument?
It grants the right
to refuse medical treatment.
It supports the
hospital in its claim that Mr. Trident cannot refuse its help.
It forces the
doctors to assist in Mr. Trident’s death by providing him medication to bring
about his death.
A and B
A and C
None of the above
Question 7
(TCO 4) Given the precedent established in the Cruzan case,
how would you now have to decide the case if you were the judge?
I would allow Mr.
Trident to leave the hospital, thus bringing about his death.
I would feel for Mr.
Trident but side with the hospital, because he clearly is not in the right mind
to make such decisions for himself.
I would side with
the hospital, because people should not be allowed to refuse medical treatment.
I would require that
the hospital aid Mr. Trident in shortening his life due to his constitution
right to die.
Question 8
(TCO 4) What other U.S. Supreme Court cases deal with the
right-to-die issue?
Plessy v. Ferguson
Marbury v. Madison
Vacco v. Quill
All of the above
None of the above
POLI330
Political Science
Week 6 CO
Assessment
Question 1
(TCO 7) What is your final plan to present to the president?
What changes did you decide to implement?
Question 2
(TCO 7) Please explain why you chose the options that you
did.
Question 3
(TCO 7) How will your decisions affect the elderly, the
poor, the rich, and national security if implemented?
Question 4
(TCO 7) Was covering the hypothetical budget gap more or
less difficult than you expected? Please explain.
Question 5
(TCO 7) Which of your decisions might be perceived as
politically motivated? Why?
Question 6
(TCO 7) What are the trade-offs of preserving some programs
while protecting others?
Question 7
(TCO 7) How do your decisions result in a marginal benefit
to society so that they can outweigh the marginal cost to society?
Question 8
(TCO 7) Did doing this exercise change your feelings about
the budget debate in Washington? If so, how? If not, why not?
POLI330
Political Science
Week 7 CO
Assessment
Question
(TCO 9) As the simulation shows, Muhammed’s father was
killed by the Israelis in their war of independence, as they attempted to
defend their state and enforce the boundaries established by the UN. Although
this was an international decree, all Muhammed witnessed was his father’s death
and the loss of his family home as the land of his forefathers was taken to
make room for what many Palestinians viewed as the “occupiers.” If you were
him, how would you react? For example, would you blame the Israelis for hurting
your father and taking your land, and then pass on this hatred to your children
so they would know never to trust the Israelis? Would you seek revenge for your
family and people? Or is there a chance that you would accept the new
conditions of the UN resolution because it was in the best interest of the
people of the world? What about simply seeking strength in your religion and
guiding your children away from the hatreds of the past in an effort to protect
them? Please put some thought into your answer and provide at least 4–5
sentences as you explain it.
Question 2
(TCO 9) Within the Israeli home, Ben knows from the horrors
faced by his parents what can happen when there is not a state of Israel in the
world. He thus supports his state and will do anything to defend its claim to
this region. How does this differ from Muhammed’s stance?
It doesn’t differ;
they both suffered death and loss, and they both simply want to protect their
families.
Ben has more of a
claim to hardship because his parents suffered in the Holocaust.
Muhammed has been
wronged the most because he lost his land and his father to the cause.
A and B
C and D
All of the above
Refer to the simulation.
Question 3
(TCO 9) What do Muhammed and Ben have in common?
They are both
religious.
They are both
fathers.
They both love the
land in which they were born.
A and B
B and C
All of the above
Question 4
(TCO 9) Serapin and Sarah _____.
support their
husbands
hate the other side
for causing all the bloodshed
love their families
and only wish to protect them from the violence
have trouble
understanding the need for violence
A and C
All but B
Question 5
(TCO 9) Judith and Ahmed are the youngest members of their
respective families. What do they have in common?
They both side with
the Palestinian cause.
They both idolize
their older siblings.
They think the
fighting is pointless.
A and A
B and C
None of the above
Question 6
(TCO 9) Given what you have read and what you know about the
conflicts between Israel and Palestine, what is the likelihood that the
children will continue the cycle of violence in this land if nothing radically
changes?
Because the
Palestinian children fight the government and the Israeli children back the
military that puts down these rebellions, the conflict is likely to continue.
The death of some
will drive the call for more death, as seen in Miriam’s loss of her fiancée and
Mariam’s loss of her parents.
Eventually, peace
will be found, because the children will see the errors of their ways.
A and B
B and C
None of the above
Question 7
(TCO 9) What impact has the violence in this land had on the
legitimacy of the Israeli government?
Those who support
the Israeli perspective, such as Ben, highly support the government.
Those who feel like
Abdullah claim that Israeli is not a valid state and deserves to be destroyed.
Violence and unrest
have no influence on legitimacy within governments.
A and B
None of the above
Question 8
(TCO 9) Abdullah has admittedly committed terrorist acts
against Israel. According to your text, does terrorism work?
Rarely, and seldom
without political and/or economic pressure
Rarely, but
primarily when brought against democratic nations
Often, and without
much need for political pressure to aid it
Often, but only with
the assistance of economic and/or political pressure
A and B
None of the above
