POLS Y103: Introduction to American Politics

Review: Exam 1

The exam will consist of multiple choice, short essay and major essay topics. Be prepared to answer the questions and identify the terms at the conclusion of the assigned chapters in the text. Also review the multiple choice questions at the end of each chapter. In addition, be certain to review the Sources of the American Founding pages located on the course website.

Every student should be prepared to write short essay answers, one paragraph, on the topics below. Remember to refer to the Sources of the American Founding document in preparing your answers.

a. Explain the difference between dual and cooperative federalism.

b. Explain the problem of liberty and order and the three solutions provided by the Founders.

c. Explain why is it difficult for modern presidents to provide strong leadership.

d. Explain why Tocqueville believes that America may one day become a welfare state.

e. Explain why "pork barrel" politics, logrolling, or vote trading are so pervasive in the Congress.

f. Explain why is it difficult for modern presidents to provide good leadership.

Be prepared to write a major essay on the following questions:

A .Essay: Explain the influence of religious and liberal ideas on the American Founding.

Points to consider:

1. The Puritan Founding and the religious origins of liberty in America: In reviewing your notes and reading consider the way in which Puritan religious ideas influenced war and politics during the American Revolution. For example, how did Winthrop's idea of charity, love, and friendship influence the voluntary idea of citizenship so evident in the Articles of Confederation, state constitutions, and military experience?

-John Winthrop's Model of Christian Charity

-the purpose of Puritan politics is to found a city on a hill-a light unto the nations, a model

   political order   

-the basis of proper political order is charity from Latin caritas=love, friendship

-civil liberty is to do that which is good, just, honest

2. The liberal origins of liberty in America: In reviewing your notes and reading consider the way in which liberal ideas influenced war and politics during the American Revolution. For example, how did Locke's idea on the purpose of government influence the Declaration of Independence and justify the American Revolution.

-John Locke's idea of natural rights (life, liberty, and property-pursuit of happiness)

-government is created through the consent of the people

-the purpose of government is to secure the rights of the people

-liberal emphasis on the distinction between governmental power and the private sphere

B. Essay: Do you think that the Congress and the President are capable of providing the legislation and leadership necessary for maintaining the American Republic?

In answering this question consider the following:

- The Founders’ view of American political institutions

- The legislative process and the respective roles of Congress and the President in that process

- The difficulties of presidential leadership and examples of successful leadership