Final Exam Info

Final exam is Friday, May 10 at 10-11:55AM Polsky 221. Be on time!

Study Guide Final Exam

The following are some key areas to focus on for each chapter. I hope this helps in your overall review of material reviewed this session.

(Painting from Norman Rockwells "Four Freedoms" series: Freedom from Fear)


1 Citizenship

• What are examples of your civic life vs. your private life?
• Can you name some newer opportunities for citizen participation that states have provided?
• Have Americans become one class, or do major divides still exist between us? What are some of these differences?
• What's the most common reason given by 18-25 year olds for not voting?

2 Constitution

• What is meant by the principle of "consent of the governed", and what is a good example of how we regularly demonstrate our consent or dissent?
• What were the basic elements of the "Great Compromise" in 1787?
• What are the 3 basic principles embodied in the Constitution that control how each branch relates to each other, and how the national government relates to the states?

3 Federalism

• Why didn't the framers select a unitary model for how the government would function?
• What effect did the 1857 Dred Scott decision (before the Civil War) by the Supreme Court have on federal and state relations?
• Did states or the national government gain power during the bulk of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Administration?

4 Civil Liberties

• Do most of the Bill of Rights apply to actions by the states as well as the national government?
• What are the two (2) basic clauses of the First Amendment pertaining to religion?
• What are the three (3) basic elements of the Miller Test, and what happens when an activity or object does not meet all the criteria in the test?

5 Civil Rights

• The North won the Civil War. But, why did Jim Crow laws take hold in the South, and what form did they take?
• Chief Justice Earl Warren and the unanimous court spoke clearly through their words and vote re: the need to eliminate the post Civil War approach of "separate but equal" in the Brown v Board of Education decision (s). What was the essence of these decisions?
• What were the main implications of the Bakke v Regents of California Supreme Court case?

6 Public Opinion

• What are the "agents of political socialization"?
• What are some differences between men and women in political opinions?
• The word "salience" in political opinion refers to what personal aspect of various issues and topics?

7 Political Participation

• "What's the "rational actor" theory?
• To participate in the political process, what three (3) conditions must be met for you to do so?
• What are some of the factors affecting voter "turnout"?

8 Interest Groups

• The practice of influencing public decisions for largely private purposes is referred to as _______?
• People often do not make a "rational" choice re: being involved with an interest group vs. being "free rider". What is meant by this?
• Does the White house lobby Congress, or vice versa, or do both lobby each other?

9 Parties and Political Campaigns

• What is the process of identifying potential political supporters and designing a customized messages and mobilizing them to come out for an election is called:
• Why do we only have two main parties in the United States?
• Splinter, single issue and ideological parties: examples of each

10 Media

• Characteristic of young persons and the "news"
• Limits placed on television and radio is managed by what agency?
• Two (2) lessons learned by the first presidential debate in 1960 that are still significant today

11 Congress

• Inherent advantages incumbents in Congress have in getting reelected
• How often does reapportionment occur? Why?
• What's the difference between the "delegate", "trustee" and "politico" role of a Congressperson? Can they be performing with all 3 pf these hats?

12 The Presidency

• When do parties select their candidates for the Presidential election?
• What is the significance of the "unit"rule in the Electoral College?
• When can the President exercise the "line item veto" in signing legislation presented to him/her for signing?

13 Bureaucracy

• Key differences between public and private bureaucracies
• What's the main role bureaucrats play in the policy making process?
• What's a "proxy administration?

14 The Courts

• Do judges in our system have some discretion in following precedents in the law?
• What is the principle of "standing" in being heard by a court?
• Basic principles for nominating a Supreme Court justice

15 Public Policy

• Basic stages in policy making and different parties involved
• Characteristics of the uninsured
• National debt vs. the federal deficit: which is greater? How much greater?

16 Foreign and Defense Policy

• Realism, liberalism, idealism and neo-conservatism: how do these apply to foreign policy?
• Key "producers" of foreign policy?
• Why have we maintained cordial relations with China recently, even though we have major issues with this country?
• If you were going to take a "premptive" action agaist someone, what type of initiative would you take in relation to the other person?

Oral Report Schedule

Please keep your individual presentation to 5 minutes apiece! Post here with any changes or corrections asap.

Friday, April 26

• Ekrema and Kourtney-Why Vote?
• Ryan Black and Kennedy-Why Marriage is a Thing of the Past
• Erica and Miranda-How Well Do We Treat the Elderly?
• Kristen, Lauren and Ryan W.-Teen Suicide

Monday, April 29

• Devonn, Ali and Maya-Does Slavery Still Have an Effect on the Black Community?
• Nicole, Valerie and Dartaysha-Youth Gangs as a Form of Urban Socialization
• Stephanie and Carson-Why Vote?
• Katelyn and Megan-Women in Politics

Wednesday, May 1

• Lacey and Andrew-Electing an Immigrant As President
• Sara and Brenda-Is Marriage a Thing of the Past?
• Cody and Chad-Treatment of the Elederly
• Catherine and Charles-Have Urban Youth Been Stripped of the American Dream?

May 3

• Mike and Brian-Gun Control
• Ian and Franklin-Capital Punishment in Modern Society
• Zachary and A'zsha-Gun Control and the Second Amendment

FYI: Tips for Oral Reports

Oral Report Tips and Suggestions (half your oral report grade is on quality of presentation; the rest is on quality of content)

Pitfalls

Speaker


* No eye contact

* Seems like a robot

* Hides behind the lectern

* Speaks too loud/soft

* Sways/fidgets/paces

* Rambles or loses his/her place

* Never gets to the point

* Fumbles with notes, visuals or PowerPoint

* Too much material



Visuals

* Nonexistent

* Hard to see

* Hard to undertand

* Out of sequence

* Shown too rapidly

* Shown too slowly

* Typos and errors

* Too wordy, no pics



Setting

* Too noisy

* Too hot or cold

* Too large or small

* Too bright for visuals

* Too dark for your notes

* Missing equipment

* Broken equipment

* Ridiculously complicated equipment



Planning Your Presentation

* Two-three sentence “purpose of your presentation”

* Analyze your listeners

* Analyze your speaking situation

* Select appropriate delivery method

* Memorize-only if necessary

* Impromptu-off-the cuff

* Scripted-if very technical

* Extemporaneous with notes-best



Preparing Your Presentation

* Research your topic

* Simplicity & conciseness

* Anticipate Questions

* Outline your presentation

* Plan your visuals

* When will you show certain visuals?

* Which ones work best

* How many visuals are best?

* Are your visuals achievable? What hardware is available?

* What medium is best for your presentation (overheads, PowerPoint, handouts, foam boards, etc.)

* Prepare your visuals

* Be selective

* Easy to read & understand

* 1 point per visual

* Readable to audience

* Limit material on a visual

* Fewest words possible

* 18-24 point sans serif type best

* Each visual a title

* Use color sparingly

* Label diagrams

* Proofread!!!

* Check Room beforehand

* Rehearse Delivery



Delivering Your Product

* Work the “audience” They’re your friend!

* Know your audience!

* Display enthusiasm and confidence

* Be reasonable and considerate of others

* Don’t preach. You’re not a preacher. Avoid jokes and wisecracks….not cool.

* Keep your listeners oriented. Let them know where you’re going.

* Introduce your topic clearly

* Establish common ground

* Provide good transitions between points

* Give examples!

* Review and interpret what you’ve said

* Leave people with something to remember

* Thank your listeners!

* Ask for question

Study Tool Chapters 13-16

Study Tool 13-16 by freeman_bruce6274

Study Guide Chapters 13-16

Here's some key elements for the Chapters 13-16 to make sure you know. These are not actual test questions, but will give you an idea how well you know the material. Use this study guide in addition to your notes from the text and lectures and the web resource for your text (chapter notes).



Chapter 13 Bureaucracy-Citizens As Owners and Consumers

• Who ultimately controls the bureaucracy?
• Who owns it? Are we just "customers"?
• When and why did the biggest expansion in the bureaucracy occur?
• Patronage and spoils: what do these terms mean? Which President used these systems of filling jobs?
• Is patronage dead?
• Pendleton Act of 1883
• What is the "merit system"?
• Republican vs. Democratic orientation towards the bureaucracy
• What's "RIP"?
• 4 differences between public and private bureaucracies
• Political vs career bureaucrats
• What's the "proxy" administration?
• Who was Frances Perkins?
• What do bureaucrats do? Rule making and adjudicating disputes
• What is the "Federal Register"?
• Know the 6 major structures within the Federal bureaucracy
• How can Congress limit the bureaucracy?
• What is as good example of Congressional "oversight"?
• Can Congress eliminate a rule approved by an agency? How?
• What role can the President play?
• What is "SES"
• What role does the OMB play (Office of Budget and Management)
• Role of Courts
• Are whistle blowers protected?

Chapter 14 The Courts-Judicial Power in a Democratic Setting

• States and Federal "dual" court system
• What do Federal district Courts deal with?
• How many Courts of Appeals are there nationwide?
• What are "en banc" hearings?
• What is meant by "precedent"?
• Significance of Marbury v. Madison case re: judicial review
• Two types of law and differences. Can you cite examples of each?
• Types of jurisdiction and judiciability
• What is meant by "standing" Can you give an example of not having standing to submit a case?
• Why was Roosevelt upset with the Supreme Court?
• What is now the emphasis on cases heard in the Supreme Court?
• Rule of 4 and "writ of certiorari"
• How many writs are received vs. heard each year?
• How could you be an "amicus curiae"?
• Types of opinions issued?
• 3 types of populations affected by decisions
• What are some external factors that can affect a decision being implemented?
• Judicial activism vs. Judaical restraint
• Qualities of nominees: professional, doctrinal and representational
• Choosing lower court appointees: some issues that have come up re: politicization of the process
• Senatorial courtesy definition
• What are some measures that have enhanced access to the Courts?
• Judges aren't elected. Isn't that undemocratic?

Chapter 15 Public Policy-Responding to Citizens

• Public policies are responses to what?
• Who is ultimately affecteed by social and economic struggles in certain sectors
• What is "public policy"?
• What are 2 basic limits are placed on public policies?
• Various steps in policymaking. Who plays a role in each step (they're different in each step)
• Types of outcomes based on cost and benefits (chart in book...check it out)
• Which policy outcomes are easiest/more difficult to maintain?
• When did the big push on environmental regulation begin?
• What's a "cap and trade" program?
• What was the emhasis in the Rio and Kyota Environmental Protocols?
• Have states gone their own way with environmental regulation?
• How many people are poor, and what % of total population?
• What are TANF restrictions?
• What segment of the population is most vulnerable to the recession?
• What % of the population is uninsured?
• Fiscal policy: Keynsian and supply side: differences?
• What is our national deficit? How much is it projected to be this year? ($1.8 trillion!)
• What % of the budget goes to pay off the debt (9%)
• Monetary policy: who's in charge?
• Reserve requirement, discount rate, open market operations???
• What's easier to fight? Recession or inflation?
• Two opposites: free trade or protectionism: pros and cons
• What is NAFTA. What does the WTO do?

Chapter 16 Foreign and Defense Policy-Protecting American Interests in the World

• Was our country initially desiring to be deeply involved in foreign affiars? Why not?
• What was significance of Roosevelt Corollary (to the Monroe Doctrine)?
• What effect did WWs I & II have on our international perspective?
• Starting with Truman, "containment" was a policy to contain whom or what?
• Did the "MAD" principle work? Is detente a good thing?
• Who became our internation "enemy" after the Cold War?
• What does "preemption refer to?
• What did the "Bush Doctrine" have as it's 3 elements?
• What's the most important element of national interests?
• What 3 components of this element are vital in making national security decisions?
• Liberalism, rerlaism, idealism, and neoconservatism in foreign policy: characteristics?
• Who is, no doubt, the foreign policy chief? (Hint: his initials are BHO)
• The NSC and State Department
• Are the views of the Secretary of State (eg., Hillary Clinton) always reflected in policy?
• Department of Defense and the Intelligence "Community"
• Who gathers intelligence beside the CIA
• Can your phone be wiretapped? When?
• How is Congress involved in foreign policy? Various tools at their disposal are....
• What % of national budget is spent on defense?
• Are you a "cognitive miser"? How does this manifest itself?
• Significance of various tools of foreign policy
• Military power: do other countries spend more based onGross Domestic Product (GDP)?
• Diplomacy: various forms it takes
• Foreign aid: How big a part of budget? Is it worth it?
• International Organizations (UN, NATO, World Bank) Was the US able to get the support of the UN to invade Iraq? Why not?
• Threats
• Terrorism: how do you deal with it: a criminal act? Or, remove their areas of operation? Or, ground fights?
• Nuclear Danger? Who belongs to the nuclear "club"? What is a "missle defense system"? Does it work?
• Regional conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, and elsewhere. What's the 2-state solution proposed by former President Bush? Carnage in Darfur, Rwanda (Hutus and Tutsis). What are rusks of ignoring these areas with constant conflicts? What is "genocide"? Define it.
• China: Friend or foe? Why is their economy so strong?
• Book notes China is second largest debt holder behind Japan...that is now reversed; two flashpoints are what?
• Alternatives to force: soft power! Would you like to be a volunteer to assist those in need overseas? You'll be spreading the good word

Assignment #6 Nellie Hefflinger

Read the following story about Nellie Hefflinger first. Then post your impressions of the homeless. Who are they and how did they become homeless? Indicate any experiences with the homeless. Did the article about Nellie from Cambridge alter your views?

It's an annual rite of summer: Hundreds of homeless people leave city shelters to sleep on the streets, and everywhere, under bridges, in wooded areas, throughout the parks, are the mangy blankets, the empty beer bottles, and the trash they leave behind. Natalie Hefflefinger, for one, can't stand the mess. The petite 65-year-old spends her days singing in Harvard Square and her nights sleeping in a nearby park. Almost every evening, she takes the day's earnings to CVS, buys a box of trash bags - the good kind that don't break - and fills them to keep the parks clean. Sometimes, when she has enough change, she ambles along Mount Auburn and other area streets, dropping quarters in meters running low. "It's a way to give something back," she said. "People think of the homeless as always taking from society. This is how I can thank society for letting me sleep in the parks." One of scores of people who make the square their home, Hefflefinger doesn't want her adopted neighborhood to go to rot. Though the city has posted signs warning the homeless against sleeping in parks after dark, officials let many stay - especially those who help maintain them. "If people store debris, sleeping bags, or build houses, we don't let that happen," said Lisa Peterson, commissioner of the city's Department of Public Works, which maintains more than 100 public spaces throughout Cambridge. "But some people can really surprise you." The daughter of a gardener who grew up in a middle-class family in Malden, Hefflefinger has lived on the streets for years. She won't say how long, but her decaying teeth, scarred hands, and old, tattered boots attest to years of life without a home. "Self-reliance isn't easy, but people have been very nice," she said, remembering the man who gave her $300 for cleaning up. An artist who likes to draw landscapes - "I'm just an amateur," she said - and a singer with an interest in patriotic tunes - "I like to sing `America the Beautiful' " - the soft-spoken woman is one of the square's few homeless allowed to linger in local cafes. She always pays for her coffee, and, after parking herself in a chair for a few hours, she pulls a bottle of Windex from her cart to wash off the table. She also tips. "She's one of the most consistent tippers we have, always leaving behind a dollar," said Daniella Pinto, manager of the Dunkin' Donuts by the John F. Kennedy School of Government. "It's a pleasure to have her here." Often, the cafes are the only shelter she has. On a recent morning, after waking in Longfellow Park to a downpour, she used some extra garbage bags to craft a raincoat, tied a plastic 7-Eleven bag to her head for a hood, and covered her overstuffed shopping cart with a blue tarp. After walking around for a while, a mop, rake, and buckets hanging off her cart, she stopped in one of her regular haunts for coffee and a jelly doughnut. "Harvard Square is a good place for me. I like books and art," she said. Pressed, she widens her blue eyes and admits she wouldn't mind a place to live. "I'm not doing so great, but I'm not falling apart," she said in a gentle voice. "The mosquitoes are wicked now." Married twice with five grown children, she had a messy breakup and doesn't keep in touch with her family, whom she last saw years ago when they lived in Nashua. "I'd ather not get into it," she said. "I'm not looking for any charity." A former secretary and onetime waitress, Hefflefinger wants to earn her keep. And though she accepts donations - many of her clothes are presents from strangers - she always tries to give something back. What would she want the most if she could have it? A replacement for the prescription glasses she lost, she said. For now, though, the nights are warm, and that, in itself, is good. She refuses to return to a shelter, she said, preferring the freedom of the outdoors. On another recent day, with her mop of brown hair twisting in the evening breeze, she had little time to talk. She worked - ensuring that not a scrap of trash or any of last autumn's crinkled leaves remained in Longfellow Park. After a few hours of tidying up, with dirt caked in her fingernails and sweat filling her craggy cheeks, she stood proudly over 11 white trash bags, the park looking its summer's best. Two at a time, she carried the bags to a nearby sidewalk, stacking them for the garbage truck to take the next morning. "This is just something I can do," she said. "It's my way, I guess, of saying thanks."


http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/07/nyregion/pushing-past-limitations-and-aiming-to-inspire.html?smid=pl-
share By David Abel Globe Staff 7/14/2003 CAMBRIDGE --

FYI: "The Insider" Movie Trailer and CBS Show

Check these 2 items out!

"The Indsider" Trailer

Great CBS 60 Minutes Landmark Interview

Story of Jeff Weigand, Famous Tobacco Company Whistleblower

In Class Survey-DNA Testing

Should DNA testing be done on those persons arrested for a crime?  You Said:

 No-10 

 Yes-

Some Comments:

• Everyone needs more privacy
• It's only a precaution; you get your fingerprints taken
• Shouldn't have got arrested!
• Getting fingerprints and swabs are already routinely practiced
• It's not fair to the person
• Why would you care if you ddn't do anything wrong
• Impossible to fool a DNA test
• Unconstitutional, but has solved crimes that were unsolvabble
• A warrant must be obtained first
• NO!! Again NO!!
• Unconstitutional

FYI: 5 Big Supreme Court Cases Being Decided This Year-Summary

Additional Extra Credit Opportunity!

Four (4) Extra Credit Points for Attending!

April 16, 3:00 p.m. @ The University of Akron School of Law Dale Johnston & Joe D'Ambrosio

C. Blake McDowell Law School Building, Room 152 150 University Ave. Akron, OH 44325 (across from E.J. Thomas)

 General Innocence Tour Info

OTSE Organization Overview

So, Are These Bureaucracies?

You said:

Ford Assembly Line (Wikipedia)

• Ohio High School Athletic Association
• University (3)
• Congress
• I Have No Idea. School?
• China
• Police
• Banks
• Summa Health Care
• Mercy Hospital
• United States of America (3)
• Wal-Mart
• Dell
• Great Britain
• City Hall
• BMV (3)
• I Don't Know
• Children's Hospital
• Ancient Egypt
• Any organization with a "chain of command"; e.g., University of Akron
• Goodyear Tire and Rubber
• Youth Group

• All are correct!

FYI: What Qualities Make a Great President?

This article in Slate magazine compliments the information in your textbook on this subject.

How to Measure a  President

Lyndon LaRouche-Former Perennial Candidate for President

FYI: Question on Wiretapping in Class

Good article on current state of warrantless wiretapping powers of government.

Warrantless Wiretapping Can Continue, per Supreme Court

FYI: Good Question on Presidential Succession

Johnson taking oath of office after Kennedy's assassination 

Question: If the President is permanently removed from office for whatever reason, does his/her successor still have to meet all the Presidential age, residency and citizenship requirement?

Answer: According to eHow.com, yes, all requirements must be met.

FYI: Your Pick for Best President

Your Pick is John F. Kennedy (Panel of Scholars Says Lincoln!)

• William Henry Harrison                             1 Vote

• George W. Bush                                       1 Vote

• Teddy Roosevelt                                       1 Vote

• Bill Clinton                                                2 Votes

• George Washington                                   3 Votes

• Abraham Lincoln                                       3 Votes

• John F. Kennedy                                       5 Votes

Study Tool Chapters 9-12

Study Tool 9-12 by freeman_bruce6274

Study Guide Chapters 9-12

 Here's some key elements for the Chapters 9-12 to make sure you know. These are not actual test questions, but will give you an idea how well you know the material. Use this study guide in addition to your notes from the text and lectures and the web resource for your text (chapter notes). I would suggest you use this guide as you read a chapter so you can highlight key points as you read. This will help significantly with any quizzes. In addition, you can use the following study guide to refresh your memory in advance of the test. The more focussed "study tool" will be available soon to assist your review and preparation for the test.


Chapter 9-Parties and Political Campaigns

What's "microtargeting"?

What functions do political parties serve?

Are parties described in great detail in the constitution?

Why only 2 main parties?

Single-member districts, plurality Electoral College and Duverger's law: define

Are parties that are radical in philosophy often successful? Why or why not?

Who regulates parties and elections?

Pluses and minuses of public financing

Five major party eras: Federalist/Anti-federalist, Whig/Democrat/Republican, Republican/Democrat machine politics, Populist Reform, New Deal, (Post New Deal)

Gender gap between parties

Realignment shifts: what causes them?

What are "critical elections"? What happens?

Are we in a period of "dealignment"?

Hard and soft money....what's the difference in politics?

What's a party platform and how is it decided? When?

Are convention delegates just like most of us? Or not?

What do elected politicians in "safe seats" do with extra money they have?

What political unit is closest to the voter?

Splinter parties, ideological parties and single issue candidates:

What do third parties' success signal?

What does it mean that elections are "candidate-centered"?

What do PACs and 527 groups do? How are they financed?

Are people of more modest means increasingly contributing to campaigns?

Various types of primaries

Earned (free) media vs. paid media

Pluses and minuses of "attack" campaigning

Characteristics of last election: changes and continuity

Young voters: did they vote in huge numbers? Who did they vote for?

What's more likely: prospective or retrospective voting?

Bradley effect

Importance of personal characteristics in a candidate: can we relate to them?


Chapter 10 Media-Tuning In or Tuning Out

Trends in traditional media consumption

Emphasis on infotainment and combative journalism

Role of newspapers before the revolution

Early close relationship between politics and the press

Who's the "Yellow Kid"? What's "muckraking"?

Shift early in twentieth century away from interpreting the news, and focusing on "facts"

Radio and TV's role: growth of news consumption

Growth of "narrowcasting"

1/3 of young say they have no knowledge about any "news"

Huge growth in options to the public to gain knowledge

Private ownership of broadcast and print outlets

Ownership of multiple outlets (print, broadcast) now legal

News as spectacle...what is meant by this?

Is local or national news more popular?

Is the press too "soft" on political leaders? When did a reporter "rough up" a candidate?

Is there political bias among journalistic reporting?

Free (earned) media: candidates' actions broadcast as "news"

Who has more to gain in debates? The incumbent or the challenger.

What's the "living room" test?

Pluses and minuses of getting political info from "bloggers".

"Game-like" coverage of political races

Shifts in election-night coverage due to problems occurring

Acrimonious relationship between President and the press

How does an administration make sure all staff talk with the same voice?

According to the authors, how does the press treat coverage of Congress and it's problems and accomplishments?

Unique aspects of Supreme Court coverage; what is focus of media coverage?

What are "news grazers"?

Chapter 11 Congress- Doing the Peoples Work

What was the "Great Compromise"

Enumerated and powers denied

Reduction in party powers over the years

Changes in Congress in the 1950s and 1960s

Practice of sharing resources in safe districts with less safe districts

Power of the incumbency: some examples

How are mid-term elections unique? What happens to the President's party?

Redistricting, reapportionment, minority/majority districts and gerrymandering

Delegate, trustee and politico role: define

How well represented are minorities and women?

How much does a Congress member make in salary?

What kind of restrictions are there on Congress members of taking favors from lobbyists?

Standing, select, joint and conference committees: role of each?

What is a "pork barrel" project? Are they legal?

Partisan politics....why can't we all just get along?

House and Senate leadership: who heads each? What's a "whip"

How important is the "chair"?

Discharge petitions, filibustering, holds and cloture:define

What's a "pocket veto"? Markup?

Role of Congress in declaring war/the War Powers Resolution: what does it say?

How can Congress stop a war?

Impeachment: who starts it? What are standards for impeachment?

What was a "legislative veto"?

Who starts the budget process?

Various manifestations of "advise and consent" with Senate

Chapter 12-The Presidency-Power and Paradox

What happened to Bush's huge mandate in 2004 from the voters? Why?

Why does the President have to be "natural born"?

Authority granted by Article II of the Constitution

Shifting role of President over the years: early strength in early years, followed by more modest est role after Civil War. Early part of twentieth century showed public looking to President again

Role of public financing, and problems

What's a "caucus" used to select candidates?

How have Presidential conventions changes? What are they now: all show and no substance?

Electoral college and the 'unit rule". Who chooses a President if no majority?

What's a "faithless" elector?

Secure the base and win the battleground states strategy

Expressed, delegated and discretionary powers of the President

When would you use a "recess" appointment if you were President?

Can the President "impound" funds he doesn't want to spend?

Line-item veto and the Supreme Court. What did they decide?

How extensive are the "emergency" powers of the President?

Can you name some Presidential doctrines? What's the "Bush Doctrine"?

When do Presidents have an easier time getting their agendas passed by Congress?

Signing statements a "back door" line-item veto?

Who's in the Cabinet? What do they do?

EO

FYI: NOOOOO! Leave Us Alone!

81% Say No to Limiting to 16 oz. drinks

10% Say Yes

10% Say Not Sure

Your Research Topics

Your Research Topics
Report Due April 1
Late Papers Lose 5 points per Day Late
Plagiarism is a Major University Offense

• Lauren-Religion and Youth: What's Happening Todaqy
• Ali-Legalizing Marijuana
• Megan-Religion and Youth
• Zachary-Is Obamacare Constitutional? And More Importantly, Is It Beneficial?
• Sara-Aids
• Kourtney-Genocide incl. Native Americans
• Nicole-Teenage Suicide-What's the Answer?
• Charles-A Prison System That Works
• Catherine-Why Marriage is a Thing of the Past
• Dartaysha-Teen Suicide-What's the Answer?
• Ian-Marriage in Today's Society
• Mike-The Media in Political Campaigns-Negative Consequences
• Andrew-Two Federal Governments and One National Government
• Lacey-Male vs. Female: Are We Finally Equal?
• Franklin-The Recession: What caused It, What Each President Did, Damage Done, Solution
• Kennedy-Why Prison/Jail Systems Are Not Effective
• Brian-Will the New Health Insurance Bill Be Worth the Cost to Taxpayers? Will the  Benefits Outweigh the Costs?
• Katelyn-Religion and Youth
• Valerie-Should Gun Laws Stay the Same or Be Changed?
• Stephanie-Drug Use/Abuse
• Carson-Cohabitation
• A'zshu-How Well Do We Treat the Elderly?
• Brenda-Gender Equality or Gender Inequality
• Ryan W.-Gun Control in America
• Maya-Does Slavery Still Have an Effect on the Black Community?
• Miranda-What is the X Generation? Why Are We Different?
• Chad-Capital Punishment
• Codey-Why Marriage is a Thing of the Past
• Ekrema-Industrial Revolution
• Devonn-Why People Don't Get Married Anymore?
• Erica-Religion and Youth
• Ryan B. Corruption in Politics
• Kristen-Male vs. female: Who Rules Today?

Your Oral Report Topics

• Ekrema and Kourtney-Why Vote?
• Ryan B. and Kennedy-Why Marriage is a Thing of the Past
• Erica and Miranda-How Well Do We Treat the Elderly?
• Kristen, Lauren and Ryan W.-NA
• Devonn, Ali and Maya-Does Slavery Still Have an Effect on the Black Community?
• Codey and Chad-Treatment of the Elderly
• Stephanie and Carson-Why Vote?
• Katelyn and Megan-Women in Politics
• Lacey and Andrew-Electing an Immigrant as President
• Sara and Brenda-Is Marriage a Thing of the Past?
• Nicole, Dartaysha and Valerie-Youth Gangs as a Proper Form of Urban Socialization
• Catherine and Charles-Have Urban Youth Been Stripped of the American Dream?
• Mike and Brian-Gun Control
• Ian and Fran-Capital Punishment in Modern Society
• Zachary and A'zsha-Gun Control and the Second Amendment

Note: 

Maya-Please verify accuracy of above.Your research and oral report topics are the same according to what you gave me

FYI: So Are 527s Obsolete in Political Campaigns?

Good overview that updates your book's treatment of political advocacy:


 "Citizens United" a Gamechanger

Assignment #5 Triangle Shirtwaist Fire 1911

A national tragedy considered as a driving force in American textile workers safety measures and labor unions (interest group) in the early 1900s: Watch the video and post a comment by Wednesday on this event and whether you knew about this event before seeing the video.

Extra Credit Assignment Detail

This Extra Credit opportunity will give you 8 extra points on your average quiz grade if done properly. A couple of options:

1/ Attend a public meeting in your community. It can be a City/Village/County Council meeting, a ward meeting, a Township Trustee meeting, A county Commissioner meeting, a neighborhood watch meeting, a block watch meeting, a neighborhood organization meeting, a local school board meeting, a University of Akron-sponsored public meeting, a political party meeting (often monthly), a local or regional planning board meeting, a local park board meeting, a board of zoning appeals meeting, or any similar or related meeting of a public or non-profit body. Consult your local newpaper (daily or weekly) to see what meetings are scheduled in your area. Ask me if you're not sure if your meeting qualifies.

2/ Participate in an effort to help the campus, community or some cause, such as a political campaign: One example was "Up 'til Dawn" organized here by UA students last year to help eliminate Childhood Cancer. Or, stop down at the political party headquarters in Akron of your choice. They'll put you to work!

Many other other opportunities exist on campus and in your own community. Visit this UA website for great  monthly opportunities on a Saturday or opportunities during the week with "Serve Akron!" Plan ahead and schedule yourself now. http://www.uakron.edu/studentlife/serve/service-opportunities/

After attending or participating, write a 1 page minimum journal article of your experience, with highlights and/or lowlights. Indicate whether attending made you more or less likely to be involved in local community groups.

Assignment is due by your final exam.

Study Tool Chapters 5-8

Study Tool 5-8 by freeman_bruce6274

FYI: Top CBS News Online Stories 2/26/13

01

Jennifer Lawrence talks about her Oscars fall12553 views

·  02

As sequester looms, public attention flags10935 views

·  03

Va. shipyard latest setting for Obama sequester strategy10438 views

·  04

Iran news agency covers up Michelle Obama at the Oscars8698 views

·  05

GOP take aim at Obama for "nonstop campaigning" on sequester8160 views

Study Guide Chapters 5-8

Here's your study guide for Test #2 to help you prepare as soon as possible.


Here's some key elements for the Chapters 5-8 to make sure you know. These are not test questions, but will give you an idea how well you know the material. Use this study guide in addition to your notes from the text and lectures and the web resource for your text.

Chapter 5 Civil Rights-Toward a More Equal Citizenry

What is the focus of civil rights vs civil liberties?

What are the implications of the Dred Scott case?

What 3 key civil rights Constitutional Amendments passed after the Civil War, and what did they involve?

Jim Crow laws: what were they?

Plessey vs. Ferguson case: what was decided and implications?

Role of NAACP

Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education decisions: implications for schools and society

Dejure and defacto segregation: differences

Civil Rights Act of 1964 and EEOC; Voting Rights Act of 1965

Judicial tests for equal protection under the 14th Amendment: rational basis, intermediate scrutiny and strict scrutiny: how are they applied and when

Affirmative Action's purpose and impact on education

Reverse discrimination

Differences in civil rights efforts for Native Americans, Hispanics and Asians

Civil rights for disabled, gays and lesbians and seniors; know the key civil rights elements for each of these 3 sectors of the population and key legislation

Equal rights for women: historical context and relationship with

African American movement; key milestones, including 3 key events that spurred on the "second" women's rights movement

Male vs. female earnings differences past and present

Comparable pay: what is this? Pros and cons

Burden of proof in sexual harassment cases; who is responsible

Changing nature of role in the military for women

Environmental vs. quid pro quo harassment definition


Chapter 6 Public Opinion-Listening to Citizens

Are voters swayed by something as basic as their use of language?

What values does our politcal culture contain?

Do politicians value more the opinions of certain people on certain subjects?

Opinions vs. judgment: differences

What's a "straw poll"? Push poll? Worm poll?

Who designed the first "scientific poll"?

Surveys are "ubiquitous". What does this mean?

Life cycle and generational effects on political socialization

Family, educational and religious influences

Are most churches fully integrated?

According to authors, does the media have a strong or minimal effect on our political views? Does this surprise you?

Racial and gender differences in political views. Is there a gender gap? A racial gap?

Where is political involvement for women greatest?

3 strains of political culture in most states: what are they (p.134)

Direction, salience, intensity, stability apply to what?

Push and exit polls....definitions please

How do you achieve random sampling in a poll?

What happens if you have a large sampling error?

What's a leading question? Give me an example

4 basic ideologies (p. 142)

Is there a close relationship between public opinion and public policy?

Is confidence in our institutions on the rise? How about trust?


Chapter 7-Political Participation-Equal Opportunities and Unequal Voices

The "rational actor" theory: what does it say?

Are you a "free rider". Explain

Amount of info conveyed and variation in frequency and strength are key aspects of political action in a democracy

What are 5 factors having to do with access to resources for effective political activity?

Dimensions of political engagement: internal and external efficacy, political information, and strength of identification

Does voting increase with age, and then drop off eventually?

Who votes the least in terms of age? Gender? Race? Employment? Education? Income? and Region?

Do we vote in large relative numbers when looking at # of registered voters in other countries?

Our 2 party system stifles participation; we focus on appealing to everyone, and thus lose many

What causes "voter fatigue"?

"Checkbook Democracy" a sign of the times?

What are some ways to improve voter participation?

Public schools are abandoning what traditional function of public schools as related to our democratic heritage?


Chapter 8 Interest Groups in America

Inside vs. outside strategies used by lobbyists

What is an interest group? What do they seek to influence?

How have they been viewed historically? Glue for society or a bunch of passionate rebels who need to be managed?

How are interest groups and political movements different?

Economic, ideological or public interest types

Why have interest groups exoloded over the last several decades?

Where did the practice of "lobbying" get it's name?

Change in character of interest groups over time (role of citizens more passive: relegated to writing checks vs local organization).

Who's the biggest?

Who has the cash?

Who's unrepresented? Why?

Why you join: material, solidary, purposive, assessing motives. What's the strongest reason of these to join?

Give some examples of leadership as a strategy to get traction for an issue. Can you name a leader who has been visible for some causes. Michael Jackson?

Who are the lobbyists?

Why do elected Congresspersons like many lobbyists? What are some of the benefits lobbyisits supply?

Does the White house have lobbyists? Why? Who do they lobby? If Congress won't listen, who can lobbyists turn to?

Agency "capture", "iron triangles" and "issue networks". What are they?

Reulating lobbyists-some examples

What are PACs? What limits are on them?

What are "527" groups? Are they well regluated?

"Political disadvantage theory"

Who is mobilized when you mobilize the "grass tops"?

Coalitions and protests: how effective. Who protests?

Wh

FYI: Do We Still Need Affirmative Action?

Do We Still Need Affirmative Action by freeman_bruce6274

Missing!!!!???

Still missing research and/or oral report topics as of 2/27/13

Research Topics

• Anderson
• Caler
• Daniel
• Paterno

Oral Topics

• Daniel
• Paterno

Assignment #4 News For You

Tired of news being given to you by others? Create your own newspaper!

Due Monday

1/ Select a unique name for your newspaper

2/ Pick the five (5)  or more subject areas that interest you most

3/ Create a headline (a real or imaginary news flash) for each of the five (5) subject areas

4/ Write the first two sentences for each of the five (5) headlines you've created

Example: (Sample Only)

1/ Banner: East Akron News-"All the News I Want When I Want It"

2/ Topics: Space, Crime, Hollywood Gossip, Weather, Friends

3/ Headlines: Asteroid Hits Earth; Crowded Summit County Jails Force Inmates to Be Held in Marriott Hotel; Punky Brewster Make a Comback; Hurricane Larry Hits Barberton; Rolling Stones To Call It Quits; Julianne Dumps Gerrod....Finally!

4/ Openers: 
    a. An asteroid the size of Texas flattened Las Vegas today. No injuries were reported.
    b. A caravan of SUVs transported prisoners to the Downtown Marriott in Akron at 2AM to avoid public outcry. Regular guests knew nothing of the influx of persons with striped uniforms.
    c.  Punky Brewster, an eleven year old sitcom actress on the Punky Brewster Saturday AM show, wants to return at the age of 45 as a teenager in college. Early reviews of the opening show are not as positive as expected.
    d. Reaching the end of their thirteenth "last tour" in Europe, Mick Jagger says he wants to settle down in Hoboken, New Jersey. "Life is good there" he claimed.
    e. After endless tweets and postings, the relationship is finally OVER. Alleluia! Now the world can continue to spin.

Test Correction!

Check your Test # 1. If you answered "b" on Question #25, I will give you credit (both b & c are correct). Also ,if you answered "b" on Extra Credit #6, that is correct and I will give you credit.

 Please bring your test to class as soon as possible so I can record the correction.

Thanks!

FYI: Scottsboro (A Must See PBS American Experience Special)

Today, I learned Alabama is now, 82 years later, moving to posthumously pardon the 9 black teenagers (The Scottsboro 9) who were convicted of raping two white women in 1931 and sentenced to death. A classic example of Jim Crow, this case has been viewed as having outraged so many Americans that the slow process of social change began to incrementally remove the embedded racial elements of our society.

Assignment #3: Little Rock Arkansas

Watch the first half hour of this video re: the integration of the Little Rock, Arkansas schools, and respond to each of the following questions (with your own answers):

Due Monday; no exceptions. Post your replies online, and sign your response! No paper submittals!

(Hint: Have a pencil and paper available to jot down the answers when they appear in the video)

1. How did Governor Faubus respond to integrating the City's schools
2. What role did the Arkansas National Guard play initially?
3. Who were the Little Rock 9?
4. What happened to Elizabeth Eckford?
5. How effective was President Eisenhower in this national crisis?
6. How did the "supremacy clause" of the U.S. constitution come into play?
7. What did Minnie Jean do that was so unexpected?
8. What was Governor Faubus' final solution to stop integration In Little Rock?
9. Your personal thoughts on this dramatic historical event

FYI: A Case of Failed Execution

Rommel Broom raped and murdered Tryna Middleton on September 21, 1984 and sentenced to death. Ohio's first attempt at execution failed in 2009. Should there be a second attempt? Or, should he be spared death. Ohio's death penalty law requires a "quick and painless death"; his attornies have indicated what happened to him was "torture".

Here's more detail on this case (no new date has been set).

Assignment #2 Cruel and Unusual?

Do you think that life imprisonment for juveniles is "cruel and unusual punishment"? FYI: Supreme Court Justice Brennan in 1972 used the following interrelated standards to define the term:

• A punishment must not by its severity be degrading to human dignity especially torture.
• A severe punishment that is obviously inflicted in wholly arbitrary fashion." 
• A severe punishment that is clearly and totally rejected throughout society." "
• A severe punishment that is patently unnecessary." 

Post your 125+ word response by next Friday.

FYI: Study Tool

Study Tool

American Urban Society

Chapters 1-4

Spring 2013

Chapter 1

1/ Many of you, born in the 1980s and 1990s, are considered the “Millennial Generation”.  There are some wonderful characteristics that distinguish your age group from previous generations, especially as pertains to our democracy and general social backgrounds. What are some of these characteristics?

2/ The beginning of this millennium initially saw an new interest of persons of your generation in our political system in the United States. But participation has cooled. Your text says your generation has fallen “silent” on several major issues.. Can you name some reasons? How about you?

3/ As we are seeing in Egypt, Syria, and Libya not all countries have a governmental system like we do. In these three Middle Eastern nations, popular uprisings have toppled, (or nearly toppled) their authoritarian systems. Our basic system is different though. For example, how do we, as citizens make sure our elected representatives are held accountable to us (popular sovereignty). What mechanisms are available to make sure we remain “in charge”? What type of governing system is this called?

4/ We all do good works. We hold doors open for seniors, we help a stranded motorist out of a snow bank. We write our brothers and sisters who are in Iraq to wish them Happy New Year, etc. These are all acts of generosity for specific individuals, without expecting to be compensated (aka altruism).

There’s another type of good work that many of us do for the community (local and global) as a whole: We attend a community meeting to support a new crime watch program. We send our hard-earned dollars to Haiti to help those who are devastated by earthquakes and disease. We also buy our produce from local farms to help our local organic farmers, and to avoid buying food that comes from far away that requires shipping, and therefore, a heavy, environmentally costly, carbon “footprint”. What is this type of community effort called? Can you think of any you’ve participated in recently?

5/ Some acts of civic engagement are political in nature. Some are not political. These non-political opportunities may be available at the University of Akron, at your church, synagogue, temple or mosque. The may be available at the many non-profit organizations that proliferate in most communities, including Akron (Haven of Rest, Goodwill Enterprises, Habitat for Humanity for example). Are these non-political engagement opportunities different than political engagement opportunities? How?

Chapter 2

6/ Our founding fathers (with the support of their families) thought long and hard about what kind of government was best for the future of the nation. They had a chance to start fresh, with a blank slate, so to speak. Several aspects of the system they initially devised, and which has since evolved, are discussed in Chapter 2. What are some of these characteristics? What governing aspects were intentionally avoided by our early leaders?

7/ Many legal documents include general clauses that are meant to convey an important principal that applies to the entire provision or law. There are such general clauses written into the Constitution to deal with the exercise of national power, including specifying who has power in the case of a difference of opinion between the national and state/local government. You may want to refresh your memory of these important clauses discussed in Chapter 2.

8/ Representative government is part of our way of “political” life. We exercise power through elected representatives who act as our “proxies” since all of us (300 million +) can’t be deciding everything that goes on in Ohio and the nation. Where did this representative form of government get its start in this country? Nebraska, Ohio, Georgia? Where?

9/ The Articles of Confederation were the beginning of a national form of government. Did the Articles do some good? Sure. It bound us together (loosely) as a nation as we rapidly explored our expanding geographic horizons. But, the system failed to take root. You’ll need to look at the specific reasons it “imploded”. What was the principal flaw (fly-in-the-ointment, so to speak) in the Articles of Confederation? How was it corrected in the proposed and ultimately ratified Constitution?

10/ Federalism is the form of government embodied in the Constitution. It was proposed, in part, in response to the problems perceived with the previous Articles of Confederation. Ultimately, it comes down to where power resides. Is it based with the states? Is it wholly with the national government. Or is it spread around, or allocated, as appropriate.

11/ So, what are the elemental principles embodied in the original Constitution? Do you know? Hint: Don’t confuse Constitutional principles (law of the land) with sweeping, grand statements in the Declaration of Independence.

12/ In addition to separation of powers, our system provides overlapping roles for the three (3) branches of government. You might think this is a recipe for gridlock, bickering and frustration. Partially true (look at the health care mess). But this system’s complex formula for allocating power allows for maintaining a power balance, and does prevent hasty decision-making. Things take time to get passed, and this is felt to be good in the long run. What is this basic principal called?

Chapter 3

13/ Imagery is helpful, even with Federalism-the “cake” analogy in your book, for example. Prior to the Civil War, national and the state governments, to some extent, went their own separate, parallel ways. This was referred to as “layer cake” federalism (layer of white cake on top of chocolate cake, and never shall the two mix….get it?). Later, cooperation between governments ensued, as this was referred to as _____. Fill in the blank.

14/ Federalism is all about sharing of power. Ok, maybe it’s not 50/50, but it’s “shared” nonetheless. Neither level of government (Federal or State) is all powerful, although the federal power has an edge since states can’t just blow off national laws, as was tried in the 1950s and 1960s when the armed forces were brought in to enforce civil rights legislation. At the same time, states are not simple “enforcers” of national laws. That approach has been tried and was struck down in the courts (gun control, for example).

15/ “States rule” in some people’s minds. This expression underlines the difference between a confederation and a federalist government.  Yes, the Confederacy had a President (Jefferson Davis), a Congress, and a Confederate Supreme Court. but it’s preamble says it all: "We, the people of the Confederate States, each State acting in its sovereign and independent character...”.

16/ The Constitution, in a matrix format, lays out the power structure, establishing enumerated, reserved, concurrent, implied and prohibited powers relative to national and state control. Take a look at these examples laid out in the beginning of Chapter 3.

17/ Your text makes a brief note in a graphic about ex post facto laws and bills of attainder. How are these handled relative to the types of powers detailed in #16 above?  Can national and state government use these “devices”? Do a search and look them up to refresh your memory of our class discussion since your text says nothing.

18/ So, who wields the most power? If you and your parents have a conflict over a house rule, who’s the boss? Similarly, if the national and state governments argue over a law, who ultimately wins out? This is another clause in the constitution, referred to as the ____________ clause.

19/ The Constitution bans Congress from finding you guilty of a crime and sentence you to hard labor or some other punishment. This is a carry over from our separation from England and the monarchy, which sometimes punished persons without a trial. Again, what is this banned procedure called?

Chapter 4

20/ We discussed the “freedom of expression” of religion clause in the First Amendment. How free is “free”? The “peace, order and comfort” of a community must be upheld.  Can we worship however we want? Can we use prohibited narcotics in the service? Can we be married to fifteen women at once if our religion says ok? How about having a church service where deadly snakes are passed around? Think about it.

21/ The “Lemon Test” is not a test undertaken to test the acidity of lemons and limes. So what is it? What is the “Miller Test”? These are important “tests” dealing with parts of the First Amendment. Check thme out again.

22/ Religious displays have received a lot of legal investigation as pertains to our freedoms. Crosses on National Park lands, Ten Commandments on school lawns, etc. So what is ok and what is not so ok? Is “In God We Trust” on money ok? How about an Easter display of the Easter Bunny near a representation of Jesus rising from the grave on a city hall display area? Remember, context is everything!

23/ I often get slander (speech) and libel (writings) mixed up. Both elements of false statements are unprotected by the First amendment. Which is which? Examples?

24/ So really, what is obscene for the purposes of the First Amendment on freedom of speech? What does the Miller test say?

25/ Two examples of symbolic speech:

a.       Burning in effigy (a stuffed dummy made to look like the target person) of an elected official in downtown Canton

b.       Burning a military draft card (selective service) downtown, in protest of the war in Afghanistan

Which is of these would be prohibited based on current free speech understandings (ignoring the legal problems with lighting a fire downtown)? Why? Caution: It’s tricky!

Note: Articles posted on class website and class discussion notes should be reviewed for Extra Credit questions which are “mined” by from this material. This targeted material should be used in conjunction with your primary Study Guide which covers a broader array of important material.