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Unit 1 #1. The U.S. Constitution is based on a particular view of human nature.

How did that view influence the structure of the government? How were the weaknesses of human nature exploited to safeguard against abuses of government power? Human nature purses its own self-interest Separation of powers and checks and balances allow for self-interests to block other self-interests Federalism, a system of govt with local and federal govts divides govt power and creates a double security of protection In a large country, each faction will have some power but not all Ruling coalitions will always be instable (is that good?) o Different parts will unite on different optics, they didnt fight that Unit 2 #1 The text provides evidence that casts the capabilities of the average citizen in a negative light: ignorance of specific issues, inconsistent political ideologies, opinions influenced by elites, government designed not to respond automatically to the people. Present arguments why public opinion should matter in the formation of public policy. In other words, reply to the criticisms degrading the peoples capabilities. Ignorance: public opinion is less important in maintaining democracy than political culture Inconsistent ideologies: people can have general political dispositions even though they do not use the terms liberal and conservative correctly Elite influence: elites are not successful in shaping public opinion but only in framing issues and setting norms. Morever, elites have no ability to influence public opinion on economic issues Constitutional checks: the checks on public opinion were intended as much to prevent the abuse of power by the government Unit 2 #2 The U.S. Political Culture centers on the values of liberty and equality, yet these values have different meanings in the political and economic systems. Explain how liberty and equality are defined both politically and economically. Political liberty: people should be free to do what they please as long as others are not hurt Economic liberty: free enterprise is supported but the government should regulate business to correct abuses Political equality: everyone should have an equal vote and an equal chance Economic equality: everyone should have an equal opportunity, but salaries should be based on ability rather than on needs

Unit 3 #6 Argue that the influence of Politics and the government on the media is greater than the reverse. Does one type of media (broadcast or print) have an advantage in its relationship to the political process? Examine the advantage of each in forming a conclusion. Typical members o Democrats: thought of Party of People Party of Laborers; create government programs to aid o Republicans: party of business owners -> want less taxes Wide differences on issues separate the national convention delegates of the two parties (most America seen as moderate) In addition, democratic nominees for the presidency have tended to take more extreme positions on social and taxation issues On reflecting membership views, the Democratic Party maintains a greater openness to representation of various factions. This openness is misleading because it culminates in a nominating convention dominated by ideologies who are more extreme than the average democratic voter The Republican Party in presidential elections has been more successful, despite a convention controlled by ideologies, because the traditional middle class is closer to the conservative tendencies of republican activists.

Unit 4 #6 A democratic government is based on the idea that the will of the people prevails. Does congress act in this way? In answering, consider elections to congress, how congress operates, and the factors that influence the voting behavior of members. Incumbents win: Elections members have little fear because few are defeated for reelection and margins of victory are widening (90% of incumbents win in House, 80% senate) Operation of congress: many points of access exist, leading to serious ethics violations Dispersion of power: o Produces laws based on compromise rather than the national interests o Contributes to congress simply following the lead of the president on many issues Voting behaviors: o Members seldom seek to represent constituency opinion in voting except where issues have high visibility and district opinion is clear o Members are devoting increased time to constituent-related services to demonstrate dedication to their districts, despite ignoring district opinion while making voting decisions

Unit 5 #2 Discuss how Foreign policy decisions are shared and shaped? Executive branch does most (allows for quick and decisive moves) President is Chief Diplomat: o Appoints Ambassadors Including Sec. of State - > head of state dept. (diplomacy) o Negotiates treaties o Makes executive agreements President is Commander-in-chief o Head of military o Secretary of Defense -> Civilian head of Def. Dept o Joint Chief of staff -> military leader Also uses the CIA most of which has open information Congress o Can declare war o Ratify treaties o Approve cabinet members o Appropriate funds Senate foreign relations committee Senate intelligence committee (Some are select) House and senate armed service committee Base foreign policy on o Natl security o World peace o Self-gov o Free and open trade o Human rights

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