PS103
Exam Two Study Guide
Dr. Miller
Section I: Identifications
Of the following fifteen identification terms, six will appear on your exam. You will have to answer five. Each will be
worth ten points.
Redistricting
Logrolling
Filibuster
Franking privilege
Brownlow Committee
Honeymoon period
War Powers Act
Bully pulpit
Sunset laws
Pendleton Act
Reinventing government
Writ of certiorari
Missouri Plan
Senatorial courtesy
Amicus curiae
Identification answers should identify the term, case, or concept, explain the importance of it to political science, and
integrate within course materials to the fullest extent possible. Each of these answers should constitute roughly a
paragraph (4-6 sentences).
Section II: Essays
Of the following six essay questions, three will appear on your exam. You will have to answer two. Each will be worth
twenty-five points.
1) In as much detail as possible, trace the process by which a bill becomes a law in the United States Congress. In doing
so, be sure to discuss the importance of leadership positions in both houses of Congress, the role of committees, and the
options the president has once a bill comes to his desk, along with other pertinent information.
2) Discuss fully the three roles of Congress as it relates to policymaking. Looking specifically at a power of Congress,
Alexander Hamilton and Brutus present two different perspectives on the ability of Congress to levy taxes. Fully
examine the claims made by both and then assess which figure you believe to be most correct and why.
3) The Electoral College is an often misunderstood political phenomenon in America. Begin this essay by discussing the
structure and set-up of the modern Electoral College. How does it work? Discuss why the Electoral College is looked
at so negatively by many Americans. What do Hartke and Pfiffner say about the debate related to the Electoral College?
Ultimately, do you believe the Electoral College is the best way to elect the president? Why or why not?
4) The ability to impeach the president is one of Congress’ most significant powers. What can a president be impeached
for? How does the process work (explain with as much detail as possible)? How many presidents have we impeached in
our nation’s history and for what reasons? Ultimately, do you believe that impeachment gives too much power over the
presidency?
5) It has been stated that: “The bureaucracy is expected to carry out programs fairly and competently (merit), but it is
also expected to respond to political forces (patronage) and to operate efficiently (executive leadership).” Begin this
essay by describing what a bureaucracy is and what some of the central features of a bureaucratic organization are. What
are the different types of bureaucratic structures in the American government today? Discuss the concepts of patronage,
merit system, and executive leadership and the strengths and weaknesses of each. Lastly, assess whether the national
government is the only level capable of bureaucratic misgivings or if state and local bureaucracies can present the same
issues.
6) Jurists have written of the “upper-court myth.” Discuss what is meant by this myth and how the federal court system
is set up today (providing sufficient detail). Within the federal court system (and especially at the Supreme Court) we
often hear of the dichotomies between judicial restraint and judicial activism and originalism and the living Constitution.
What are the meanings of these terms and which do you believe are best suited to help jurists decide cases in America
today?
Essay answers should respond to all aspects of the question to the fullest extent possible. This is an opportunity to
demonstrate mastery of course materials. Failure to address any portion of the question or to expand as much as
possible will result in a loss of points.
YOU MUST HAVE A BLUEBOOK TO TAKE THE EXAM!