De Anza College
American Politics – Midterm II Fall’08
Essay Question List
Three of the following questions will appear in the in class portion of the mid term, you
will be asked to write on ONE of them. Being familiar with all of them will help you on
the multiple choice section.
1. In what ways do special interest groups in America play both a positive and negative role in our
democracy? Describe and explain 3 to 5 key factors that typically influence how successful a special
interest group is likely to be.
2. Summarize and assess our current laws regulating campaign finance; to what extent do you think
they have they struck the proper balance between protecting free speech and maintaining a fair and open
electoral system?
3. Different states use different systems for their presidential primaries. Explain the advantage and
disadvantages of the following three options for organizing primaries:

caucus vs general primary

open vs closed primary

“winner take all” vs proportional

a national or staggered primary
4. Explain how and why federal power expanded throughout most of American history as well as
what led to the devolution of federal power beginning in the 1980’s.
5. Regardless if you are a supporter or opponent of medical marijuana, do you think laws regulating
the use of marijuana should be set at the state or federal level? Explain what constitutional principles
you base your position on and whether these same principles would also apply to gay marriage? Be
sure to consider the practical and constitutional difficulties inherent whichever position you take
The questions below will NOT appear on the exam, but being familiar with the
concepts they embody will help you on the multiple choice section.
Explain why the U.S. has a two party system considering both its historical origins as well as ways our
system maintains the two party monopoly.
Explain the role played by third parties in our two-party system.
Describe the relative advantages and disadvantages of a two party system versus a multiparty system. Consider
this in terms of both elections and government operation.
In what ways and to what extent did political realignment took place between 1960 and 1980? Consider
deviations and reinstatements as well as realignment.
In what ways and to what extent has political realignment taken place between 1980 and the present.
Consider deviations and reinstatements as well as realignment.
What factors best explain why voter turnout in the U.S. is typically lower than in other democracies and
what leads certain groups of people to be less likely to vote.