Review Questions
You should be able to answer the following questions after our in-class
discussion of SYLLABUS TOPIC #10:
2. What is “diffuse support?” How might a political system generate diffuse
support?
3. Distinguish between hegemonic and systems theories of value transfer.
4. What are the major agents of political socialization in American society?
Discuss how each helps to shape political knowledge and values. What is
meant by “direct value transfer?” What is meant by “indirect value transfer?”
What are some examples of each?
You should be able to answer the following questions after reviewing the
handout on “Political Parties” provided in the JULY 2ND class session:
5. Discuss the role of political parties in modern democracies. What are the
basic goals or purposes of political parties?
6. What are the four major premises of the model of “responsible party
government?”
7. List and discuss the traditional functions of the two major parties in the United
States.
8. Discuss four explanations for two-partyism in the United States.
9. What is a “direct primary?” What are the threats of the direct primary to party
organizations?
10. Identify factors that have contributed to the decline of the American party
system.