GOVT 2301
Fall 2002
Exam #2
ESSAY QUESTION. Answer the following question in a thorough essay. Organize your essay
around a thesis statement. Include an introduction, separate paragraphs developing your
supporting arguments, and a conclusion. A complete answer is one that addresses all parts of
the question. Write complete sentences and pay attention to spelling, grammar, and word
choice. Do NOT assume that “the instructor will know what you mean.” 40 points.
1. What is the dominant ideology in American politics? What are the fundamental
assumptions of this system of thought? Analyze some of the specific values that “flow from”
these assumptions and which are held by most Americans. How is each defined? Are
there any inconsistencies among these values? Illustrate with examples.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS. Answer the following questions in a paragraph (a separate
paragraph for each question). Do NOT answer specific parts as separate items. Integrate
your responses into a well-organized, well-constructed paragraph. A complete answer is one
that addresses all parts of the question. Write complete sentences and pay attention to
spelling, grammar, and word choice. Do NOT assume that “the instructor will know what you
mean.” 15 points each/30 points total.
1. Identify and discuss the “liberal” (Enlightenment) principles of government that the
Americans outlined in their Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776.
2. What two general approaches did the framers of the Constitution take to limit the power of
government? Briefly discuss each. Why were they so preoccupied with the principle of
limited government?
IDENTIFICATION ITEMS. Define and identify the importance of the terms in ten (10) of the
pairs below. These items can generally be answered in two or three sentences. Students
should go beyond simple definitions of the terms or concepts to say why each is important.
Your answer should be written to demonstrate your familiarity with and understanding of both
terms or concepts in each pair. You should explain why the two are juxtaposed. The fact that
two items are paired together does not necessarily imply that they are opposites. The items
may be complementary concepts. 3 points each/30 points total.
[example] Article I, sec. 8:18 vs. 10th Amendment – Article I, sec 8:18 implies that the national government has
powers beyond those that are expressly delegated in the Constitution while the 10th Amendment reserves for the
states any powers not delegated by the Constitution to the national government. These provisions reflect the
competing political philosophies of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists respectively. Whereas the Constitution
reflects these two competing philosophies, the question of how constitutional powers are divided between the two
levels of government must be resolved by judicial interpretation.
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political ideology vs. political culture
“freedom to” vs. “freedom from”
equality of opportunity vs. equality of outcomes (results)
republicanism vs. monarchy
popular sovereignty vs. direct democracy
original dilemma vs. modern dilemma
libertarianism vs. progressivism
totalitarianism vs. anarchism
writ of habeas corpus vs. ex post facto law
bicameralism vs. federalism
separation of powers vs. checks and balances
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists