GOVT 2302
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. Discuss the role of the United States Supreme Court as a policy-maker. What do we mean
when we say that a court decision has policy impact? How does this differ from legal
impact? Give examples of U.S. Supreme Court [USSC] decisions that have policy impact.
Why is compliance important as a criterion of judicial policy-making? Give examples of
USSC decisions that meet this criterion. Explain your 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. What are the two principal functions of Congress? Explain the inherent conflict that exists
between these two functions. How might this conflict explain Fenno’s dilemma?
2. What is meant by the “media presidency?” What is meant by the “textbook presidency?”
How do these perpetuate a “mythological presidency?” Explain why the true nature of
presidential power is personal, episodic, and negative.
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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logrolling vs. pigeon-holed
filibuster vs. cloture
Senate majority leader vs. vice-president of the United States
delegate vs. trustee
cabinet vs. Executive Office of the President
presidential veto vs. veto point
merit system vs. spoils system (patronage)
capture theory vs. regulation
apellate jurisdiction vs. original jurisdiction
writ of mandamus vs. writ of certiorari
majority opinion vs. dissenting opinion
iron triangle (subgovernment) vs. revolving door