PLSC 102, Study Guide for Exam #2 Instructions: the following is a guide to what will be on the 2nd exam. It’s also your ongoing homework assignment, so please download it and type your answers in between the questions. Complete a couple questions at a time, each day, as you watch each lecture video. It needs to reflect your good faith attempt to learn from the lectures & prove understanding in your own words. Thus, there’s no credit for copying (or loosely rewording) answers from other students or websites. You can abbreviate, & don’t have to use complete sentences, but it must be typed. To get full credit (20 points), answer all the questions and key concepts, and write detailed outlines for the essays. Political Parties Key terms: party platform, New Deal coalition, dealignment, unified vs. divided government (what’s more common since WWII?), party column ballot vs. office block ballot (which one do parties like?) Party Platform – A party platform is a concise statement of a political party's core principles, goals, and policy positions. New Deal Coalition – The New Deal coalition was an alliance of people, that included labor unions, racial minorities, and urban liberals, that supported President Franklin D. Roosevelt's policies. Dealignment – Dealignment is a weakening or loosening of long-standing political party voter loyalty, leading to more independent and unpredictable voters. Unified vs. Divided Government - Unified government refers to a political scenario where one party holds the majority in both the executive and legislative branches, allowing for easier passage of legislation. Divided government, on the other hand, occurs when different parties control the executive and legislative branches, often leading to increased gridlock and difficulty in passing major legislation. Party Colum Ballot vs. Office Block Ballot - A party column ballot is a voting format where candidates from the same political party are grouped together under the party name, making it easier to vote along party lines. An office block ballot, on the other hand, presents candidates for each office separately, allowing voters to choose individual candidates across different parties. Briefly explain the major functions of political parties that we discussed in lecture. Democratic Party: • Representation • Mobilization Republican Party: • Policy Formulation • Candidate Nomination Libertarian Party: • Individual Liberties • Political Education Green Party: • Environmental Advocacy • Representation of Progressive Values Constitution Party: • Constitutional Conservatism • Candidate Nomination Democratic & Republican leaders are often accused of being too similar or too moderate. Give some examples of this from the Clinton & Bush Jr. presidencies. What are some explanations for it (i.e. “Electoral Calculus,” & pros/cons of winner-take-all, single-member-districts vs. proportional)? During the Clinton presidency, both President Bill Clinton and Republican leaders pursued bipartisan policies such as welfare reform and free trade agreements, leading to accusations of centrism and similarity. Similarly, under the presidency of George W. Bush, both Bush and Democratic leaders PLSC 102, Study Guide for Exam #2 supported the Patriot Act and the Iraq War, prompting criticism of moderate stances and overlapping policies. Briefly explain the role 3rd parties have played in recent elections, including spoilers in ’92 & 2000. Third parties have had varying impacts in recent elections, with notable examples being Ross Perot's candidacy in 1992, where his Reform Party campaign was accused of being a spoiler, and Ralph Nader's Green Party candidacy in 2000, potentially siphoning votes from Al Gore and affecting the outcome of the closely contested race between George W. Bush and Gore in Florida. What were the original reputations of our 2 major parties, and how did they change over time? The Democratic Party was originally associated with agrarian interests and states' rights, while the Republican Party was founded on anti-slavery principles, and over time, their reputations shifted as the Democratic Party became more aligned with progressive and liberal values, and the Republican Party became known for conservative ideologies and limited government. What are the major “party eras & realignments” in the 20th century? Include an explanation of changes in party identification in the South. [Also see the following section in Magleby, Chapter 4: “Where We Are From”] In the 20th century, major party eras and realignments include the Progressive Era, the New Deal Era, and the Republican Resurgence. In the South, there was a significant shift known as the "Southern realignment," where the Democratic Party lost support as white voters in the region gradually shifted to the Republican Party, largely driven by racial issues, conservative values, and changing political dynamics. When you describe our current era, explain the consequences of having weaker political parties (the ones we discussed in lecture). Consequences of weaker political parties in our current era: • Increased polarization and gridlock: Weaker political parties can lead to a fragmented political landscape with less cohesive party platforms, making it challenging to build consensus and pass significant legislation. • Rise of independent and populist movements: Weaker parties create space for independent and populist candidates and movements to gain prominence, potentially disrupting traditional party dynamics and contributing to a more unpredictable political environment. Assess current trends in party identification. Also, in general terms, explain why different socioeconomic characteristics make someone more likely to be a Democrat or Republican (i.e. gender, income, race). General socioeconomic characteristics and party affiliation: • Higher levels of education are often associated with a higher likelihood of leaning Democratic, as more educated individuals tend to prioritize issues like social progress, climate change, and income inequality. • Individuals with higher incomes tend to lean Republican, as they may prioritize economic growth, low taxes, and limited government intervention, while lower-income individuals may be more likely to identify as Democrats due to support for social safety nets and economic policies aimed at reducing inequality. • A noticeable shift of the population to moderate views is important to note, causing the two major parties to become less radical. What are some explanations in your CA textbook for why parties are even weaker in California than they are nationwide? In your answer, include a brief explanation of CA’s primary election system. In California, some explanations for weaker parties compared to the national level include the "toptwo" primary election system, where the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election, reducing party control over candidate selection, and the large size and PLSC 102, Study Guide for Exam #2 diversity of the state, making it challenging for parties to maintain cohesive platforms and effectively mobilize their supporters statewide. Media and Politics Where do most Americans get their news about politics and government? How has this changed in recent years for better or for worse? Most Americans get their news about politics and government from television, but in recent years, the rise of online and social media platforms has brought both benefits in terms of accessibility and diversity of sources, but also challenges with the spread of misinformation and the fragmentation of news consumption. Are current trends in media ownership over the last two decades troubling? Why or why not? Current trends in media ownership over the last two decades can be troubling as they have led to consolidation and fewer independent voices, potentially limiting the diversity of perspectives and undermining journalistic integrity. ESSAY QUESTION (& multiple choice questions on this too): Analyze the positive & negative roles of mass media in U.S. politics we discussed in lecture. In particular, when it comes to negative roles, what are some ideological biases (liberal or conservative) & structural biases (profit motive, time constraints, etc) that affect ALL MEDIA (not just a particular channel/program)? Explain how these biases affect the content of news programs. Give examples. Also, how do these biases affect media coverage of campaigns (i.e. horse-race/strategy-focus; sound-bite coverage; televised debates)? Finally, what are 3 ways in which the media affects government’s agenda? Throughout your entire essay, give recent actual examples (other than those provided in lecture) to prove your understanding. I. Introduction A. Definition of mass media B. Importance of mass media in U.S. politics C. Thesis statement: Mass media in U.S. politics plays both positive and negative roles. This essay will analyze the negative roles, including ideological biases (liberal or conservative) and structural biases (profit motive, time constraints, etc.) that affect all media, and how these biases influence the content of news programs. Furthermore, it will examine the impact of these biases on media coverage of campaigns, and finally, explore three ways in which the media affects the government's agenda. II. Negative Roles of Mass Media A. Ideological Biases 1. Liberal biases a. Example: Media outlets favoring liberal policies and candidates 2. Conservative biases a. Example: Media outlets favoring conservative policies and candidates B. Structural Biases 1. Profit Motive a. Example: Sensationalism and prioritizing ratings over accuracy 2. Time Constraints a. Example: Superficial coverage due to limited time for in-depth analysis III. Influence on News Content A. Ideological Biases 1. Selection and Framing of Stories a. Example: Highlighting stories aligned with the outlet's political ideology 2. Presentation of Information a. Example: Spin and selective reporting to support a particular ideology B. Structural Biases 1. Sensationalism PLSC 102, Study Guide for Exam #2 a. Example: Focus on controversial or scandalous stories for higher ratings 2. Limited Context a. Example: Lack of comprehensive analysis due to time constraints IV. Media Coverage of Campaigns A. Horse-Race/Strategy Focus 1. Example: Emphasis on poll numbers and candidate strategies over policy issues B. Sound-Bite Coverage 1. Example: Short and often superficial coverage of candidates' statements C. Televised Debates 1. Example: Focus on memorable moments rather than substantive policy discussions V. Media's Impact on Government's Agenda A. Shaping Public Opinion 1. Example: Media framing influencing public perceptions of policy issues B. Agenda Setting 1. Example: Media highlighting certain topics, pushing them to the forefront of public discourse C. Holding Government Accountable 1. Example: Investigative journalism revealing government wrongdoing VI. Conclusion A. Recap of the negative roles of mass media in U.S. politics B. Emphasis on ideological biases (liberal or conservative) and structural biases (profit motive, time constraints, etc.) affecting all media C. Impact of biases on news content and media coverage of campaigns D. Discussion of media's influence on the government's agenda through shaping public opinion, agenda setting, and holding government accountable E. Importance of media literacy and critical thinking in interpreting media messages and promoting a more informed democratic process. Voting Explain the major ebbs and flows of VTO in America from the 1960s to today. Also, explain differences in voter turnout between presidential and midterm elections, and between primary and general elections. Major ebbs and flows of voter turnout in America from the 1960s to today include a surge in political engagement during the civil rights movement and the passage of the Voting Rights Act in the 1960s, followed by periods of decline and fluctuation influenced by factors such changing demographics. Differences in voter turnout between presidential and midterm elections are often significant, with presidential elections experiencing higher turnout due to increased media attention, higher stakes, and the perception of greater impact on national leadership, while midterm elections tend to have lower turnout due to less national attention, fewer contested races, and a more limited focus on local and state issues. Additionally, primary elections generally have lower turnout compared to general elections, as they involve selecting candidates within a single party and may have a narrower pool of eligible voters. What are some arguments for and against registration requirements, and compulsion penalties? Proponents argue that registration requirements ensure the accuracy and integrity of the electoral process, preventing fraud and maintaining an updated voter database, while compulsion penalties encourage civic participation and help achieve a more representative democracy. Critics argue that registration requirements may disproportionately affect marginalized groups, creating barriers to access and disenfranchising eligible voters, while compulsion penalties can be seen as coercive and infringing on individual freedom and autonomy. PLSC 102, Study Guide for Exam #2 What demographic factors (age, gender, others) make it more or less likely that Americans will vote? Certain demographic factors, such as older age, higher education, higher income, and being female, tend to be associated with higher voter turnout, while younger age, lower education, lower income, and being male are often correlated with lower voter turnout. “Pocketbook” voting is often the most predictive type of “retrospective” voting. Explain this. "Pocketbook" voting refers to the tendency of voters to base their choices on their personal economic circumstances, as it is often the most reliable and predictive factor in retrospective voting. When do foreign policy issues become more important for American voters? During times of war, foreign policy becomes an important issue to American voters because we often have troops or other high stakes in foreign areas. Explain the regional (geographic) variations in voting in American elections [i.e. Red-Blue states]. Certain regions, like the Northeast and West Coast, tend to lean more Democratic, while the South and parts of the Midwest have historically favored the Republican Party, although these patterns can evolve and change over time. Additionally, swing states and battleground regions play a crucial role in determining electoral outcomes and receive significant attention from political campaigns. Elections Key term: front-loading [See Elections chapter, in section on Presidential Primaries …“Iowa & NH”] Front-loading – Front-loading refers to the practice of scheduling primary elections and caucuses early in the election year, aiming to give certain states or regions an advantage in influencing the nomination process and attracting candidate attention. Compare a proportional system of elections to the American system (i.e. single-member districts). Analyze the pros & cons of each. [Video 6-4] (You should have answered this on page 1 already). Proportional System: Pros: • Provides more accurate representation of voters' preferences as seats in the legislative body are allocated proportionally to the votes received by each party. • Allows for a wider range of political parties to participate and be represented, fostering a more diverse and inclusive political landscape. Cons: • May result in fragmented governance and slower decision-making processes due to the necessity of coalition-building among multiple parties. • Can weaken the direct connection between constituents and their elected representatives, as party lists determine who gets elected rather than individual candidates. American System: Pros: • Provides stability and clarity as voters directly elect individual representatives for specific geographic districts. • Facilitates a two-party system, which can lead to more cohesive policy-making and decisive governance. Cons: • May lead to disproportionate representation where a party can win a significant number of seats with a relatively small share of the total votes. PLSC 102, Study Guide for Exam #2 • Can discourage minor parties from participating and limit the range of political perspectives represented in the government. Describe the incumbent reelection rate, and the different advantages of incumbency that explain it. The incumbent reelection rate refers to the higher likelihood of sitting officeholders winning reelection, which can be attributed to advantages such as name recognition, access to resources, established fundraising networks, constituent service, and the power of incumbency. ESSAY QUESTION (& multiple choice questions on this too): Explain in detail how the Electoral College (EC) works to someone who has never heard of it. The more detail you provide, the better. Also, what are different arguments for & against the EC (don’t just list them – explain yourself) and what are 3 potential reforms for it? How likely is it that these reforms will be adopted? Why? I. Introduction A. Definition of the Electoral College (EC) B. Importance of understanding how the EC works C. Thesis statement: This essay will provide a detailed explanation of how the Electoral College functions, explore various arguments for and against it, and propose three potential reforms. Additionally, it will assess the likelihood of these reforms being adopted and the reasons behind it. II. Explanation of the Electoral College A. Composition of the Electoral College 1. Electors and their appointment process 2. Total number of electors and the concept of "electoral votes" B. Determining the Electoral Votes 1. Allocation of electoral votes to states based on population 2. The role of the winner-takes-all or "unit rule" system in most states C. Electoral Votes and the Presidential Election 1. Presidential candidates' goal of winning a majority of electoral votes 2. The process of casting electoral votes and the role of Congress in certification 3. The requirement of securing at least 270 electoral votes to win the presidency III. Arguments for the Electoral College A. Balance between state and national interests 1. Protecting the influence of smaller states in the presidential election 2. Avoiding the concentration of power in densely populated regions B. Promoting stability and preventing hasty decisions 1. Encouraging candidates to build broad coalitions across states 2. Reducing the likelihood of the election outcome being influenced by temporary popular sentiment IV. Arguments against the Electoral College A. Disproportionate influence of swing states 1. Focus of campaigns and policy attention on battleground states 2. Neglecting the concerns of voters in non-competitive states B. Potential for the winner of the popular vote to lose the presidency 1. Instances of "faithless electors" and the possibility of an electoral-vote/popular-vote split C. Undermining the principle of one person, one vote 1. Unequal weight of individual votes based on state population disparities V. Potential Reforms for the Electoral College A. Popular Vote Compact 1. Proposal to award electoral votes based on the national popular vote winner B. Proportional Allocation of Electoral Votes 1. Assigning electoral votes proportionally to candidates based on state popular vote results PLSC 102, Study Guide for Exam #2 C. Congressional District Method 1. Allocating electoral votes based on the winner in each congressional district VI. Likelihood of Reform Adoption A. Popular Vote Compact: Moderate likelihood 1. Increasing support and enactment by states B. Proportional Allocation: Low likelihood 1. Potential challenges in implementing a uniform approach across states C. Congressional District Method: Low likelihood 1. Potential for gerrymandering and partisan manipulation VII. Conclusion A. Recap of the Electoral College's functioning and its significance B. Examination of arguments for and against the EC, highlighting issues of representation and fairness C. Introduction of potential reforms, including the Popular Vote Compact, Proportional Allocation, and the Congressional District Method D. Evaluation of the likelihood of reform adoption, considering factors such as political support and challenges in implementation E. Emphasis on the importance of an informed public discourse and democratic deliberation to shape the future of the Electoral College system. Congress Key terms: reapportionment (& recent trends), gerrymandering (who can do this?), safe seat, standing/select/conference committees, delegate vs. trustee legislative roles, Congressional oversight Reapportionment – Reapportionment is the process of redistributing seats in a legislative body among electoral districts to ensure each district has roughly equal population representation. Gerrymandering – Gerrymandering refers to the manipulation of electoral district boundaries for political advantage, often by drawing irregularly shaped districts to favor a particular party or group. Safe seat – A safe seat refers to an electoral district or constituency where the incumbent candidate or political party has a significant advantage and is highly likely to win in an election. Standing/select/conference committees – Standing committees are permanent committees in a legislative body that specialize in specific policy areas, select committees are temporary committees established for a specific purpose or investigation, and conference committees are created to reconcile differences between the versions of a bill passed by both chambers of the legislature. Delegate vs. Trustee legislative roles – In the delegate role, legislators prioritize representing the preferences and interests of their constituents, while in the trustee role, legislators exercise independent judgment to make decisions they believe are in the best interest of the public. Congressional oversight – Congressional oversight refers to the responsibility of the legislative branch to monitor and supervise the executive branch, ensuring accountability, transparency, and adherence to the law in the implementation of policies and programs. Briefly describe the leadership positions in the Senate & House, and their duties. What tactics do these leaders use to keep their party members in line? Congressional oversight is the process by which the legislative branch ensures that the executive branch operates in accordance with the law, maintains accountability, and safeguards the interests of the public. This includes conducting investigations, holding hearings, and reviewing executive actions and policies. Briefly summarize the major differences between the Senate and House of Representatives that we discussed in lecture. In your answer, explain what a filibuster is, & how legislators can get around it. The major differences between the Senate and House of Representatives include the size, length of terms, and representation based on population (House) versus equal representation for each state PLSC 102, Study Guide for Exam #2 (Senate). A filibuster is a tactic used in the Senate to prolong debate and delay or block a vote on a bill, but legislators can overcome it by invoking cloture, a procedure that requires a three-fifths majority vote (currently 60 out of 100 senators) to end the filibuster and proceed to a vote. “How does a bill become law” - explain the steps, & assess the overall effect of this process. • • • • • • Introduction: A bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate by a member of Congress. Committee Consideration: The bill is reviewed, debated, and amended in the relevant committees of the chamber where it was introduced. Committee hearings and votes occur during this stage. Floor Action: The bill is presented to the full chamber for further debate, amendment, and voting. If the bill passes one chamber, it proceeds to the other chamber for consideration. Conference Committee: If the two chambers pass different versions of the bill, a conference committee is formed to reconcile the differences and create a unified version. Final Passage: Both chambers vote on the final version of the bill. If it passes in identical form in both chambers, it is sent to the President. Presidential Action: The President can either sign the bill into law, veto it, or let it become law without signing if Congress is in session for more than ten days after receiving it. What do the terms “Pork” and “Logrolling” mean in Congress? In Congress, "pork" refers to the allocation of government spending or benefits for specific projects or programs in a legislator's home district or state, often used to secure support or favor with constituents, while "logrolling" refers to the practice of exchanging favors or support among legislators, where they vote for each other's bills or initiatives to advance their individual interests. Explain how Congress impeaches a President. How else does Congress check the Executive branch? The process of impeaching a President begins in the House of Representatives, where they draft and vote on articles of impeachment. If a majority approves the articles, the case is then tried in the Senate, where a two-thirds majority vote is required to convict and remove the President from office. Besides impeachment, Congress checks the Executive branch through oversight powers, such as conducting investigations, holding hearings, and approving or rejecting presidential appointments and treaties. The Presidency Summarize, in general terms, the different roles U.S. Presidents are expected to assume. Which one(s) are more important to voters? U.S. Presidents are expected to assume various roles, including being the Chief Executive, Commander-in-Chief, Chief Diplomat, Legislative Leader, Chief of State, and Party Leader. The importance of these roles to voters can vary depending on the priorities and concerns of the electorate, but typically the roles of Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief are perceived as more crucial in terms of governance and national security. What powers does the Constitution grant U.S. Presidents? • • • Executive powers: The President is the head of the executive branch and holds the power to execute and enforce laws. Commander-in-Chief: The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the military, responsible for the ultimate decision-making in matters of national defense. Appointment powers: The President has the authority to nominate and appoint individuals to key positions within the executive branch, subject to Senate confirmation. PLSC 102, Study Guide for Exam #2 • • • • • Veto power: The President can veto bills passed by Congress, although the veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both chambers. Pardon power: The President has the power to grant pardons and reprieves for federal offenses, except in cases of impeachment. Treaty-making powers: The President negotiates and enters into treaties with foreign nations, subject to Senate ratification. Diplomatic powers: The President represents the United States in diplomatic relations and has the authority to receive foreign ambassadors. Executive orders: The President can issue executive orders to direct and manage the operations of the executive branch, although they are subject to legal and constitutional limitations. What does the War Powers Resolution do, and how have Presidents felt about it since it was passed? The War Powers Resolution, passed in 1973, asserts that the President must consult with Congress before committing U.S. armed forces to hostilities and sets a time limit for such engagements without congressional authorization, but Presidents have generally viewed it as an encroachment on their executive powers and have raised concerns about its constitutionality and practicality. How do the U.S. President’s veto powers differ from the California Governor’s veto powers? The U.S. President's veto power allows for a veto of legislation passed by Congress, which can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both chambers, whereas the California Governor's veto power allows for a veto of state legislation, which can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in both the State Assembly and the State Senate. What is “executive privilege” & how have Presidents and the Supreme Court disagreed about it? Executive privilege is the principle that allows the President to withhold certain information or documents from the public, Congress, or the courts to protect the confidentiality of internal communications or safeguard national security, leading to disagreements between Presidents and the Supreme Court over the extent and scope of this privilege and its limits in the face of competing constitutional interests such as the need for transparency and accountability. U.S. History from Reeves: Key terms: Scopes trial (& different reactions to it from around the country), court packing scheme (& its purpose), Blitzkrieg, Pearl Harbor (causes?), Manhattan Project Scopes trail – The Scopes Trial, also known as the "Monkey Trial," was a 1925 legal case in Tennessee that gained national attention as it involved the teaching of evolution in schools, resulting in a highly publicized clash between science and religious fundamentalism. Court-packing scheme – The court-packing scheme refers to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's proposed plan in 1937 to expand the number of justices in the Supreme Court, aiming to gain more favorable rulings on New Deal policies, but it ultimately faced significant opposition and was not implemented. Blitzkrieg – Blitzkrieg was a military strategy employed by the German forces during World War II, characterized by the rapid and coordinated use of armored vehicles, air support, and infantry to swiftly overwhelm the enemy with speed and surprise. Pearl Harbor – Pearl Harbor was a surprise military attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the United States Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, drawing the United States into World War II. Manhattan project – The Manhattan Project was a top-secret scientific research program during World War II that aimed to develop the first atomic weapons, leading to the successful creation of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. PLSC 102, Study Guide for Exam #2 How did the 1920s permanently change the nature of America in terms of consumer society, and urban society? Also, give specific examples of how America adopted reactionary policies or attitudes during the 1920s (race relations, immigration policy, and the role of the presidency). The 1920s in America marked a shift towards a consumer society, with increased mass production, widespread advertising, and the rise of consumer culture, shaping the country's economy and lifestyle. The decade also witnessed a rise in nativist sentiments, exemplified by the enactment of restrictive immigration laws like the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 and the National Origins Act of 1924, reflecting a reactionary approach and a desire to preserve a certain vision of America. Explain some theories of the causes of the Great Depression (from lecture). Briefly summarize the Depression’s effects on the American economy (ex. banking/stocks, employment, etc)? Theories of the causes of the Great Depression include the collapse of the stock market in 1929, resulting in a severe contraction of consumer spending and investment, as well as factors such as the unequal distribution of wealth, excessive speculation, and the failure of financial institutions. The Great Depression had profound effects on the American economy, including skyrocketing unemployment rates, a sharp decline in industrial production, widespread bank failures, deflation, and a prolonged period of economic hardship that lasted throughout the 1930s. What was Hoover’s response to the Great Depression? How much blame does he deserve for it? Hoover's response to the Great Depression involved implementing limited government interventions, such as establishing public works programs and creating the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, but his efforts were widely criticized as inadequate and he is often assigned a significant portion of the blame for the severity and duration of the economic crisis. Explain some of the major pieces of New Deal legislation (FDIC, NRA, gov’t employment agencies, the Social Security Act, the Wagner Act). Overall, how did the New Deal fundamentally change the nature of U.S. government? Some major pieces of New Deal legislation include: • The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) provided deposit insurance, ensuring the safety of individual bank deposits and promoting confidence in the banking system. • The National Recovery Administration (NRA) aimed to stimulate economic recovery by establishing industry codes to regulate wages, working conditions, and prices. • Government employment agencies like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) provided employment opportunities for millions of Americans through public works projects and relief programs. Overall, the New Deal fundamentally changed the nature of U.S. government by: • Expanding the federal government's role in the economy and social welfare through the implementation of numerous programs and agencies. • Introducing a more active government approach to addressing economic crises and providing relief and support to individuals and communities. • Laying the foundation for the modern welfare state and establishing a precedent for the federal government's involvement in economic regulation and social programs. What led to WWII, how did the U.S. respond to these events in the ‘30s, & what drew us into the war later on? Also, what effects did WWII have on U.S. gov’t, and on civil rights (both good & bad)? • The main factors leading to World War II included aggressive expansionist policies pursued by fascist regimes, such as Nazi Germany and imperial Japan, the failure of the League of Nations to effectively maintain peace, and the appeasement policies of Western powers. PLSC 102, Study Guide for Exam #2 • • • • In the 1930s, the U.S. responded to these events by adopting a policy of neutrality and implementing measures like the Neutrality Acts to avoid involvement in foreign conflicts. The United States was drawn into the war following the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan in 1941. WWII had significant effects on the U.S. government, including the expansion of executive powers, increased federal intervention in the economy, and the establishment of international organizations like the United Nations. The war had mixed effects on civil rights in the United States, as it led to opportunities for minority groups, particularly African Americans and women, to participate in the workforce and the military, but it also saw instances of racial discrimination, such as the internment of Japanese Americans. How did WWII lead to the start of nuclear proliferation & global gov’t? Also, how did the USSR go from being our WWII ally to becoming our Cold War enemy? Include “Iron Curtain” in your answer. World War II, with the use of atomic bombs, showcased the destructive power of nuclear weapons and led to the start of nuclear proliferation as countries sought to develop their own nuclear capabilities as a means of deterrence. Additionally, the formation of international organizations like the United Nations emerged as an effort to maintain global peace and prevent future conflicts. The USSR went from being our WWII ally to becoming our Cold War enemy due to ideological differences and geopolitical tensions. The "Iron Curtain," a term coined by Winston Churchill, symbolized the division between Soviet-dominated Eastern Europe and the Western democracies, leading to an era of political and military confrontation known as the Cold War. The post-war power dynamics, conflicting ideologies, and the Soviet Union's expansionist policies contributed to the deterioration of relations between the two superpowers. Explain Truman’s goals in the following policies: “containment,” NATO (what was the Soviet counterpart to NATO?), and the Marshall Plan (explain the motivations and effects of this plan). Truman's goal in the policy of "containment" was to prevent the spread of communism and Soviet influence by containing the expansionist efforts of the Soviet Union. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was formed as a collective defense alliance among Western democracies, with the aim of deterring Soviet aggression. The Soviet counterpart to NATO was the Warsaw Pact, an alliance of Soviet satellite states in Eastern Europe. The Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program, was motivated by the desire to rebuild war-torn Europe, stabilize economies, and prevent the spread of communism by providing financial assistance. It aimed to foster economic recovery, promote trade, and strengthen Western Europe's ties with the United States. The plan had significant positive effects, as it helped rebuild European economies, improved living conditions, and contributed to the overall stability and prosperity of the region. It also solidified the United States' position as a global superpower and increased its influence in post-war Europe. What was “McCarthyism,” & what events (domestic & international) led to it? [And later, from video 10-9] How did McCarthyism help inspire a religious revival in the U.S.? McCarthyism refers to the period of intense anti-communist hysteria and political persecution in the United States during the 1950s, spearheaded by Senator Joseph McCarthy. The fear of communist infiltration, heightened by events like the Soviet Union's acquisition of atomic weapons, the Korean War, and the perceived threat of subversion domestically, contributed to the rise of McCarthyism. McCarthyism helped inspire a religious revival in the U.S. by fostering a sense of moral and cultural crisis, leading many Americans to turn to religion for solace and a sense of security in the face of perceived threats from communism. PLSC 102, Study Guide for Exam #2 Explain the Brown v. Board decision, & how other 1950s events advanced the civil rights movement. The Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954 declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, marking a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement by challenging the "separate but equal" doctrine. Other 1950s events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the formation of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), further advanced the civil rights movement by mobilizing grassroots activism and advocating for desegregation and equal rights. How did the arms race accelerate in the 1950s? Also, what did Eisenhower mean when he warned America about a “Military-Industrial Complex?” The arms race accelerated in the 1950s with the development and testing of nuclear weapons by both the United States and the Soviet Union, leading to an intensification of the competition for military superiority and the buildup of nuclear arsenals. When Eisenhower warned about a "Military-Industrial Complex," he referred to the close relationship and potential influence of the defense industry, military establishment, and government. He cautioned against the undue influence and growing power of this alliance, which could prioritize military interests over other societal needs and potentially threaten democratic values. How did the “Domino Theory” provide justification for U.S. military intervention around the world? Briefly, give some examples of this military and CIA intervention in the 1950s. The "Domino Theory" posited that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would also fall like dominos. This theory provided justification for U.S. military intervention and CIA operations, such as the Korean War, the overthrow of the democratic government in Iran, and the intervention in Guatemala, as the United States sought to prevent the spread of communism and protect its perceived strategic interests.
