U.S Politics: Preliminary Examination

September 2003

Directions:  You must respond to the general question; you must choose three of the remaining sections and write on one question from each.  You are expected to support your arguments with adequate citations to appropriate literature, but you are reminded to respond to the questions that are asked.  Please limit your answers to approximately 2500 words per question.

Section I. General:  Choose one of the following:

  1. Citizen participation is usually praised as an important feature of American politics.  When is participation important, and what kind of participation is to be encouraged? Have there been any misguided efforts to enhance citizen participation? Are there some reforms that could be undertaken that would encourage appropriate participation? Be sure to discuss the relevant literature in the discipline and whether this literature provides an adequate basis for political scientists to take a disciplinary position on this issue.
  2. “How democratic is the American Constitution?” In his most recent book, Robert Dahl questions whether democratic principles are adequately embedded in the U.S. Constitution. Drawing upon the relevant political science literature, discuss the democratic and/ or undemocratic characteristics of our constitution. 
  3. The 2000 presidential election highlighted the role of governmental institutions in American politics. Some suggest that the Electoral College thwarted the democratic process; while others argued that the federalist system functioned properly, protecting diverse state interests. Based on the literature, address both the normative and empirical questions raised.

Section II. Subnational:  Choose one of the following:

  1. In response to the administrative paradigm that viewed local governments as businesses to be run efficiently and economically, much urban theory and research in the 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s emphasized the political conflicts that erupted and influenced urban policy.  Has this emphasis on conflict subsided in the past 15-20 years? How has the important work in the field treated conflict, and its opposites (cooperation and consensus) and has that treatment been adequate?
  2. In the wake of September 11, 2001, the federal government’s efforts to shore up “ homeland security” highlighted the significance of coordinated and cooperative federal, state, and local government efforts. But this occurred on the heels of a “devolution revolution” and a backlash against federal (and state) mandating. Given the research evidence on both of the latter and on cooperation versus conflict in the federal system more generally, what should we hypothesize should be the political dynamics surrounding the development of the homeland security function?
  3. Although we have seen more research on state and local ballot initiatives and referenda in the past decade, as a whole this topic receives little attention. Based on the existing literature in this area make an argument about at least three key contributions this field has made to the study of state and local politics, and perhaps even national politics.

Section III. Public Law:  Choose one of the following:

  1. Discuss the recent literature on agenda setting and institutional signaling between the U.S. Supreme Court and the other branches. Does one institution dominate?
  2. The field of judicial politics is experiencing a renewed vibrancy of theoretically-driven research. Various scholars favor different models of judicial decision-making.  Focusing on the Supreme Court, summarize examples of research drawn from each of these theoretical approaches, and explain how the theories differ. What are the strengths of each of the theories?  What are the weaknesses?  Where should young scholars be putting their energies in developing new research?
  3. Judicial politics scholars have spent the last 15 years building a significant body of research on judicial decision- making, most of which dispels previous theories. However, the field still seems to be “cliquish” and isolated from the rest of the American politics field. Should this be considered a problem? Are judicial politics scholars uncovering truths about political institutions and processes that can better inform all students of American political institutions? Are judical politics scholars ignoring American politics research from outside their field or are they incorporating relevant theories and findings?

Section IV. Congress/ Presidency: Choose one of the following:

  1. Is the separation of powers-as a concept- more or less important for the study of American politics currently then a century ago?
  2. Discuss the institutional relationship between the president and Congress.  What factors affect this relationship and influence both conflict and cooperation between the two branches? Making use of recent literature, how important is divided party control of the two branches?
  3. Do you think that Congress is an effective policy making body? Take a position and justify your response. Provide suggestions for making Congress a more effective body.

Section V. Parties/ Interest Groups: Choose one of the following:

  1. When we think of representation, we often think of legislative bodies, but both political parties and organized interests play major representational roles in American society. Compare and contrast how parties and groups (organized interests) act within the representational context of American politics.  In which subfield is the notion of representation better understood? Why?
  2. Many scholars suggest the ability of interest groups to influence legislative behavior and the policymaking process in general is conditional on a number of factors. Furthermore, the unit of analysis and methodologies used by researchers appear to influence findings concerning group influence. Briefly summarize this literature and point to solutions for existing problems.
  3. Write an essay on the interrelationships among parties and interest groups.  Is it true that party and interest group strength are inversely related? Why do parties need interest groups and interest groups need parties?  How have the party and campaign finance reforms of the early 1970’s affected the party/interest group relationship? All things considered, are the contemporary relationships among parties and interest groups healthy for the overall political system?

Section IV. Political Behavior:  Choose one of the following:

  1. What do we know about the sources of the mass public’s preference? To what extent are preferences changeable, and what are the processes through which change occurs? If the literature on this includes divergent schools of thought, offer an assessment of the competing interpretations.
  2. Some scholars have argued that voters have little meaningful information about the political world. Other researches argue that voters are reasonably informed and competent to make decisions. How well developed and coherent are the political belief system of voters?  Are voters capable of choosing candidates effectively? How do the demands on voters vary in the different models of voting used by scholars?
  3. Consider the possibility that a major event, such as the 9/11 tragedy, can have short term and lasting impacts on political behavior and public opinion. What do you suppose might be the most substantial changes? Propose a couple of “before and after” research projects that might be conducted to investigate your position.  Don’t forget to refer to the existing literature to support your positions.