Assignment task:
Overall Directions: There are 4 parts to this. They are: Part I- Essay, Part II- Identification, and Part III- Short Answer, and PART IV: Academic Integrity statement. You should take approximately 40 minutes for your response to the essay option, and an additional 60 minutes for the identification and short answer sections of the assignment. You may consult your textbook while formulating your essay response. However, you are not to consult with any outside sources for the identification or short answer portions of this. All of your responses to these questions should be your own work. Do not consult with others or share answers. A suggested essay response should be at least 2 pages in length. A suggested length for the identification and short answer responses would be about a paragraph per item.
Part I. Essay Directions: Write on the following option, explaining your position as thoroughly and as completely as possible, using examples from notes and readings. Use your mind and take your time, in short, be brilliant! Remember that a detailed response is the key to a successful essay answer.
Essay Question: Describe the role that political parties play, and have played, in American politics. Also, why has the two-party system emerged and lasted so long in the United States, and do you believe that the two-party political system in America is still running smoothly? Explain why, or why not, you feel this way, and give specific examples of the two party system to support your conclusions.
Use your textbook American Democracy Now, 8th ed. Harrison
Part II. Identification Directions: Provide a working definition, and explain the importance or significance of all ten (10) of the following:
Remember; tie your answer into the context of this course.
- Exit Polls, Tracking Polls, & Push Polls
- Elite Theory and Pluralist Theory
- Realignment and Dealignment
- Proportional Representation System
- Coattail Effect
- Recall
- Infotainment
- Free Rider Problem
- Party Platform
- Political Action Committee (PAC)
Part III. Short Answer Directions: Respond to all four (4) of the following options:
A. Describe the "Role of the Media" in regards to campaign tactics in the United States:
B. What is the function of the Electoral College, and how does it relate to Presidential elections?
C. List at least three of the problems and challenges of "Third Party" political movements in American politics. Also, what has been the impact on third parties in the American political arena (as described in your text) American Democracy Now, 8th ed. Harrison?
D. Describe the function of primaries in the American political process. Also, how do "closed' and "open" primaries differ?
Use your textbook to all of the sections of this assignment.