Short essay questions – two to four sentences for each should do.
1.What is the role of government? Please discuss public goods and common goods.
2. What is the theory of pluralism? Use examples to show that our government is a pluralistic system.
3. What is the Jeffersonian model and how does it help deal with the problems caused by the checks and separation of powers in our government?
4. According to Annie Leonard in The Story of Stuff video, what are two causes of our current environmental crisis?
5. What is the elite theory of government and what evidence is there to support the argument that our government is elitist?
Long Essay questions – half-page to full page. Use concrete examples from class material to illustrate and explain. Full credit cannot be given without clear examples.
1. How was the environmental movement of the 1960s and 70s an example of majoritarian politics and government?
2. Why is our government not very responsive to the majority of Americans? In other words, how did the founders structure the government to limit tyranny of the majority, which in turn makes it difficult for the government to pass meaningful, national level laws that will address big problems like climate change?
3. What are the sources of the President’s powers and how has the President’s power grown over time? Make sure to use examples from class. What do you think is the most effective check on the President’s power?
4. Explain how the U.S. executive branch bureaucracy is both held accountable to the American people and its goals to implement the laws passed by Congress, and also difficult to hold accountable. Use examples to illustrate your answer.