This examination was worth 20 points toward the total of 100 points for all the components of the course grade.

The median score achieved by the class on this exam was about 16.5.

If I had to assign a letter grade at this time based only on this exam, those just at the class median would get about a C+, maybe B-.

But please note that I don't have to do this now, and that there are still 80 more points to be earned.

The exam is reproduced below. to see the "ideal" answers for any part, click on that part.

You can earn a maximum of 20 points on this examination. You must write on each of the three Parts. I suggest that you apportion your time to the three Parts as indicated.

Part I: Identification Choose five concepts from the following list and briefly (in 2 or 3 sentences) explain the meaning of each and its relevance to American government and politics. (Each correct answer counts 2 points for a maximum of 10 points for this Part. Allow about 20 minutes to answer.)

Part II: Topics stressed in lectures Write on one of the following questions. (Maximum of 5 points for this Part. Allow about 15 minutes to answer.)

1. Compared to most other nations, voting levels in the United States appear significantly lower; moreover, the marked decrease in American turnout over the past forty years has exacerbated this pattern. Some analysts cite these statistics as evidence of the American electorate's limited political involvement" (Dalton 1996:44) Do you agree? Comment on this statement using material from both The Challenge of Democracy and Citizen Politics. An excellent answer include comparisons between the US and either France, Britain or Germany. (You cannot answer this question and Q.1 in Part III.)
   
2. Discuss procedural democracy and substantive democracy in terms of how they work and what they assume. Make reference to the strengths and weaknesses of both conceptions of democracy as they apply to the American system.
   
3. Our textbook discusses the meaning and importance of ideology and constructs a four-fold typology of political ideology. However, much of the mass media and the general public stubbornly cling to a one-dimensional "liberal-to-conservative" continuum. What is an ideology? Why is it important (or is it) ? Where do conventional "conservative" and "liberal" ideologues come down on the two great value tradeoffs in politics?

Part III: Topics covered in one or both of your texts: Write on one of the following questions. (Maximum of 5 points for this Part. Allow about 15 minutes to answer.)

1. In Citizen Politics, Dalton provides several predictors of participation under the categories "personal characteristics," "group based," and "political attitudes." Choose one predictor from each grouping and discuss why each predictor may increase or decrease the likelihood of participation. (You cannot answer this question and Q.1 in Part II.)
   
2. Define federalism and discuss its two major types or manifestations. Do either of these manifestations support the claim that the US is a pluralist democracy?
   
3. Why did founding fathers convene at Philadelphia in 1787? Did they accomplish their goal? What are the major principles of the document they wrote?