Bring a bluebook to class. Do not write in it in advance. Prepare for questions on the following topics. Check this page frequently for changes up to the last day of class.
Short Answer (20%). Be prepared to write a paragraph or two on each of the following terms. All are discussed in the lecture pages.
Democracy; Representative Democracy; Direct Democracy; Incumbent; Challenger; Majority; Plurality; Primary; General Election; Electoral College; electoral vote; slate of electors; separation of powers; federalism; bicameralism; constitutionalism; the power of the purse; standing committee; discharge petition; mark-up; rules committee; filibuster; rider; veto; pocket veto; commerce power; necessary and proper clause; impeachment; subpoena power; executive order; state of the union address; the judicial power; judicial review; judicial activism; judicial restraint; strict constructionism; original intent; concurring opinion; dissenting opinion;
Short Problems (20%).
Consider the elections for President in the years 1992; 1996; 2000; and 2004. In which elections did the winner received a plurality of the popular vote? In which did he receive a majority? In which elections did the winner receive a majority of the electoral vote?
Explain how the electoral college works, and how the vote is calculated for an individual state and what the overall totals are. How many votes are needed to win?
Explain the process by which a President can be removed from office by Congress.
What powers does a President employ in his/her role as Chief Executive?
What powers does a President employ in his/her role as Chief Legislator?
What powers does a President employ in his/her role as Chief Diplomat?
In Marbury v. Madison, why does Justice Marshall think that an unconstitutional law is not really a law?
Long Answer (40%). Answer the question in detail, giving as much information as possible.
Describe the structure of Congress, including both Houses. Include number of members and the officers for each house. Distinguish the three constitutional offices from the eight party offices. Identify the effective leader of each house. Name the persons currently serving in each office. How are the states represented in each house? Name South Dakota's representatives in the House and Senate?
Describe the process by which a bill becomes law. Explain the committee system and the role that standing committees play in legislation. Identify the leadership on the Senate Foreign Relations committee. Describe the various things that can happen once a bill lands on the President's desk.
Describe the difference between judicial activism and judicial restraint using the death penalty and Justices Scalia and Brennan as an example.
Current Events (20%) In two or three paragraphs, summarize the story in each case.
Democratic Frustration and Mukasey, Wall Street Journal
House Votes to Override Bush, USAToday
Democrats Zero for 40 on Iraq, Politico
Republicans Filibuster Farm Bill, American News.
Second Amendment, South Dakota Politics
Huckabee is for Real, Real Clear Politics
CNN Admits Holes in Screening, Washington Post
Florida and Michigan Stripped of Delegates by DNC, Atlantic.Com
Venezuela Defeats Chavez Proposal, New York Times
CIA Reverses Estimate on Iran Nuclear Program, Los Angeles Times