In short essay format answer 6 of the following 7 questions. Each question should be answered in a paragraph or two. Be precise in your answers. Also, be sure to answer all parts of each question.
1. What are the main barriers that face third parties in the United States? Why do they have such a hard time winning elections? What type of political system would allow for more third parties? Why? Use examples.
2. In class we discussed the incumbency advantage for not only Presidents but also members of both the House and Senate. What are some possible explanations for this advantage? What are some reasons why incumbents loose?
3. What is a social movement? Analyze the civil rights movement as a social movement. What tactics did civil rights leaders use to put pressure on government? Give examples. Discuss a major legislative victory of the Civil Rights movement. What does the act do? What was happening at the time that made it necessary?
4. Freedom of religion is not one, but two of the protections in the first amendment. Describe the differences between these two protections. Illustrate the differences using one court case for each.
5. Since it’s writing, the first amendment’s freedom of speech clause has been challenged and the Supreme Court continues to hold an expansive view of these freedoms. What is an example of unpopular speech that is protected? In a similar vein, the Supreme Court has made reasonable restrictions on this freedom as well. What is an example of a restriction on freedom of speech? Use court cases from class as examples
6. Using the 5 steps of policy formation, walk me through how a specific policy was formed during the Trump or Obama administrations. Be specific and use examples.
