POLS 3120
Political Parties
Final Exam Review
Parties in Congress
President and Parties
Parties in State politics
Terms you should know:
| ADA Scores Cloture motion Conditional party government theory Conservative coalition Dixiecrats Disappearing Quorum DW-NOMINATE scores Executive Reorganization Act of 1938 Filibuster Hastert Rule |
Polarization Preference conflict Preference homogeneity President Pro Tempore Presidential Transitions Act of 1963 Reed Rules Hill committee Median voter Party unity vote Pendleton Act of 1883 |
Pivotal voter theory Right of First Recognition Rules Committee Rule XXII Spoils system Steering and Policy Committee Subcommittee Bill of Rights Unanimous Consent Agreements Voting Rights Act of 1965 Whip |
The exam will feature one of the following essay questions. Your best bet is to be prepared to answer each of them. Furthermore, it is not wise to try to anticipate which one I will select because the decision will be a random choice.
- Describe the structure and function of the party system in Congress. Discuss how and why the role of the party leadership changed over the past century.
- Describe the relationship that exists between the presidents and their party. Citing historical examples, explain how this relationship changed over the years and why.
- Discuss the role of party in organizing the operation of state legislatures. What are the similarities and differences that one finds between state legislative parties and congressional parties, and what variations do you find across states regarding the role that parties play the state legislature?
The final will also feature a cumulative essay dealing with the theme of the changing role of parties in American politics.