POS 2041   U.S. Government                                                                     Byrnes

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Ideology   Explain what an ideology is and then explain the dominant ideology of the U.S. citizenry according to the Byrnes text. Questions? Explain in a general sense what the word “conservative” means. Explain in some detail the ideology in the USA of conservatism, making sure that the major values are discussed. Questions? Explain the current liberal ideology in the United States as explained in the Byrnes text. Make sure you explain the most important values. Mention policies of the Obama administration that fit the description of liberal. Questions? What is the “New Right” or the “Christian Right? ” What are its values? Questions? How do conservatives and liberals differ regarding their opinions about what should be done to reduce crime? Questions? How did you do on the Ideology test? Any surprises? Questions?   Political Parties   Why do we need political parties? What do they do for a democracy? Explain the psychological meaning of rationalization. According to the Byrnes text why do politicians rationalize so often? Describe the ideology of most Republicans and then describe the types of people who tend to be strong supporters. Include occupations, ethnic groups, religious affiliations and geographic areas where they tend to live. Describe the ideology of most Democrats and then describe the types of people who tend to be strong supporters. Include occupations, ethnic groups, religious affiliations and geographic areas where they tend to live. Using strictly the perspective of self-interest explain the positions of Democrats and Republicans relative to taxes and environmental issues. Using strictly the perspective of self-interest explain the positions of Democrats and Republicans relative to social welfare and civil rights programs. Using strictly the perspective of self-interest explain the positions of Democrats and Republicans relative to abortion and crime reduction. According to the text why does the USA only have two major parties? What might the advantages be to having multi-member districts and proportional elections?   Polls and Programming   Describe political socialization. Describe the effects upon the beliefs and attitudes that one has from the time period that one lives in. How does the place that one grows up in or lives in tend to affect a person’s beliefs? How does the group that one associates with or identifies with tend to affect our beliefs? How do unique personal experiences tend to affect our beliefs? How do demographic characteristics tend to affect our beliefs? What makes a poll valid? Explain the terms “confidence level” and “margin of error” as they apply to polls. Give an example using both terms. How do politicians create their campaign themes? Explain how polls are used during political campaigns. Make sure you explain targeting and the use of different media sources to reach different voters.           Federal Courts   Explain the importance of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. Questions? What powers do states have to pass their own laws without consulting the federal government? Questions? What is Judicial Review? Explain the two broad objectives of the federal courts that relate to the criminal justice system and how they often come into conflict. In your explanation include the importance of being governed by laws, not men. Questions?  What is the importance of precedence or stare decisis for the federal court system? Questions? Describe the functions and general operation of the U.S. Supreme Court. Questions? Describe the functions and general operation of federal district and circuit courts. Questions? Explain the exclusionary rule and its importance. Questions?   Rights of Citizens in Criminal Procedures   Explain the rights of citizens provided by the Fourth Amendment in regards to homes and businesses.  Explain the rights of citizens provided by the Fourth Amendment in regards to personal effects and vehicles.  Explain the importance of the Fifth Amendment’s right against self incrimination.  Explain the importance of the Fifth Amendment’s requirement of due process. Explain the protections provided in the Sixth Amendment regarding speedy trial, trial by jury and right to council.