|
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.
|