Pol exam 1 study guide
TEST 1 STUDY GUIDE
INTRO TO AMERICAN POLITICS
Susan Roomberg -- Fall 2013
This study guide is intended to help you focus your efforts when studying for the first test. I recommend that you answer each question, in your own words, for the best possible outcome on the test. However, not all concepts on the test are covered by the guide; you still are responsible for reading the appropriate chapters and other reading assignments posted in the Unit 1 folder.
Should you have additional questions, I will post discussion topics in the Communications Area/Class Discussion folder on Blackboard for each chapter (kind of like a FAQ webpage). Post your questions in the appropriate forum so that others also can benefit from your questions about the material. If you know the answer to someone else’s question, post it! Also, please check the appropriate chapter’s discussion to see if your answer is posted before posting your questions or responses. This forum is primarily a way for you to help each other, although James and I will monitor it to ensure incorrect information is corrected. Please do not email either one of us with questions about the test; post them in the discussion forums.
Do not forget when studying: At the end of each chapter in the book, there are practice multiple choice questions for you. Also, MyPoliSci Lab has flash cards, videos, and other resources that should help you understand the concepts in each chapter.
Chapter 1
1. Define the following terms:
Government
Majority rule
Natural law
Personal liberty
Political culture
Political ideology
Politics
Popular consent
Popular sovereignty
Social conservative
Statist
Populist
2. What are the key elements of American political culture?
3. List and explain Aristotle’s classifications regarding the different types of government. Why did the founding fathers choose a republic for the U.S.? Why did they not choose direct democracy?
4. What is political ideology?
INTRO TO AMERICAN POLITICS
Susan Roomberg -- Fall 2013
This study guide is intended to help you focus your efforts when studying for the first test. I recommend that you answer each question, in your own words, for the best possible outcome on the test. However, not all concepts on the test are covered by the guide; you still are responsible for reading the appropriate chapters and other reading assignments posted in the Unit 1 folder.
Should you have additional questions, I will post discussion topics in the Communications Area/Class Discussion folder on Blackboard for each chapter (kind of like a FAQ webpage). Post your questions in the appropriate forum so that others also can benefit from your questions about the material. If you know the answer to someone else’s question, post it! Also, please check the appropriate chapter’s discussion to see if your answer is posted before posting your questions or responses. This forum is primarily a way for you to help each other, although James and I will monitor it to ensure incorrect information is corrected. Please do not email either one of us with questions about the test; post them in the discussion forums.
Do not forget when studying: At the end of each chapter in the book, there are practice multiple choice questions for you. Also, MyPoliSci Lab has flash cards, videos, and other resources that should help you understand the concepts in each chapter.
Chapter 1
1. Define the following terms:
Government
Majority rule
Natural law
Personal liberty
Political culture
Political ideology
Politics
Popular consent
Popular sovereignty
Social conservative
Statist
Populist
2. What are the key elements of American political culture?
3. List and explain Aristotle’s classifications regarding the different types of government. Why did the founding fathers choose a republic for the U.S.? Why did they not choose direct democracy?
4. What is political ideology?