Political Science 1041-01 (Spring 2013)Some preliminary preparation suggestions for Exam 1 (Tuesday, February 12)The first exam will consist of approximately 60 multiple choice questions. You will need to be familiar with the first five textbook chapters (chs. 1-5) in Kernell, Jacobson, and Kousser’s The Logic of American Politics, 5th ed. and the classroom material.Some advice on reviewing terms, concepts, and topicsIn most instances, looking up a one sentence definition or explanation does not prepare you to dealeffectively with an exam question. You should have an understanding of “why” a term, concept, or topic is important within the context of the chapter and/or classroom presentation – what I would refer to as a “working definition.” There are no quick substitutes for reading and reviewing the chapters and reviewing a good, complete set of class notes.The textbook web site (http://college.cqpress.com/sites/logic/Home.aspx) contains on-line quizzes that should provide you with some indication of your familiarity with the textbook chapters.Some important terms, concepts, and topics from the classroom presentations (remember that you are also responsible for the textbook chapters)“political science”-political(what we study) “science”(how we study)theory-a generalized explanation for the behavior or outcome of interesthypothesis -a tentative statement or educated guess that follows from the theory and that can be tested with data“purposes/roles” of government-provide public and collective goods-preserve order, security and freedomState of nature-state of nature refers to a condition of humanity in which no governing body exists. There are no rights only freedoms. Public goods-a public good is both non- rivalrous and non- excludable. This means that no one individual is limited from accessing this good more than the other. some examples of this would include fresh air, street lighting and national defense.collective action problems-occurs when individuals pursue own self interest-each individuals thought (do benefits>costs for me)-an example would be listening to music too loud Olson’s free-rider problem-once good or benefit is provided you cannot exclude anyone from enjoying it. -no one individual makes the difference in terms of whether that good is provided-each individual has a selfish interest to free rideHardin’s tragedy of the commons (and how to address)-acting in self interest, each individual keeps extracting from using public good leading to the destruction of that public good.. ex polluting the clean airRobert Putnam’s social capital (indicators of decline of and his explanation of why a decline)-social capital-interpersonal networks, norms or behaviors, and social trust that facilitate coordination and cooperation -research suggests that areas where social capital is high do better politically and economically Articles of Confederation-This was an agreement among the original 13 states that established the U.S as a confederation of sovereign states and served as our first constitution. how/why a stronger government under the Constitution?Constitutional features to prevent abuse of power (e.g., separation of powers with checks and balances) guiding principles and motives of the Framers (what is some of the evidence here?)-There are 3 features of the constitution that prevent the national government from abusing its great power.1. Separation of powers with checks and balances 2. Federalism3. Bill Of Rights- made specefically to protect individual rights -The constitution gave us greater order while still protecting individual freedom conflicts or trade-offs among basic social values political ideologyconservative, liberal, libertarian, populist (ideologies)-a liberal will not sacrifice freedom for order, a conservative believes very heavily in order and not so much about equality, a libertarian places their priority on freedom, populist tend to be known as the peoples party and hold more communistic viewsMadison’s view of human nature-madison held a realistic view on human nature. He believed that man, in his natural state was capable of self discipline and reason. Federalist #10 (Madison’s concerns and importance of design of new government)-Madison claimed that the republican form of government created under the new constitution would allow all the factions the room and venues to express themselves and to influence the working of gov by getting their members elected and appointed to offices. Minority groups would be protected under this form of gov. Under this system the majority would rule but the minority would have to be taken into consideration. numerous factions would also keep one group from taking complete and total control of government. Madison discussed the problems with factions and how a large republic would be the perfect remedy if it were framed by the constitution. He states 2 methods for dealing with violence of faction including 1. removing the causes or 2. controlling the effects. Madison makes an argument for a large republic stating that in a small republic there will be a lower number of variety of interests making a majority more frequently prevalent. Federalismthe division of power and responsibilities between the national gov and state govUnitary system-Voters>central gov>state and localFederation-state and local gov<Voters>Central govConfederation-Voters>state and local gov>central gov Dual Federalism in dual federalism there is two important distinct levels of government including 1. the government and 2. the state. There is a limited national government. This is how a libertarian would prefer it. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)-state of maryland levied tax against second bank of U.S-congress told ppl of second bake not to pay tax-McCulloch refused to pay the taxes -2 questions are raised in this case1. does congress have power to create bank of United States2. does state have ability to tax the national gov?-National gov has implied powers through necessary and proper clause-article 1 section 8 congress can make al laws that shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution those powers expressly given to congress-when their is a conflict between national law and state law, national wins implied powers-powers that are authorized in a legal document and are not physically stated but rather implied by the powers stated. necessary and proper clause -The congress shall have Power - To make all Laws
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