GOV 312L Exam 1 Review with Complete Solutions
According to the Goldgeier and Saunders reading, how have constraints on presidential
authority in foreign policy eroded and what factors have caused this erosion? -
ANSWER-Constraints = congress, bureaucracy, allies
These have eroded because of
polarization limiting bipartisan cooperation with congress and a
diminishing foreign threat
According to the McKeon and Tess reading, how might Congress reassert its role in
foreign policy? - ANSWER-Reassert constitutional responsibilities
On trade: both tariffs + trade deals
On use of new force: new AUMF
Public oversight through hearings
Legislation, particularly over budget
Define anarchy and describe its significance in international relations. - ANSWER-
Anarchy → refers to the idea that there is no higher power over the "state-level actors".
Since authority is predominantly held by states, there is no supranational authority.
There is no greater power above the states that makes sure that they hold up to their
agreements.
Describe some of the most prominent changes to US foreign policy that President Biden
has discussed or implemented since his inauguration. - ANSWER-Restore
multilateralism--joining international organizations (Paris Climate & Iran Nuclear
Accords)
Proposed immigration reform
Re-establishing democratic alliances, viewing climate change as a threat, and confront
& criticize Russia.
Does war expand presidential authority? How do the different constituencies of the
President versus members of Congress affect this dynamic? - ANSWER-YES: through
the use of uncheckable executive powers (executive orders) that allow the president to
enact a good deal of foreign and domestic policy without congressional consent
*Moving closer to the President's position enhances his authority
Congress has narrower constituencies = regional interests are not as important as
national interests in times of war
, Explain the differences between actors and structure in the international system. -
ANSWER-Actors → individuals or groups that share a common purpose. They act, have
interests, identities, and resources. Examples: states, firms, international organizations,
and nonstate actors.
Structure → set of properties that connect and order actors. They allocate power and
shape interactions often by constraining or constituting. Example: laws, 2015 Iran
Nuclear Accord
How did President Trump reorient U.S. participation in multilateral organizations? -
ANSWER-He pulled out of the Paris Climate Accords, Iranian Nuclear Accord, NATO,
TPP, NAFTA
How did the Trump Administration use military tools to implement US foreign policy? -
ANSWER-Declined the use of military force outside of US (troop withdrawal)
How do domestic institutions influence foreign policy decisions by mediating political
conflict and bargaining among different domestic groups? - ANSWER-Interest group
influence in FP function of its ability to organize lots of voters
Organizational capacity (and influence) set by ability to transcend free riding
- National defense example: if relied on voluntary contributions to collective good like
defense, would be undersupplied. Instead, need coercion to enforce contributions.
How do special interest lobbying groups solve the free rider problem? - ANSWER-
Interest groups influence have the ability to organize lots of voters and support to
transcend free riding by Organizational capacity.
Selective Incentives offer extra goodies if an individual joins their organization that can
only be consumed if you contribute to the public good (EX: AARP)
How does Congress shape foreign policy? - ANSWER-Controls passage of bills
Under a divided government (when the President's party does NOT hold majority in
BOTH the House & Senate), the party that the president is not a part of can hold
treaties hostage.
How does Congress shape public opinion over foreign policy? - ANSWER-
Congressional oversight can be used to shape public opinion by altering how media
covers the president
Through public criticism, congressional hearings, and agenda setting
According to the Goldgeier and Saunders reading, how have constraints on presidential
authority in foreign policy eroded and what factors have caused this erosion? -
ANSWER-Constraints = congress, bureaucracy, allies
These have eroded because of
polarization limiting bipartisan cooperation with congress and a
diminishing foreign threat
According to the McKeon and Tess reading, how might Congress reassert its role in
foreign policy? - ANSWER-Reassert constitutional responsibilities
On trade: both tariffs + trade deals
On use of new force: new AUMF
Public oversight through hearings
Legislation, particularly over budget
Define anarchy and describe its significance in international relations. - ANSWER-
Anarchy → refers to the idea that there is no higher power over the "state-level actors".
Since authority is predominantly held by states, there is no supranational authority.
There is no greater power above the states that makes sure that they hold up to their
agreements.
Describe some of the most prominent changes to US foreign policy that President Biden
has discussed or implemented since his inauguration. - ANSWER-Restore
multilateralism--joining international organizations (Paris Climate & Iran Nuclear
Accords)
Proposed immigration reform
Re-establishing democratic alliances, viewing climate change as a threat, and confront
& criticize Russia.
Does war expand presidential authority? How do the different constituencies of the
President versus members of Congress affect this dynamic? - ANSWER-YES: through
the use of uncheckable executive powers (executive orders) that allow the president to
enact a good deal of foreign and domestic policy without congressional consent
*Moving closer to the President's position enhances his authority
Congress has narrower constituencies = regional interests are not as important as
national interests in times of war
, Explain the differences between actors and structure in the international system. -
ANSWER-Actors → individuals or groups that share a common purpose. They act, have
interests, identities, and resources. Examples: states, firms, international organizations,
and nonstate actors.
Structure → set of properties that connect and order actors. They allocate power and
shape interactions often by constraining or constituting. Example: laws, 2015 Iran
Nuclear Accord
How did President Trump reorient U.S. participation in multilateral organizations? -
ANSWER-He pulled out of the Paris Climate Accords, Iranian Nuclear Accord, NATO,
TPP, NAFTA
How did the Trump Administration use military tools to implement US foreign policy? -
ANSWER-Declined the use of military force outside of US (troop withdrawal)
How do domestic institutions influence foreign policy decisions by mediating political
conflict and bargaining among different domestic groups? - ANSWER-Interest group
influence in FP function of its ability to organize lots of voters
Organizational capacity (and influence) set by ability to transcend free riding
- National defense example: if relied on voluntary contributions to collective good like
defense, would be undersupplied. Instead, need coercion to enforce contributions.
How do special interest lobbying groups solve the free rider problem? - ANSWER-
Interest groups influence have the ability to organize lots of voters and support to
transcend free riding by Organizational capacity.
Selective Incentives offer extra goodies if an individual joins their organization that can
only be consumed if you contribute to the public good (EX: AARP)
How does Congress shape foreign policy? - ANSWER-Controls passage of bills
Under a divided government (when the President's party does NOT hold majority in
BOTH the House & Senate), the party that the president is not a part of can hold
treaties hostage.
How does Congress shape public opinion over foreign policy? - ANSWER-
Congressional oversight can be used to shape public opinion by altering how media
covers the president
Through public criticism, congressional hearings, and agenda setting
