POSC 2306 EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
What is Cooperative Federalism? - Answer- The period from 1938 to present where
federal and state powers are intermingled, with the national government involved in
traditionally state responsibilities.
What factors contributed to the expansion of national government power? - Answer-
Supreme Court decisions favoring national power, citizen demands for intervention, and
the national government's greater resources.
What impact have federal mandates had on states? - Answer- Mandates often increase
state budgets and taxes, sometimes without federal funding.
What concerns did Anti-Federalists have about the Constitution? - Answer- They feared
the national government would become too powerful and threaten state sovereignty.
What was James Madison's view of the Constitution? - Answer- He viewed it as a
political compromise that included an amendment process for future changes.
What are examples of checks and balances in the U.S. government? - Answer- The
presidential veto, judicial review, and legislative confirmation of presidential appointees.
What is the definition of politics? - Answer- Disputes over claims of authority to define
reality, such as differing views on abortion.
What are the key components of democracy? - Answer- Rule by the people, including
regular, competitive elections and adherence to the electorate's decisions.
What factors contribute to success in politics? - Answer- Talent, intensity, connections,
money, hard work, good looks, and experience.
What is a fundamental flaw of democracy according to the text? - Answer- It reflects the
character of its people; ignorance or misinformation among the populace leads to a
flawed government.
What is Plato's criticism of democracy? - Answer- Democracy allows anyone who
appears to be a 'friend of the people' to become King, leading to self-serving leaders.
AND ANSWERS
What is Cooperative Federalism? - Answer- The period from 1938 to present where
federal and state powers are intermingled, with the national government involved in
traditionally state responsibilities.
What factors contributed to the expansion of national government power? - Answer-
Supreme Court decisions favoring national power, citizen demands for intervention, and
the national government's greater resources.
What impact have federal mandates had on states? - Answer- Mandates often increase
state budgets and taxes, sometimes without federal funding.
What concerns did Anti-Federalists have about the Constitution? - Answer- They feared
the national government would become too powerful and threaten state sovereignty.
What was James Madison's view of the Constitution? - Answer- He viewed it as a
political compromise that included an amendment process for future changes.
What are examples of checks and balances in the U.S. government? - Answer- The
presidential veto, judicial review, and legislative confirmation of presidential appointees.
What is the definition of politics? - Answer- Disputes over claims of authority to define
reality, such as differing views on abortion.
What are the key components of democracy? - Answer- Rule by the people, including
regular, competitive elections and adherence to the electorate's decisions.
What factors contribute to success in politics? - Answer- Talent, intensity, connections,
money, hard work, good looks, and experience.
What is a fundamental flaw of democracy according to the text? - Answer- It reflects the
character of its people; ignorance or misinformation among the populace leads to a
flawed government.
What is Plato's criticism of democracy? - Answer- Democracy allows anyone who
appears to be a 'friend of the people' to become King, leading to self-serving leaders.
