POLI102C Political Science Discussion Question

POLI102C Political Science Discussion QuestionFINAL EXAM QUESTIONS – TAKE HOME
Must be submitted through CANVAS link (TurnItIn) by Friday June 11, NOON
You must incorporate the readings as quotes or paraphrases (I’ll provide a citation style guide for you).
Essays without such references will receive no better than a ‘C’ grade. However, please do not make
your essays a string of quotes. References to the readings should help substantiate or add detail and
context to the points you make.
You must complete BOTH Parts I and II
Part I: (50 points total)
Respond to only two (2) of the following. Each should be no longer than 3-4 double-spaced pages (750-
1000 words):
1. Progressivism, especially its non-Southern variety, was conceptually centered on what came to be
known as the ‘Gospel of Efficiency’. Explain how that ‘Gospel’ influenced both the regulation of
political parties and the creation of an ‘independent’ bureaucracy. You may want to conclude with how
and why that ‘independent’ bureaucracy might have wound up not very ‘independent’.
2. What were the major goals of ‘Southern Progressivism’? In which ways did it reflect traditional
Progressive ideology? In which ways was it radically different?
3. Starting in the 19th century, but progressing into the 20th, Congressional office moved from a job of last
resort to a job well worth seeking. Explain the reasons for this change, what the changes (institutional)
were, and whether these changes would be welcome by the original Framers of the Constitution.
Part II. (50 points)
Respond to the following statement. Material from throughout the quarter must be used. It is better to
make six to eight strong (at least two from both the pre- and post- midterm classes and readings) fully
developed arguments than a dozen weak ones. Your essay should be limited to 5-8 double-spaced pages
(1250-2000 words):
Despite the less than democratic sentiment of the original Framers of the U.S. Constitution, the history of
the U.S. has been the history of increased acceptance of democratic norms. Chronicle the history of this
change in democratic culture, and the reasons behind them starting with the original expansion of the
franchise in the early 19th Century. You may wish to include:
• the role of mass-based party organizations
• Constitutional Amendments and Supreme Court decisions
• the Voting Rights Act
• the concept that the right to vote includes the right to have an equally effective vote