1. Define government and illustrate the types of functions that governments perform. Summarize the role of politics in government?

2. Elaborate on the principal choices that governments face when confronting policy problems? Illustrate your answer with an example of a policy that poses tough choices. Why is it that government makes policy even when it chooses to do nothing?

3. Discuss the principle components of the political system? Explain how a political issue travels through the political system by using an example.

4. What is the definition of democracy? List the basic principles of traditional democratic theory? Explain what problems might emerge when the theory is put into practice?

5.  Combating terrorism has entailed restrictions on civil liberties. Does America believe in liberty only when it is convenient?

6.  Describe and analyze some of the political action that people have used to bring about change in the United States. Other than simply voting, what do you think is the most effect way to participate? Explain fully.

7.  While most Americans share similar political values, how they interpret those values in practice often differs radically. Describe some of the conflicts that arise in politics when broadly defined values are implemented into governmental policies. What are some of the controversies that have arisen over the meaning of equality? Over liberty?

8.  Political analysts have identified a decline in the trust citizens put in their government. Why is trust such an important trait for politics? In what ways is it helpful for levels of trust to be high? What are some of the causes for the decline in trust? How might trust be regained?

9. Compare, contrast, and critically evaluate the three theories of American democracy: pluralist theory, elite and class theory, and hyperpluralism.

10. Summarize some of the major challenges facing American democracy today Briefly state your opinion as to how serious these challenges are and how they might be met.

11. In what ways might it be said that American government is "big"? How does the scope of the American government compare to other Western democracies? How do liberals and conservatives differ in their opinion of the scope of government?

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GOVT 2305  American Government and Politics
Cathedral High School, El Paso, Texas
Last updated:  August, 2008