1. Do you agree with the statement that the mass public is disinterested in politics? Cite three personal examples if you agree; give contrary evidence if you do not. 

2. Is it important to mobilize "the masses"? Provide scenarios for both a democratic perspective and an elitist perspective. 

3. Do you pay much attention to the public opinion polls in presidential elections? Why or why not? 

4. Given the pragmatism of the American voter, are the terms "liberal" and "conservative" useful or confusing in American politics? Explain. 

5. How does Americans' current use of the terms "liberal" and "conservative" differ in meaning from the terms' historical use or their use in Europe and in other parts of the world? 

6. Should an individual state an opinion without providing supporting evidence? Under what conditions might this be appropriate? 

7. Opinion change generally precedes, rather than follows, policy change. How does this fact support democracy? 

8. Discuss three historical examples of policies that failed due to lack of public support. 

9. Why is the basic policy orientation of any government directed primarily toward maintenance of the status quo? 

10. Discuss the degree to which interest groups actually affect policy outcomes. 

11. Should religious groups that pursue government policy objectives be allowed tax-deductible status? Discuss. 

12. What effect will the new technologies have on political interest groups and lobbying? 

13. What are the arguments for the revolving door of government officials in Washington, D.C.? Against? 

14. The U.S. government seems to move at glacial speeds even in a crisis. Changes are generally slow and incremental. What are the benefits of this situation? The disadvantages? 

15. What areas of policy should be least affected by political interest groups? Explain. 

16. How is public opinion related to democracy? 

17. Why do politicians pay attention to public opinion? Under what conditions should they not make policy that reflects public opinion? 

18. Why do people join groups to pursue their personal objectives? 

19. Does unequal representation in interest groups undercut the process of democracy? Discuss. 

20. How do interest groups facilitate the policy process? How do they impede the policy process? 

21. What effect does the struggle between and among ethnic groups have on public policy? 

22. How does the pursuit of group interests contribute to the larger common good? 

23. How does the pursuit of group interests relate to the basic concepts and principles of democracy? 

24. Using one political interest group as an example, discuss how that group can be both good and bad for American politics. 

25. List some of the contributions Ralph Nader has made in the public interest. Does the United States need more people like him? Why or why not?

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GOVT 2305  American Government and Politics
Cathedral High School, El Paso, Texas
Last updated:  June 2004