Study Guide for Exam II

“Focus on Processes of Interest Articulation”

During the past several weeks of the course, we have explored the nature and processes of interest articulation in the United States. In order to understand why people chose to participate (or not) you first need to know a little about public opinion. Then in order to understand political participation you need to know some of the procedures (elections) and agents (parties) in that process.

Necessary readings and analysis assignments:

Dye and Zeigler Chapters 4,5,6,7, and 8

Wayne 4,5,6,7,8,9

Key terms:

Go to Key Concepts Link

you are responsible for all concepts associated with Chapters 4-8

The format will be the exact same as that of the last exam.

Possible Essay Questions:

1. Interest articulation means “making demands upon the political system” and can be done individually and through groups. Which theory do you think best explains the nature of individual political participation in the US? What is the evidence that you can site that supports your assessment?

2. What does the term hyperpluralism mean? Some argue that the mass media in America are a prime example of hyperpluralism in action. How can they argue this? (Be sure to use evidence!) How could you use hyperpluralism to justify contemporary individual political participation?

3. What are the characteristics of American political parties? Which theory do these characteristics support?

4. What are the characteristics of elections in America? Argue first as a pluralist and then as an elitist that these characteristics “prove” that America is a pluralist then elitist system.

5. Describe how Schuman sees the “average” American as a political participant. Does he (the “average” American) conform to elitist, pluralist or democratic norms of behavior? Why?