POLITICAL SCIENCE TEST 3

Chapter 7 – Interest Groups (ANSWER ONLY 1 QUESTION ONLY – 15 POINTS)

  1. In the United States, interest groups have formed as a matter of both historical experience and our political system. What is unique about American history and the political system that led to the development of so many interest groups?
  2. In the last 30 years, interest groups have really exploded because of changes in politics and technology. Describe these changes.
  3. Identify and describe the different types of incentives that encourage people to join interest groups.
  4. What is the “free-rider” problem and how does the size and goal of the group affect this problem? (Use the concept of “logic of collective action” in your answer)
  5. What strategies are used to overcome the “free-rider” problem?
  6. Define “government lobbying” and explain HOW interest groups can lobby government.

Chapter 18 – Domestic Policy

POLICY MAKING MODEL (YOU MUST ANSWER THIS QUESTION – 5 points)

  1. Identify and explain the 5 stages of policy making. Use an issue (“problem”) as your example.

SOCIAL & EDUCATIONAL POLICY (ANSWER 1 QUESTION ONLY – 15 POINTS)

  1. Explain what the “Social Security” program is and explain the two major changes that occurred (1965, 1972) that dramatically increased the cost of this program.
  2. Identify and explain how the Social Security program is funded and give 3 reasons (trends) why this current funding formula is unsustainable.
  3. Explain how “Public Assistance” programs differ from “Social Insurance” programs, and identify and describe at least 3 types of PA programs. Why is “Social Insurance” more well funded than “Public Assistance.”
  4. Identify and explain liberal and conservative theories about welfare (public assistance). (use the concept of “moral hazard” in your answer)
  5. Identify and explain the 3 main proposals for improving education in the United States.

REGULATORY POLICY (ANSWER 1 QUESTION ONLY – 15 POINTS)

  1. Define “regulation” and identify and explain at least 3 reasons (there were actually 5 total that we talked about) that governments use to regulate individual and corporate behavior.
  2. Government regulation increased dramatically during 3 historical periods; identify what those periods were and WHY (the “public interest” reason) regulation increased during those times.
  3. Using the 3 historical periods in which interest groups grew (chapter 7) could there be any “private interest” (self-interest) reason why regulation grew during the periods mentioned in the previous question? Give an example NOT already used in class – if you can’t think of any historical examples, you can give a hypothetical one (make one up) to illustrate your argument.
  4. Analyze and explain the following statement: “Market ‘failure’ (the 5 types) is the consequence of government intervention, not the cause.”
  5. Walter Williams argues that licensing Taxi drivers (thereby limiting the supply of taxi service), raises the “cost of entry” and raises the “price of the service.” This is why Williams says that this regulation is disproportionately damaging to poor drivers and poor riders. Can you think of another regulation that is disproportionately damaging to poorer producers and poorer consumers? Also, explain what is meant by “the cost of entry” and the “price of service.”