Final+Questions+--+GOVT+2302+Online+Class



Much of what we have covered in this class concerns the constitutionally authorized activities of the three branches, as well as the internal design features that have evolved within each institution as time has passed. One of the goals of the class has been to familiarize you with these processes so that the actions of government make a bit more sense. Below you will see a variety of terms relating to processes in each institution. I want you to take nine of these and provide a detailed example of them in the recent government actions. For example, under “filibuster” provide a detailed description of the use of a filibuster this fall. I expect at least 100 words for a satisfactory – meaning a “C” level – grade. Additional work and insight earns you a higher grade. Less work earns a lesser grade.

Email me your answers by midnight December 10th.

Legislative actions (answer any three of the following) 1. Major bills have been passed by Congress so far? What items have yet to be passed, or are unlikely to be passed? Why? 2. Have there been any filibusters this session? Have they been successful? 3. To what degree has the Democratic Caucus been able to stay unified this session? How has the Democratic leadership attempted to keep the party together? 4. Have Congressional Committees had any major hearings this year? If so, describe one. What was the result of the hearing? 5. What strategies has the Republican Conference used to influence congressional actions despite being in the minority?

Executive Actions (answer any three of the following) 1. How successful has President Obama been in setting Congress’ agenda? What tactics has he been able to use to do so? 2. What major decisions has Obama made as Commander-in-Chief? What factors have entered into these decisions? 3. Has President Obama issued any executive orders? If so, what have they been about? 4. As you know, bureaucratic agencies can issue rules that impact public policy without Congressional approval. Find one such rule and describe it. 5. Which of Obama’s cabinet appointments have been most in the public spotlight? Why?

Judicial Actions (answer any three of the following) 1. What impact has the Obama Administration had on the federal courts so far? What impact might they have in the near future? 2. The Senate has used certain tactics to stall considerations of the judicial appointments of Obama. What are these tactics and how has the Obama Administration responded to them? 3. What impact has Rick Perry had on the Texas courts? 4. Critics of Governor Perry have focused on his actions surrounding the case of Cameron Todd Willingham. What is the nature of the criticism? 5. Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project, a case which raises constitutional questions about the PATRIOT Act, is about to be heard by the Supreme Court. Review the case and outline the constitutional question it raises. Predict how the Supreme Court might rule on the case.

Also answer the following question:  10. Now that you are an expert on the constitutional system. Evaluate it. If it was up to you, what would you change? What would you keep the same? Justify your answer.