Political science

Decide and discuss whether you consider yourself as one of the following….either exclusively one or the other: structuralist or culturalist.

(THE EXAMPLE OF THE RIGHT WAY TO DO THE ORDER IS UPLOADED BY THE NAME “EXAMPLE”) Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation and Related Programs https://archive.massbudget.org/browser/line_item.php?id=3000607500 They were under funding mental health services then lumped the budget with a bunch of other services to make it look like a budget increase. – Evaluate the Governor’s recommended funding levels  – Find Historical Appropriation Levels (MBPC)  – Record the History of the budget appropriations from 2012 – 2021 (MBPC)  – Explain the budgetary trends  – Talk about how these trends have impact on Mission, Problems, and policies  – Talk about inflation and its effect on appropriation trends – Recommend changes to policy initiatives and funding levels past 2021 Note: does not need any formal writing format, writing by points are recommended

must be a three page outline not an essay but an outline using Roman numerals The final exam is not a paper. It is a three-page long, single-spaced, detailed outline complete with correct and proper citation format as outlined in class (see handout: “How To Write A Paper”), In this year alone, we have witnessed a unique Presidential Election, and a rare exercise, and/or non-exercise as the case may be, of power from the Judicial Branch and the Legislative Branch. So, in your considered view, is the Executive branch of government really the most powerful of the three? If so, why? If not, why not? What interrelationships are involved? In your answer, include an explication how the Federalists believed the relative power of each branch might be and why, and then go to the readings to back up your argument. Other than that, how you use historical analyses found in the textbooks is at your discretion. You must use at least five sources in your answer. only the sources I give u can be used no outside sources are allowed

For this portion of the exam you will have to answer a total of three of the following questions, one from the first three, one from the second four, and a third of your choosing from any of the seven. For your exam you must answer one of this first set of three questions. According to Habermas, what is the public sphere? What is Habermas’ ideal speech situation (aka rational critical discourse) and what should result from it? Does rational critical discourse occur within our political media? If so, when and where (think about what particular media formats or outlets)? If not, why not? Did the recent presidential debates have a proclivity towards RCD? Why or why not?  What is the binary discourse of American civil society? How is this binary related to Habermas’ ideal vision of civil society?  In what ways can a political actor or institution be discussed utilizing these binaries? Describe an example in which these binaries are disseminated. Why, after an examination of the binary discourse present in American civil society, does Alexander conclude that we can never have a perfect civil society or public sphere?      Habermas argues that political communication must be rational in order to be effective.  On the other hand, Alexander and others argue that political communication is performative. What do they mean by this? (Think cultural scripts, drama, and recognizable narratives). Be sure to define the concept of performative rationality. Argue your position in reference to this debate. That is, by using examples from our media (be specific), answer these two pertinent questions: which type of political communication is more likely to occur?  In your opinion is one type of communication more ideal/desirable? Why? Which one do you think is more effective? Why?   For your exam must answer one of this second set of four questions. What is a political gaffe? Is understanding political gaffes important for political campaign coverage? Why? How are gaffes connected to the construction of authenticity? Be sure to describe the process by which gaffes are constructed. What are some of the communicative strategies used by politicians to mitigate a gaffe moment? Which strategy do you think is most effective? Lastly, if you worked on a campaign how would you administer this strategy? What is political polarization? How has political polarization shifted over the last couple of decades? Describe using examples. How is this process connected to media bias? Be sure to define and describe the type of media bias that is connected to political polarization. Lastly, what are echo chambers, and how are they connected to confirmation bias and political polarization? (Be sure to describe echo chambers and confirmation bias.)    There have been a number of recent changes in technology and policy that have altered the dissemination and impact of political advertisements. First, describe two of these changes and their impacts on contemporary political advertisements. Second, describe two strategies you would take to create an effective political advertisement. Lastly, describe an empirical example of an existent effective advertisement that used those strategies (link to the advertisement if possible).  Describe three characteristics of the troll community of 4chan. Connect these characteristics to at least three of the anxieties expressed by alt-right trolls. Describe these anxieties and why they are connected to the political positions of the alt-right. Next describe how these communities use bots and memes to signify their political positions and attempt to influence politicians and the public. (Be sure to define the concepts of memes and bots.)      One of the most important insights of the aesthetic public sphere paradigm is that entertainment media and serious political debate cannot be so easily separated. Utilizing this framework, select and describe a pop culture text or icon that emphasizes this social fact. That is, describe how this entertainment text or icon enters into “serious” political issues.  How can these fictional characters or celebrity personalities be used to take a political stance? Lastly, why does this further problematize the ubiquitous desire for RCD?

Please review the two attachments below containing the New York City Counsel’s recent amendment to the Administrative Code of the City of New York regarding an early intervention system for police officers.  After reviewing the attachments, please answer the questions listed below the attachments.  You are required to type your answers to the questions on at least two pages double spaced.   WEEK 10 WRITING ASSIGNMENT – PAGE 1 – POLICE USE OF FORCE.pdf  WEEK 10 WRITING ASSIGNMENT – PAGE 2 – POLICE USE OF FORCE.pdf  1.  What impact in your view, will the Early Intervention System have on police officers?  Please explain your answer.  2.  Do you believe the Early Intervention System will be effective at reducing police use of force incidents?  Please explain your answer.  3.  Do you think the Early Intervention System adequately addresses police use of force issues?  Please explain your answer. 4.  Do you believe it is necessary to post instances regarding non-disciplinary corrective actions of police officers?  Please explain your answer.

The purpose of the final exam is to demonstrate that you have not only understood the fundamental ideas presented during the course of the semester, but are capable of making and defending a coherent argument using what you have learned.  The final exam is due on Friday, December 18 by  3:20 p.m. and it is to be uploaded to Canvas.  This will count as 35% of your grade for this course.  No late papers will be accepted.  What that means is that Canvas will not accept submissions beginning at 3:20 p.m. on that day. Nor will I, via email. If you are having difficulty uploading your paper to Canvas, you may email it to me prior to that time and date. If the time stamp on your email reads anything later than 3:20 p.m. on that day, it will be considered an F.  If I were you I would get it done and uploaded WAY before that time.  You may use any readings that we have done this semester, including readings not originally on the syllabus that were added during the semester.  That means Tocqueville is in play.  As is the Federal Court case on Canvas, Trump Inc. vs. Boockvar. Here is the catch:  The final exam is not a paper.  It is a three-page long, single-spaced, detailed outline complete with correct and proper citation format as outlined in class (see handout: “How To Write A Paper”), which is to be formally presented in class on the day of the final.  You will have seven minutes to do so, followed by Q and A.  Any presentation going under six minutes will negatively affect the final grade.  The thirty second warning will be given as usual to keep accurate time.  I highly suggest you practice your timing on a stopwatch before the day of the final exam. The order of presentations will be on a voluntary basis.  All students must remain in class for the duration of the final, and Q and A will follow each presenter.  I will be keeping track of all Q and A participants, and thus every one of you must ask at least one question at some point, regardless of presentation order.  The limit of questions to each presenter will be three.  Answer The Following Question: In this year alone, we have witnessed a unique Presidential Election, and a rare exercise, and/or non-exercise as the case may be, of power from the Judicial Branch and the Legislative Branch.  So, in your considered view, is the Executive branch of government really the most powerful of the three?  If so, why?  If not, why not?  What interrelationships are involved?  In your answer, include an explication how the Federalists believed the relative power of each branch might be and why, and then go to the readings to back up your argument.  Other than that, how you use historical analyses found in the textbooks is at your discretion. You must use at least five sources in your answer.  What is a source?  Pika is one source.  Nelson is one source. The Federalists Papers is one source.  The Constitution is one source.  The speeches collectively are one source.  Any individual Supreme or Federal Court case counts as one source, and you have no limit as to how many you may use.  (If you wish to expand your use of Supreme or Federal Court cases, you may do so, but they must be approved by me first, the only reason being to show the relevance of your chosen case, and I might be able to steer you in a more helpful direction, if necessary.)  The media, in all of its forms, collectively count as a single source, and there is no limit as to how many media outlets you may use, but choose wisely.  The Tocqueville reading counts as one source. That is eight total available sources, and you need only use five.   The best answers will clearly identify your own “So-What Factor”, and the top three arguments defending it.  This question may sound broad, but it is to examine how you analyze the Presidency in terms of not only the founding of the United States, but also if or how that has changed over time.  You may take any direction you wish, but the overall point is to be clear and ruthlessly organized.  STAKE YOUR CLAIM AND OWN IT.

The last reading and writing assignment laid the foundation for this present assignment by providing the tools required to perform a practical analysis of a public policy. This present assignment calls for you to use those tools to perform an analysis of the essential provisions of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Your task is to describe the background of the “welfare” issue, the basic national values that create the need for this (welfare) policy, the winners and the losers etc. Then, methodically apply the steps in the Chambers model to determine the adequacy, equity and efficiency of related TANF policy. In order to render judgments about adequacy, efficiency and equity, you should: Identify the basic policy elements (goals and objectives; forms of benefits etc.), sub-types or sub-elements (long vs. short term etc.; personal counseling, cash benefits, subsidies etc.) Identify the basic evaluation criteria you are using to evaluate the policy (Fit between goals and underlying purposes and values; clarity of goals etc.; stigmatization, target efficiency, cost-effectiveness of the form of benefits etc.) Although this policy provides a block grant to the several states and allows discretion in the way that its basic provisions are carried out, you may restrict your analysis to the basic provisions of TANF: assisting needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes reducing the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work and marriage preventing out-of-wedlock pregnancies encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families One good source of information on TANF is provided by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: https://www.cbpp.org/research/policy-basics-an-introduction-to-tanf Organize this assignment as you see fit but consider using the same table form that Chambers uses to identify policy elements sub-elements and evaluation criteria that lead you to your evaluation which you may do by adding a column to the table or adding additional narrative. I am not looking for an exhaustive analysis of this policy. While you should try to identify all of the basic policy elements (goals, form of benefits, eligibility rules, service delivery organization and financing), identifying just one or two sub-types and evaluative criteria, that is, enough to support your preliminary conclusions, will be sufficient. It is important to note that all of the elements of a policy should work together to accomplish the goals of the policy. Thus, a “challenge” to the adequacy of the policy (the ability of the policy to meet the goals of the policy) may reside in the form of benefits or in the organization of service delivery or financing etc. PAGE LENGTH- 4-5 pages.

All questions must be answered in short essay format. Strategic advice: remember to include an introduction, body and conclusion and address all relevant parts of each question. Write in short paragraphs, I recommend one main idea per paragraph. Use an introduction to identify the key argument you will be making and concepts. Use a conclusion to summarize your main arguments and any questions that should guide further discussion. General Instructions Length and Formatting Answers to each question should be 1-2 pages in length. This total is for pages of text and does not include such elements as a title page, bibliography. Papers should be typed, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins on all sides, and use 12-point font. Failure to meet all format and length requirements will lead to a reduction in your grade. Clarity I will be grading these by looking at your answers: the clarity of your thoughts, your use of specific the text and slides to support your ideas and your ability to clearly explain how your examples relate to the question I have asked (where appropriate). However, numerous grammatical and/or proofreading errors will interfere with my ability to follow your argument and will result in a reduction of your grade, so please edit carefully. Citations and References Written assignments must conform to Chicago Manual of Style guidelines. You must answer ALL of the questions below. Question 1: Is the saying that “politicians decide and public servants do” just a heuristic (a saying or idea that allows us to see how things ideally work, even though they don’t always do so) or is it an important division of labour that we should strive as best as possible to achieve so as to ensure accountability? Why or why not? Use examples and evidence to support your answer. Question 2: Max Weber saw bureaucracy as a technically superior form of organizing. Robert Merton, on the other hand, believed that bureaucratic structures are inherently dysfunctional. Discuss how it is possible that bureaucracy is technically superior or dysfunctional or both? How do you reconcile this apparent paradox? a) Why is bureaucracy claimed to be technically superior? b) Why does Merton say bureaucracy is dysfunctional, c) Is it possible for bureaucracy to be technically superior while also dysfunctional? Make sure to provide at least one real-world or hypothetical example to support your discussion. Question 3: Ted Turner, a public servant sings a folk song that was critical of the Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Do you feel that Turner violated the Code of Ethics that mandates public servants must be impartial? What parts of the Code did Turner violate and why? Be specific and detailed in your answer. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei50lM6ab1c

A five paragraph argumentative essay, about why the electoral college should not be relevant in today’s U.S elections. The intro should have information such as the origins of the electoral college and why it helped with the foundation of America. The two body paragraphs must have the two sources that support why the electoral college should be abolished, and must be in P.I.E format. The third body paragraph must argue why it should still be ideal, and why it should be involved within every U.S election and must so be in P.I.E format. The final concluding paragraph must mention each source, and explain why overall the electoral college should be removed.

The research paper design assignment consists of an 8-10-page (double space) paper.  The structure of the paper should include the following points: A statement of the research question and an explanation of its relevance An explanation of your theory and a statement of the specific hypothesis to be tested Descriptions of the sample and variables included in the analysis Presentation of methods (i.e. how you plan to test your hypothesis) Discussion and conclusions Your references should use the APSA format.  Please write about the political phenomenon of Populism. The research question is: “What has led to the intense development of populism in countries with a constitutional democracy?” The hypothesis is: “Populism has gained traction in recent years because people have increasingly been losing faith in their elected officials, seeing them as a corrupt elite.” The independent variable would be people losing faith in their elected officials. The dependent variable would be populism gaining traction. I believe that as Western nations are realizing that their constitutional democracies are failing them, they are looking for people to blame. Of course, the logical blame would land on elected officials who are meant to uphold this democracy. The rise of populism in the U.S. can be seen in the 2016 election. Many folks voted for Trump because “he is a businessman, and therefore more trustworthy than politicians,” who they believe have been failing the people for years. However, people are really just looking for anyone to blame. Populism can become a steady track towards fascism, but it is also oftentimes mislabeled. As bipartisanship in the U.S. has deepened, populism has naturally found a spotlight. Brexit led to a labeling of all opposition groups as populist, whether left or right. Sources and helpful articles: https://www.cairn.info/journal-raisons-politiques-2013-3-page-137.htm# https://www.britannica.com/topic/populism https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/03/what-is-populism/607600/ http://www.obela.org/system/files/Populism.pdf https://www2.daad.de/medien/mudde_rovira_kaltwasser_2017_populism.pdf https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0191453719872277 https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev-polisci-050317-070753 Please only reference scholarly/peer reviewed sources in the paper itself.