S24_PS100_HW6
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University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign *
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100
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Political Science
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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PS100: Introduction to Political Science
HW #6: Political Institutions
American Political Institution (The Challenge of Politics pp.229-250)
1.
What are the two key concepts that underpin the US constitution? What does each of the two terms mean?
2.
What institutional features of the American political system make it harder for US presidents to work cooperatively with the legislature? In other words, what institutional feature lays behind the (frequent) occurrence of deadlock? 3.
The conflict between the US president and Congress is frequent, stormy, and often disruptive. Many American people are frustrated when they witness (yet another) deadlock or government shutdown. However, the American people can’t resolve the conflict when a deadlock occurs between the president and Congress. Why is it the case?
4.
What are three key ways in which citizens can influence government?
5.
What is the main goal of a political party? How is a political party similar to and different from an interest group?
6.
What are the two key roles of political parties in making democracies work?
7.
American parties are not as disciplined as parties in other countries. Namely, American parties’ ability to translate election results into coherent government actions is weaker and limited. The two key features of American politics--federalism and the separation of power--lie behind this weak party discipline of American political parties. Discuss how the two key features make for a very loosely structured two-party system and deadlock in the national government? 8.
In America, the deadlock may happen even when the president’s party controls both houses of congress. Why is it the case? Compare the American system with the British system to unpack the reason why the deadlock is so frequent.
9.
America has a unique system for deciding the US presidency. What is this system and what is the key to winning in this system?
British Political Institution (The Challenge of Politics pp.258-263)
1.
List examples of countries that use parliamentary systems.
2.
What is the most powerful branch of government in the parliamentary system. In what regard is it the most powerful?
3.
How is the power of the prime minister in the parliamentary system different from the power of a President in the presidential system?
4.
What happens if the prime minister begins to lose support from the public or from his/her
own party? In other words, what can the parliament do when a prime minister acts overly
presidential and ignore the collective will of the cabinet?
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