Explore the role of political parties in American politics. In what ways do political parties differ from interest groups? How do parties contribute to democratic government?
Describe the process by which a bill becomes a law. What are the major steps in the process? How often do bills fail, and where in the process do they typically die? What are the main differences in the legislative process between the two houses of Congress?
Explain the basic structure and jurisdiction of the federal judicial system. Describe the three different levels of federal courts. How are the lower courts created and how is their jurisdiction defined? What was the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
There are different kinds of judicial philosophy in how to interpret the law. Outline the theories of judicial restraint and judicial activism. Discuss an example of the Supreme Court employing judicial activism.
Describe some of the different strategies that interest groups use to gain influence on public policy. In your answer, be sure to give specific examples of each of the strategies you discuss.
Describe how Congress exercises its checks and balances over the executive branch. Which chamber of Congress has more authority over the executive branch? Provide examples. How might partisanship help to diminish the exercise of congressional power over the presidency? Explain.
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