Preliminary Syllabus - UNDER CONSTRUCTION

   Political Science 101 (001) : Spring 2003                     

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Professor Penny M. Miller                                         Office Hours: M, 1‑2:45 p.m.;

Patterson Office Tower 1649                                     W, F, 10‑11:45a.m. and by appointment 

Phone: 257‑7030                                                         Class: MWF 9:00a.m.-9:50a.m. CB 242             E-mail:POL153@uky.edu                                                                                                                          

Required Texts:

1.         Morris P. Fiorina, Paul Peterson, and D. Stephen Voss,  America’s New Democracy,   (New                   York, NY: Longman Penguin Academics, 2003).

2.         Ann G. Serow and Everitt C. Ladd, The Lanahan Readings in the American Polity, 2nded.(Baltimore, MY: Lanahan Publishers, 2000).

Since you will be tested on current political events throughout the semester, a daily reading of a statewide (Lexington Herald-Leader or Louisville Courier-Journal) or national newspaper is suggested.  See especially New York Times, Miami Herald, Los Angeles Times, and Washington Post.  You may access these Kentucky and national print media on the World Wide Web.

See professor’s web site for syllabus and links to other relevant web sites:

                           http://www.uky.edu/ArtsScience/PoliSci/Miller

Course Description:

This course is designed to present students with a broad overview of American politics.  We will look at the institutions and actors that shape public policy.  Also we will study some of the policies that result from the interplay between these institutions and actors.  A major goal of this class is for students to be able to analyze critically American government in the New Millenium.  We are studying American politics in exciting, turbulent times -- marked by the controversial U.S. presidential election of 2000, the Aftermath of  September 11, 2001 and the War on Terrorism, the rise of foreign competition abroad, international crises in the Middle East and elsewhere, increasing social and political ills at home, and possible gridlock in the 108th Congress.

This course is part of the University Studies Program, which is designed to provide a comprehensive liberal arts education to all undergraduates.  The class can be taken to fulfill one of the Social Science requirements in University Studies.


Attendance Policy:

Since there will be short non-graded writing exercises during many classes, regular class attendance is highly recommended if one wishes to complete successfully the course. Participation  in the form of discussion is considered essential to the success of the course.  Exams will be based on the lectures, assigned readings, and current events.  Students are expected to keep pace with the reading assignments, and to be prepared to discuss these readings in class.  If you must miss class, contact someone who has attended.  Announcements pertinent to the course will frequently be made in class, and students will be held responsible for knowing of these announcements.  All the non-graded writing exercises will be recorded for each session.  You must attend the interview paper and case study class sessions.

The Role of Writing:

Of all the skills and substantive information you learn in college, writing is perhaps the most important.  Regardless of your career goal, you will need to know how to write well.  Equally important, writing helps us learn.  It focuses our thoughts and forces us to verbalize what we think we know.  Thus, writing accomplishes two goals: we can learn to write better, and we can master substantive material.  This course offers you numerous opportunities to work toward both goals.

Course Requirements:

All the reading in this syllabus is required.  This means you should read all of the material and be prepared to be examined on it even if we do not discuss it in class.  You should read the appropriate material prior to the class for which it is assigned, be prepared to discuss and ask questions about it, and to be examined on it.  To complete this course you must fulfill the following requirements: complete all readings prior to the class meeting for which they are assigned; take three examinations; complete the in-class non-graded exercises and short homework writing assignments; and participate in class.  The homework writing exercises will be due at the beginning of specific classes as noted in this syllabus. 

University policy will be followed regarding all make-up exams and homework writing exercises.  Make-up exams and homework assignments will be allowed only under exceptional circumstances (for example, your illness accompanied by a doctor’s excuse or a death in the family) and/or with my prior consent.  The format for make-up exams will be different from that of the regularly scheduled exams. All written assignments are due at the beginning of specified  classes.   On written assignments, students shall not plagiarize or cheat.  See Section 3.0, Part II, of the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook for definitions.  Students shall use non-discriminatory language for written assignments as well as classroom discussions.  See the Writing Center for guidelines.

The last day to drop this course without it appearing on a student’s transcript is February 5, 2003.  The last day for automatic withdrawal is March 14, 2003.

The final course grade will consist of three components weighted as follows:

1.         There are six required short written homework assignments (including two case studies) that are due at the beginning of designated classes.  In addition, there are short non-graded writing exercises during many class sessions.  These homework exercises, in-class  non-graded writing exercises, and class participation will collectively account for 10% of your final course grade.  You must attend the interview paper and case study class sessions.

2 .         Every student will conduct a personal interview with a current elected or appointed officeholder.  The interview paper assignment is described at the end of this syllabus.  The two-part paper is due at the beginning of class on Friday, April 4, 2003.  The minimum four-page paper is worth 15% of your final course grade.

3.         There will be three midterm tests during the semester, each of which will cover material presented in lectures, assigned readings, and current events.  Each midterm will be a mixture of short answer “objective” (multiple choice), identification, current political events, and short essay questions (chosen from discussion questions in syllabus).  These exams are scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2003,   Friday, March 14, 2003, and Friday, April 25, 2003The three tests will comprise 75% of the final grade. Study sheets for the three midterms will be distributed to students.

Each assignment will be graded according to the following scale : A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69, and E = 0-59.

   SPECIFIC TOPICS WITH REQUIRED READING AND WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

    DEMOCRACY IN THE UNITED STATES      Fiorina, Peterson & Voss: Chapter 1

         (January 15, 17)                                  Serow & Ladd: pp. 342-350; 401-410               

   

Required Written Exercise #1: Identify the local, state, and national officeholders who are listed on the sheet which is attached to this syllabus.  Assignment is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday, January 22, 2003.

Discussion Questions:

1.         What is the permanent campaign and why do we have it? What is its effect?

2.                  How do minorities affect elections and policy?

            3.         What is the role of campaign finance, and how does finance affect elections?  Should campaign spending limits be instituted? 

            4.         What distinguishes mudslinging from legitimate attacks on a candidate’s record?

                        What makes an ad “negative”?

    ESTABLISHING A CONSTITUTIONAL         Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 2

     DEMOCRACY                                                       

(Jan. 22, 24, 27)                                                        Serow & Ladd: pp. 55-103

                                                                                                                                          

 Required Written Exercise #1:  Assignment is due at the beginning of class onWednesday, January 22, 2003.

                   

Discussion Questions:

 

1.         Compare and contrast the philosophies of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.

                        Be sure to discuss their roles in the ratification debates over the Constitution.

            2.         Compare and contrast the Virginia and New Jersey Plans as well as the

                       Connecticut Compromise.

3.                  How did the Constitution correct the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

4.         Explain how America=s experience in colonial and revolutionary times influenced                       the design of the Constitution.

5.         Can a Constitution written in the late eighteenth century, when the United States was                  a small agrarian society, serve the needs of the complex postindustrial society that                                  the United States has become?  Explain your answer.

           6.         What is the Electoral College? What purpose does it serve and why was it created?        7.         What are the means by which the Constitution can be amended?  Why have so

 many proposed amendments failed to be ratified?

8.                     Discuss whether or not the Constitution has been successful. Provide examples.

    FEDERALISM                                                Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 3

                                                                            Serow & Ladd: pp. 131-160                                     

(January 29, 31, February 3)                                                 

Required Written Exercise #2: Write clear and concise answers to the following two questions (about 200 words per answer).   Assignment is due at the beginning of class on Friday, January 31, 2003 .

            1.         According to Sunstein, which presidents pushed the boundaries of federalism to their own ends?  Provide specific examples.

2.         How do Wildavsky’s comments support the notion that the states provide the national government with laboratories for experiment?  Provide specific examples.

Discussion Questions:

 

1.         Which is closer to the people, local government, state government or the federal                              government?  Why?

            2.         Define and discuss the ruling in McCulloch V. Maryland (1819).

            3.         Compare and contrast the logic and implications of block and categorical grants?

4.         How have the responsibilities of states changed in recent decades?  Use specific

                       examples.

5.         Define Dillon’s Rule and discuss the limits on local governments.

6.         What is judicial review and how does it affect federalism?


 

           


 AMERICAN POLITICAL CULTURE               Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 4

 (February 5)                                       Serow & Ladd:   pp. 3-23; 35-43

                                                                                                                    

Discussion Questions:

 

1 .     Discuss, in detail, the ways in which America has been and is diverse.       

            2.     During the 1990s, immigration again became a hot political issue.  Discuss

                    contemporary feelings about immigration and governmental (state and national)

                    attempts to deal with immigration policy.   

            3.     Discuss the nature of religion in America.  Does religiosity threaten the

                    individualist ethic?

4.     What is a liberal political culture?  Have immigrants eroded or supported such

                    liberalism?  Give specific examples.          

5.      What is political socialization?  How does it impact on being or feeling American?

                                                                              

    PUBLIC OPINION                            Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 5

            (February 7, 10)                                      Serow & Ladd:  pp. 323-342         

         

Discussion Questions:

 

1.         What are the advantages and disadvantages of modern public opinion polling?

2.         Why are voters so dissatisfied with politics?

3.         Compare and contrast mass publics and issue publics.              

4.         Compare and contrast the belief systems of political elites and ordinary

                       citizens.

5.         Discuss the impact of public opinion on the abortion debate.

.


      INDIVIDUAL  PARTICIPATION           Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 6

           (February 12)                                           Serow & Ladd:  pp. 23-35; 410-426;

                                                                                                                   432-439

Discussion Questions:

    

1.         Are Americans politically apathetic?  Compare American political participation with                   the participation of citizens in other democracies.

2.         Discuss some ways to increase voter turnout in the United States.  Be specific.

3.         Discuss the costs and benefits facing Americans when they decide whether to vote.

            4.        Discuss the arguments that low voter turnout is not a significant problem for

                       America.

******FIRST MIDTERM EXAM -- Friday, February 14, 2003******

      POLITICAL PARTIES                                      Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 8

           (February 17, 19, 21)                                             Serow & Ladd:  pp. 443-479

                                                                                                           

                                                                                          

 Required Written Exercise #3:  The assignment is to summarize news focusing on Congress and/or the Presidency from three stories on three different days from the period of February 15-February 20. You may get your news from watching the national evening news on ABC, CBS or NBC or from reading the national or international sections of the New York Times, Miami Herald, Los Angeles Times , or the Washington Post.  Watching the local news or reading the local paper is not acceptable.  You should write in your own words about one paragraph for each story that sums up the main points of the news report.  At the top of the page, you must indicate the source of the news you are describing (which paper or which broadcast), and the date of the report.  If you get your news from a newspaper, you must attach a copy of the articles you have summarized.  Assignment is due at the beginning of  class on Friday, February 21, 2003.

Discussion Questions:

1.         Compare and contrast political parties and interest groups.

2.         How does the electoral system affect the party system?  Be sure to define and

                        describe the types of electoral systems, party systems, and their effects.

            3.         Are the obstacles to the formation of third parties structural and institutional

                        (as Berns argues), or more rooted in the type of candidates who run as

                       third party candidates (as Black suggests)?  Explain.

4.         Will a realignment of political parties occur in the next decade?

5.         How do parties detract from democratic politics?

6.         How much influence should political parties have on the judiciary?    

     INTEREST  GROUP PARTICIPATION              Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 8

                                                                                       Serow & Ladd:  pp. 61-67; 353-394

          (February 24,  26)                                                

                                 

Discussion Questions:

    

1.         Discuss some aspects of interest group activity that benefit the U.S. political system.

2.         Discuss the factors that affect the formation and success of an interest group.

3.         What are PACs?  What role do they serve in the political system?

4.         Discuss the development of the public interest movement.

5.         What does the Clinton presidency tell us about the power of interest groups?

                       Can you think of examples where they have altered the policy outcome?

6.         Why was Madison concerned about factions?  What solutions to the “mischiefs

                       of  faction” did he suggest?

7.         Discuss the theory of pluralism and its critics.

  

           THE MEDIA                                                         Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 12

           (February 28, March 3)                                                         Serow & Ladd: pp. 483-508

                                                                                         

Discussion Questions:

1.          Discuss the effects of the media on politics.

2.          Discuss the role of presidential debates and media coverage of them.

3..        Was the media biased in the 1992, 1996, and 2000 elections? 

4.         Conservatives frequently claim that the media have a strong liberal bias.  Explain                                    why you agree or disagree with this charge.  Do you think the mass media accurately                   reflect the ideology of the American people?  Should they?

5.         Why does Cook consider the news media as a political institution?

6.         According to Graber, what is the “new” media and how does it relate to politics? 

 

        PRESIDENTIAL & CONGRESSIONAL         Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 7

        ELECTIONS

          (March 5, 7, 10, 12)                                                  Serow & Ladd:pp. 394-439; 508-518

                                                                                                       

                                 

Discussion Questions:

1.        What are the strengths and weaknesses of the presidential primary process.

2.         Discuss the difference between media and voter interests.

3.         How did the Republican Congress affect the 1996 and 2000 presidential election?

4.        Do you think the reforms suggested by Alexander would bring about a different

                      type of candidate, encourage more candidates to run, or allow presidents to

                      govern differently during their first term?  Why or why not?

5.       What is the gender gap in presidential voting?

6.        Discuss the impact of the economy, foreign affairs, race, and social issues on the

                       electoral success of Republicans and Democrats in presidential elections.

1.       Define and discuss incumbency advantage in the House and Senate.

2.       Discuss the role of campaign finance in the House and Senate.

3.       What are the differences in the role and use of media in Senate and House

                      campaigns?

            4.       How do national forces affect congressional elections? Give specific examples.

            5.       Compare and contrast the representation of minorities and women in Congress.

            6.       Discuss the issue of majority-minority districts.  How has the Supreme Court

                      handled this issue?

******SECOND MIDTERM EXAM -- Friday, March 14, 2003******

******SPRING BREAK -- March 17-21, 2003

     CONGRESS                                                     Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 9

         (March 24, 26, 28)                                     Serow & Ladd: pp. 107-128; 163-208

           

Required Written Exercise #4:  The assignment is to summarize news focusing on Congress and/or the Presidency from three stories on three different days from the period of March 23-March 27. You may get your news from watching the national evening news on ABC, CBS or NBC or from reading the national or international sections of the New York Times, Miami Herald, Los Angeles Times , or the Washington Post.  Watching the local news or reading the local paper is not acceptable.  You should write in your own words about one paragraph for each story that sums up the main points of the news report.  At the top of the page, you must indicate the source of the news you are describing (which paper or which broadcast), and the date of the report.  If you get your news from a newspaper, you must attach a copy of the articles you have summarized.  Assignment is due at the beginning of  class on Friday, March 28, 2003.

Discussion Questions:

 

1.            If there is a conflict between the interests of a constituency and the public interest,                      how should a member of Congress decide which way to vote?  Explain your answer.

            2.         Should party discipline in Congress be strengthened?

3.         How should Congress be reformed?  Explain your answer.

            4.         Why does the Congressional Budget Office stand out as a success story in

                        Washington?

            5.         What is meant by the distributive tendency of Congress?

            6.         What effect would congressional term limits have on the political behavior of                              Congress?  Explain your answer.

            7.         Is the 107th Congress behaving  differently with a Republican president?

            8.         Discuss the use and impact of Congressional hearings.

9.         Discuss the various styles of representation that members of Congress might provide                  their constituents.

10.       Discuss the congressional committee system.  What kinds of committees are most                      and least important?

    THE PRESIDENCY                                   Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 10

         (March 31, April 2, 4)                                         Serow & Ladd:  pp. 211-253

 

****Required Interview Paper Due on Friday, April 4, 2003.****

Discussion Questions:

 1.        Discuss the president's role as world leader.  Why is crisis management so important                  to the part the president plays in foreign affairs?

             2.        How much control does the president have in manipulating the media?

             3.        What political roles should the vice president play?

             

            4.         How does Richard Neustadt define presidential power?  Given the increasing                            fragmentation of Congress, what problems might President George W. Bush face in                    relations with the legislature?

             5.        What is the role of the First Lady?  Discuss the ways in which the various First

                        Ladies have interpreted the role?

             6.        Discuss Barber=s idea of presidential character and his critics.

             7.        Name and discuss two recent presidential scandals.

 8.        Discuss the president's role as chief lobbyist.  How do presidents play this role?                                     What resources are available to assist the president as chief lobbyist?

 9.        Should the president be limited to a single six-year term?  Would such a change                                     strengthen or weaken the presidency?

10.       What are the president=s powers of appointment?  What checks does Congress have

                        on these powers?

        THE EXECUTIVE BUREAUCRACY        Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 10

                 (April 7)                                           Serow & Ladd:  257-289

 

Discussion Questions:

1.         Are there too many political appointees in the bureaucracy?  Explain your answer.

2.         What role should experts play in bureaucratic decision making?

3.         What are the similarities and differences between public and private bureaucracies?

4.         How much control does the president have over the bureaucracy?

5.         What are some of the most persistent problems in implementing policy?

6.         How do elections affect administrative performance?

7.         Discuss iron triangles, issue networks, and their effects on the bureaucracy and

                        government in general.

  THE JUDICIARY                                                Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 11

         (April 9, 11)                                                 Serow & Ladd:  pp. 293-319

                                   

Discussion Questions:

1.         Should the Supreme Court have the power of judicial review?

            2.         Should the Supreme Court pursue a legal philosophy of judicial activism?

            3.         Was Hamilton correct in arguing that the judiciary is the least dangerous branch?

                        Why or why not?

            4.         According to O=Brien, in what ways did the Court take Apolitics@ into account in                       reaching the Brown decision?  Was this appropriate?  What was the alternative?

5.         Discuss the pros and cons of the Supreme Court nominating process.

6.         Discuss the state courts and their role in the judicial system.

7.         What are the key powers of the Supreme Court?

8.         What are the three types of checks on Court power and what has been their

                        impact?

CIVIL LIBERTIES                                                     Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 13

      (April 14)                                                         Serow & Ladd:  pp. 521-548

Discussion Questions:

 

1.         Discuss the conflicts between the values of freedom, order, and equality when a state                 outlaws pornography.

2.         What are the rights of the accused?  Be sure to cite the pertinent amendments,

                        court cases, and judicial reasoning where appropriate.

3.         Discuss the incorporation of the Bill of Rights to the states.

4.         Where did the Supreme Court find the right to privacy?  How has the extension of                                 the right to privacy been problematic for the Court and controversial for the rest of                      the political system?

5.         Discuss the Internet and the special problems it creates for balancing freedom of                                    speech with the preservation of public order.

6.         Trace the use of the due process clause as a means of making the protections of the                   Bill of Rights effective against the states.

       CIVIL RIGHTS                                           Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 14                  

               (April 16, 18)                                     Serow & Ladd:  pp. 548-589

Required Written Exercise # 5 is due at the beginning of class on Friday, April 18, 2003.    

Case Study on “Affirmative Action: Michigan Law School Suit Before the Supreme Court”

At the end of this syllabus, you are provided a list of questions on this subject.   First, use  the Internet to research the issues.  Secondly, write clear and concise answers to all of the questions. Be prepared to discuss these questions in class.

Discussion Questions:

1.         Discuss the major methods of political participation used by the NAACP in the effort to integrate schools and by the civil  rights movement in the effort to secure passage of civil rights legislation.

2.         Fully discuss the history and ramifications of affirmative action programs.

3.         Distinguish between "equality of opportunity" and "equality of outcome."                                                             Which is more controversial?  Why?

4.         In 1955 the Supreme Court ordered school desegregation "with all deliberate                            speed."  Discuss the history of compliance with this order in the forty years that                            followed.

           5.         Discuss the struggle of women for civil rights.

           6.         Discuss the struggle of Americans with disabilities to attain civil rights.  What

                       strategies have they used and how successful have they been?

           7.         Discuss the impact of the black vote in American politics from 1948 to 2000.

                       Use specific examples.

          DOMESTIC POLICY                                  Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 15                                   (April 21, 23)                                                       Serow & Ladd:  pp. 593-609; 613-634

 

Discussion Questions:

1.         What is the Social Security program, and how does it work?  Why has it been labeled               a "sacred cow?"

2.         Discuss the growth of the welfare state in America.  What historical events have been                 incremental in that growth?

3.         How do Americans view welfare benefits and those who receive them?

4.         Describe and evaluate the 1996 welfare reforms.  In what way do they alter the                                     previous system?  What is their likely impact in the future?

5.         Describe the various public assistance programs currently available, and list their                                    eligibility requirements.  What impact have these programs had on the social problem                   of poverty?

1.         What were the goals of Reaganomics?  How well were they achieved?

2.         What is supply-side economics?  How does it differ from standard Keynesian                            economics?

3.         What is the Gramm-Rudman-Holings law?  How does it represent a departure from                  economic policies of the past?

4.         What is the Federal Reserve System, and why is it important?

5.         Discuss incrementalism and the role it plays in budgeting. Has incrementalism in any                    way added to the uncontrollable outlays that plague policymakers?

******THIRD MIDTERM EXAM -- Friday, April 25, 2003******

        FOREIGN POLICY                                   Fiorina, Peterson & Voss, Chapter 15                                       (April 28, 30)                                                Serow & Ladd:  pp. 637-663

                                   

Required Written Exercise # 6 is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday, April 30, 2003.    

Case Study on “Foreign Policy Initiatives of President George W. Bush”

At the end of this syllabus, you are provided a list of questions on this subject.   First, use  the Internet to research the issues.  Secondly, write clear and concise answers to all of the questions. Be prepared to discuss these questions in class.

Discussion Questions:

1.         Why is the president the predominant actor in foreign policy?

2.         President Bush declared the end of the Cold War.  Is the Cold War really over?  If                                so, what factors combined to bring about its end?

3.         Discuss the historical background and purposes of the War Powers Resolution.  Has                 it served the functions that Congress intended?

4.         What is the role of the United States in the United Nations?

5.         What is the potential relationship between foreign policy and economic policy?  How                 might the relationship between the two affect the nature of lobbying where foreign                                     policy issues are concerned?

6.         What particular dilemmas for democracy are created by the CIA?

7.         Discuss the interrelationship of elections, presidents, and foreign policy.

8.         How has the emergence of new democracies in Russia and Eastern Europe                                            affected basic assumptions guiding U.S. foreign policy?

           


**Required Written Exercise #1 Identify the local, state, national, and international  officeholders who are listed on this page.  Assignment is due at beginning of  class on January 22, 2003. Attach this cover page to your answer sheets; put your name and SS# on the top of every answer sheet.

                   

                        Student's Name  _______________________________________

Social Security #  _______________________________________

                       

Provide the specific names and  positions for the following current officeholders:

 1. the President,Vice‑President, Cabinet members, and U.S. Supreme Court members

 2.  U.S. House and Senate leaders (majority and minority) in the 108th Congress

 3.  the mayors of New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington,

      Lexington and Louisville

 4.  statewide executive officeholders in Kentucky

 5.  two state representatives and two state senators from Lexington area

 6.  Lexington's at-large council members

 7.  Kentucky's two U.S. Senators and six Congresspersons

 8.  leaders of Russia, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Israel, Cuba,

     China, Egypt, Syria, Mexico, Canada, Iraq, Iran, and India

PS 101    INTERVIEW PAPER     Spring 2003

This assignment is due at the beginning of class on Friday, April 4, 2003.  The two-part  paper must  be typewritten, double‑spaced, and at least four pages in length. The paper is worth 15% of your final course grade.  You must attend the interview paper class session.

            Your assignment is to conduct a face‑to‑face interview with any current elected or appointed local, state, or national government officeholder.   Part 1: Discover as much information about the individual and his/her job as you can.  You can present this part of the paper in interview form.  Part 2: Provide detailed information about the officeholder’s department, agency,  city council, state legislative body, etc. (for example: budget, functions, employees, public meetings). At the end of your paper, cite when and where you conducted the interview.  Also, cite where you obtained information about the governmental institution.

Suggestions: You could interview a councilperson, mayor, judge, county judge/executive, school superintendent, state treasurer, or a state legislator and ask questions such as:

 1.  Where did you grow up and obtain your education?

 2.  Were you raised in a political family?

 3.  What is your political ideology and party identification?

 4.  What is your occupational background?

 5.  When did you first become involved in politics?

 6.  What long‑term career plans do you have?

 7.  Is this your first elected office?

 8.  How many terms have you served?

 9.  What was the nature of your political campaign(s)?

10.  How much opposition have you had in getting elected?

11.  How active are you in party politics?

12. What is the nature of your district ‑‑ rich/poor, urban/rural, political? 

13.  Is your district lopsided or close in partisan terms?

14.  What do you believe to be the major interests or constituencies in your district?

15. How do you stay in contact with your constituents (e.g., newsletters, newspaper columns,    questionnaires)?

16.  How often do you speak in the district?

17.  What kind of coverage do you get in the local press (e.g., favorable)?

18.  How do you view your role in the policy‑making process?