MIDTERM EXAM

State and Local Government, Spring 2016 / Andrews

MIDTERM EXAM

Please write 10-minute answers on five of the following subject areas:

1)         Discuss why and how people participate, or do not participate, in their democracy. Why is participation desirable? In what ways is it essential?

2)         Choose either one of our guest speakers or someone you’ve met through your community partner project – it should be someone who inspires you in some way. Discuss the subtle and obvious ways in which this person participates. What does the person inspire in you in terms of your aspirations for your own future life and work?

3)         Do you agree that political parties are in “decline, decay, and demise” (Bowman 93) in the US? Why or why not? Cite specific examples.

4)         Define the term “capacity” as it relates to state and local governments and the agencies or organizations that help fill in the gaps left by state and local governments. Apply this term to the ability of your community partner, or aborted community partner, to meet its goals.

5)         What are the roles of interest groups, lobbyists and PACs within our democracy? Are these roles generally positive or negative?

6)         Define “subsidiarity” as you understand it thus far in the semester. How might the process of “devolution” be related to subsidiarity?

7)         Reflect on the term “charity” and how it differs from “service,” “service learning,” or “community engagement.” Which of these terms best reflects the call to “honor the dignity and sacredness of each person” (Hallmarks)?

8)         Reflect on the term “community” and the way it is used in the Hallmarks. In what ways does your community partner organization attempt to develop community with and for the people it serves? What are the unique needs of the people served by your CP?