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SAGE Journal Articles

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Article 1: Arndt, C. (September 2014). Social Democracy’s Mobilization of New Constituencies: The Role of Electoral Systems. Party Politics 20(5). 778-790.

This article examines social democracy’s ability to attract new voters among the middle class across different electoral systems. Previous research has ignored the importance of electoral systems and has been unable to establish whether social democratic parties have succeeded in mobilizing constituencies. The author argues that electoral systems do in fact play a crucial role and that support for social democracy among the new constituencies is structured by the electoral rules.

Questions to Consider:

1. In the section, “Transformation of social democracy in the 1970s and 1980s,” what were the three generalizations for the future political success of democratic parties that were identified by Kitschelt?
2. In what ways did social democracy moderate its fiscal and economic policy instruments?
3. In the section, “Electoral rules and social democracy’s prospects of mobilizing new constituencies,” under what circumstances do social democracy parties face difficulties in mobilizing voters?

Learning objective: Compare different economic and political systems in terms of how power is distributed between citizens and government; Describe the role politics plays in determining how power and resource are distributed in society

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Article 2: Dennis, J. and Owen, D. (October 2001). Popular Satisfaction with the Party System and Representative Democracy in the United States. International Political Science Review 22(4). 399-415.

This article examines explanations for diminished levels of popular support for the American government (i.e. institutions, leaders, etc.). The authors find a strong connection between citizens ‘ partisanship and feelings about political parties and their support for the political regime and overall democratic processes.

Questions to Consider:

1. What do the authors identify as the solution to representative democracies upgrade to the 21st century?
2. In the section, “Importance of Representational Experience,” what do the authors mean by “external political efficacy”?

Learning objective: Compare different economic and political systems in terms of how power is distributed between citizens and government; Describe the role politics plays in determining how power and resource are distributed in society

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Article 3: Bowler, S. and Donovan, T. (September 2006). Direct Democracy and Political Parties in America.Party Politics 12(5). 649-669.

This article examines the origins of direct democracy, also referred to as participatory democracy, in the United States. The authors assess how direct democracy processes has affected the American political institution of parties. Though the initiative historically led to more restrictive state legal environments for parties, the authors discuss how the party organizations are now visible actors in the direct democracy campaigns.

Questions to Consider:

1. What was the initial purpose of the popular initiative?
2. What is the link between direct democracy and American political institutions?
3. In the section, “Parties in American and European Direct Democracy,” what is the comparison between the role of direct democracy in the United States and in European countries such as Switzerland?

Learning objective: Compare different economic and political systems in terms of how power is distributed between citizens and government; Describe the role politics plays in determining how power and resource are distributed in a society

***

Article 4: Burtenshaw, C. J. (December 1968). The Political Theory of Pluralist Democracy. Political Research Quarterly 21(4). 577-587.  

This article discusses the problems of pluralist theory research that are highlighted in the works of renowned political theorists Robert A. Dahl, James R Wilson, and Edward Banfield, among others. Using Dahl’s New Haven, Connecticut and Oberlin, Ohio empirical studies, the author concludes that not is it true that different persons wield the power of the state at different times, but the power is not dissolved through social structure.

Questions to Consider:

1. According to the author, what is the central problem?
2. What is the difference between the pluralist theory and the classical democratic model?
3. What does the author conclude with in terms of Dahl’s studies? Was there an issue with the pluralist theory? Do you agree with the author’s assertion that there is something wrong with the study?

Learning objective: Compare different economic and political systems in terms of how power is distributed between citizens and government; Describe the role politics plays in determining how power and resource are distributed in society; Apply the five steps of critical thinking to this book's themes of power and citizenship in American politics

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Article 5: Knight Abowitz, K. and Harnish, J. (Winter 2006). Contemporary Discourses of Citizenship. Review of Educational Research 76(4). 653-690.

This article provides a conceptual framework for the discourses that currently construct the meanings of citizenship in contemporary Western cultures, particularly the United States. The authors use discourse analysis to examine texts related to citizenship and citizenship education from 1990 to 2003 in order to identify the most influential frameworks.

Questions to Consider:

1. What does it mean to be a citizen? Have events such as 9/11, the War on Terror, and immigration changed the meaning of citizenship?
2. In the section, “Discourses of Civic Republican Citizenship: Strong Political Community,” what are the main characteristics of the civic republican discourse?
3. In the section, “Discourses of Liberal Citizenship,” what are the main characteristics of the liberalism discourse?

Learning objective: Analyze the role of immigration in American politics and what it takes to become a citizen; Describe the political debates that drive partisan divisions in the American politics

***

CQ Researcher

• Changing Demographics

Learning objective: Analyze the role of immigration in American politics and what it takes to become a citizen

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Article 1: Cain, M. J. G. and Dougherty, K. L. (April 1999). Suppressing Shays' Rebellion: Collective Action and Constitutional Design under the Articles of Confederation. Journal of Theoretical Politics 11(2). 233-260.

This article discuss the inherent flaws in the Articles of Confederation, most importantly how the American states systematically failed to pay their requisitions to the national government. In order to illustrate this the authors analyze Shay’s Rebellion and find that the articles failed to prevent free riding among states, which contributed to the conflict of the union, and prevented Congress from accomplishing its tasks.

Questions to Consider:

1. What led the states to pursue policies of self-interest? What factors influenced these rational states from withholding their contributions?
2. What led to Shay’s Rebellion and why was Congress unable to suppress the opposition?
3. What influence did the Articles of Confederation have on the states need to suppress their contributions?

Learning objective: Explain what the Articles of Confederation did and what it failed to do; Identify the goals, divisions, and compromises that shaped the Constitution

***

Article 2: Zink, J. R. (December 2013). James Wilson versus the Bill of Rights: Progress, Popular Sovereignty, and the Idea of the U.S. Constitution. 67(2). 253-264.

This article discusses the Bill of Rights controversial inclusion in the U.S. Constitution. In order to understand the controversies of the Bill of Rights and the complexity and diversity of the American founding era, the author research’s James Wilson, a statesman of the era and chief opponent of the Bill of Rights.

Questions to Consider:

1. What were James Wilson’s contributions to American politics?
2. What are James Wilson’s arguments against the Bill of Rights? Were they warranted?
3. Do you believe that the Bill of Rights has discouraged individuals from exerting their sovereign power?

Learning objective: Identify the goals, divisions, and compromises that shaped the constitution; Summarize the debate over ratification of the constitution

***

Article 3: Dougherty, K. and Moeller, J. (November 2012). Constitutional Change and American Pivotal Politics. 40(6). 1092-1120.

This article discusses the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution and how it affected gridlock. The authors find that the U.S. Constitution decreased gridlock, but also made policy more responsive to the issue of gridlock.

Questions to Consider:

1. In the section, “A Tale of Two Governments,” what are the issues of gridlock that were apparent during the Articles of Confederation?
2. What was the structure of the Articles of Confederation? How was legislation passed under the Articles?
3. What are the author’s findings in terms of preference between presidential systems and confederal systems?

Learning objective: Explain what the Articles of Confederation did and what it failed to do; Identify the goals, divisions, and compromises that shaped the Constitution

***

CQ Researcher

• Re-examining the Constitution

Learning objective: Identify the goals, divisions, and compromises that shaped the Constitution

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Article 1: Fabbrini, S. (January 1999). The American System of Separated Government: An Historical-Institutional Interpretation. International Political Science Review 20(1). 95-116.

This article discusses the American system of divided government. The author argues that the American system of government is neither a modern presidential system nor an old fashioned system of separation of powers.

Questions to Consider:

1. How does the author define the American political system?
2. What are some of the issues that the author encountered with the current definitions of the American system of government?
3. Does the author believe that the constitution reflects current state of government? How has it change in terms of the presidential and congressional power?

Learning objective: Identify the ways in which federalism divides power between national and state governments; Demonstrate how the flexibility built in the constitution has allowed it to change with the times 

***

Article 2: Boushey, G. and Luedtke, A. (December 2011). Immigrants across the U.S. Federal Laboratory: Explaining State-Level Innovation in Immigration Policy. State Politics and Policy Quarterly 11(4). 390-414.

This article discusses the current controversial debates regarding immigration policy and the role of federalism in the United States. The authors explore pressures leading to state immigration policy innovation and adoption in the United States by explaining how factors that are associated with national policy influence state-level policy. 

Questions to Consider:

1. Do you believe that the states should be allowed to enact their own immigration policies?
2. What does the comprehensive theory state and how does it apply immigration policy decentralization in federal systems?
3. What are the incentives that states have to pass immigration laws?

Learning objective: Identify the ways in which federalism divides power between national and state governments; Demonstrate how the flexibility built in to the Constitution has allowed it to change with the times

***

Article 3: Seamon, M. J. (December 2006). The Legal Status of Medical Marijuana. 40(12). 2211-2215.

This brief article discusses the legal use of marijuana in the United States. The author provide a background and literature review regarding the use of medical marijuana its classification under federal law.

Questions to Consider:

1. What are the inherent issues with federalism and marijuana legislation?
2. Does the federal government have the ability to intervene and criminalize individuals who are adhering to state policies?

Learning objective: Identify ways in which federalism divides power between national and state governments

CQ Researcher

• States and Federalism

Learning objective: Describe the relationship between citizens and their state and local governments

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Article 1: Neier, A. (August 2008). Free Speech for All. Index on Citizenship 37(3). 20-25.

This brief article discusses the issues with freedom of speech and the case of Skokie, Illinois. The author describes her position at the ACLU and the protection of hate speech. 

Questions to Consider:

1. What issues arose in Skokie, Illinois?
2. Why is hate speech protected? What are the limitations of hate speech?
3. Do you believe that the ACLU should continue to protect the rights of neo-Nazi groups?

Learning objective: Define rights and liberties and their role in a democratic society

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Article 2: Kunstler, B. (June 2013). Ten Scenarios for the Future of Civil Liberties along the Road to the Twenty-Second Century. World Future Review 5(2). 113-126.

The author of this article presents ten scenarios that trace the developments in the area of civil liberties between now and the 22nd century.

Questions to Consider:

1. How does the author define civil liberties?
2. Which of the ten scenarios do you believe is most likely to happen and why?
3. Do all these scenarios affect an individuals civil liberties today? If so, explain how.

Learning objective: Define rights and liberties and their role in a democratic society; Discuss the extent of an individuals right to privacy

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Article 3: Parham-Payne, W. (October 2014). The Role of the Media in the Disparate Response to Gun Violence in America.  Journal of Black Studies 45(8). 752-768.

This article discusses the role of the media in portraying gun violence victims of color and low-socioeconomic status. The author examines the disparities of race-related gun violence, and uses empirical analyses and other factors to examine the role of the media and their response to the disparity.

Questions to Consider:

1. How does the media perpetuate negative stereotypes for people of color?
2. In what ways can the media influence public policy?
3. What policies were enacted following the Newtown, Connecticut school shootings?
4. Are the new regulations of gun control a violation of our 2nd Amendment rights?

Learning objective: Give examples of different interpretations of the Second Amendment’s meaning; Define rights and liberties and their role in a democratic society

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Article 4: Kleck, G. (June 2009). Mass Shootings in Schools: The Worst Possible Case for Gun Control. American Behavioral Scientist 52(10). 1447-1464.

This article discusses the aftermath of the Columbine school shootings and the media and publics needs for more gun control. The author reviews details of various school shootings and finds that the measures proposed after the incidents were largely irrelevant and would not prevent the tragedies from occurring.

Questions to Consider:

1. What measures were proposed after the school shootings?
2. How are school shootings exploited for advocacy efforts?
3. How do some of the measures that were proposed violate an individuals right to bare arms.

Learning objective: Give examples of different interpretations of the Second Amendment’s meaning; Define rights and liberties and their role in a democratic society

CQ Researcher

• A Christian Nation?

Learning objective: Compare the idea of civil rights with civil obligations

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Article 1: Macedo, D. (April 2000). The Colonialism of the English Only Movement. Educational Researcher 29(3). 15-24.

This article discusses the racial and cultural issues associated with the English Only movement. The author analyses the ideology that surrounds the debate of the movement and portrays the movement as portrays the movement as colonialism.

Questions to Consider:

1. Identify the issues surrounding Proposition 187 and the English Only movement. Was proposition 187 successful?
2. How is the English Only movement discriminatory against other racial and ethnic groups?
3. What does the author argue in regards to the movement’s classification as colonialism?

Learning objective: Explain the different paths to equality taken by other racial and ethnic groups; Recognize examples of other groups that face discrimination

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Article 2: Shae Rodriguez, N. and Blumell, L. (October 2014). What a Year! The Framing of Marriage Equality Through Media's Selected Source in 2013. Journal of Communication Inquiry 38(4). 341-359.

This article discusses how the media and United States newspapers farmed the stories regarding same-sex marriage in 2013. The authors find that the media used various to highlight same-sex marriage news stories, thus providing insight into how citizens of the U.S. are exposed to salient issues such as this.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the equality versus morality debate and how does it apply to same-sex marriage?
2. How has same-sex marriage been framed in the media?

Learning objective: Recognize examples of other groups that face discrimination

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Article 3: Taylor, C. (July 2009). Hurricane Katrina and the Myth of the Post-Civil Rights Era. Journal of Urban History 35(5). 640-655.

This article discusses the views of various scholars and activists and their notions that black America is facing a new set of problems that were not addresses by the civil rights movements generation ago. The author analyzes three interrelated uses of the

post–civil rights concept and questions its utility in addressing the persistence of urban inequality and the unequal impact of Hurricane Katrina on the African American community.

Questions to Consider:

1. What are the different views on the post-civil rights era proposed by various scholars? How do these views differ from the civil rights era a generation ago?
2. How has the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina highlighted the new issues that black Americans are facing? 

Learning objective: Summarize key events and outcomes in the struggle for equality of African Americans

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Article 4: Orfiled, G. (August/September 2014). Tenth Annual Brown Lecture in Education Research: A New Civil Rights Agenda for American Education. Educational Researcher 43(6). 273-292.

This article discusses the impact of the civil rights polices of the 1960s, the political and legal movements that reversed them, and the need for a new civil rights strategy. The increasing immigration and democracy transformation is prompts the authors to outline essential components of a new civil rights policy.

Questions to Consider:

1. In the section, “What we Actually Need?,” what challenges does the author face in creating a vision appropriate to the society of our time?
2. What demographic changes have increased the need for new civil rights policy?
3. Do you believe that the author’s reforms are possible?

Learning objective: Summarize key events and outcomes in the struggle for equality of African Americans; Identify tools used by citizens to expand the promise of civil rights

CQ Researcher

• Race and Ethnicity

Learning objective: Outline the criteria used by the courts to determine if and when the law can treat people differently; Summarize key events and outcomes in the struggle for equality of African Americans; Identify tools used by citizens to expand the promise of civil rights

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Article 1. Rocca, M. S. (October 2007). The Effect of Race and Ethnicity on Bill Sponsorship and Co-sponsorship in Congress.  American Politics Research 36(1). 130-152.

This article discusses Black and Latino legislator’s use of bill sponsor and co-sponsorship in Congress. The authors hypothesize that minority legislators’ lack of influence in Congress, they sponsor and cosponsor fewer bills than do non-minorities. The authors find that Black and Latino legislators do in fact sponsor and cosponsor significantly fewer bills than White and non-Latino legislators.

Questions to Consider:

1. What are the goals of members of Congress and how do bill sponsorships and co-sponsorships affect those goals?
2. What do the authors find in regards to their two hypothesis?
3. Do you believe that minority representation in Congress will ever reach a level where they can support greater legislative effectiveness?

Learning objective: Describe the process of congressional policymaking; Describe the tensions between local representation and national lawmaking

***

Article 2. Lee, J. (March 2013). Contingent Party Pressure and Legislative Gridlock. American Politics Research 41(2). 175-202.

This article examines the contingent party pressures and their effect on gridlock. The authors suggest an alternative contingent party pressure model and find that legislative gridlock is affected by the interactions of issue salience and government types. High issue salience increases legislative gridlock under unified government and decreases under divided government.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is pivotal politics model and how does it apply to legislative gridlock?
2. What differences do the authors find in terms of gridlock under their model? Does issue salience make a difference?

Learning objective: Describe the process of congressional policymaking; Describe the tensions between local representation and national lawmaking

***

Article 3: Smith, S. S. and Park, H. M. (September 2013). Americans’ Attitudes About the Senate Filibuster.  American Politics Research 41(5). 735-760.

This article examines the public’s attitude towards the Senate’s practice of filibuster and cloture. The authors measure those attitude and find that the attitudes change in ways predicted by respondent’s partisan and policy preferences.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the balance between majority and minority rights? Is this a common Elite argument?
2. What is the conventional wisdom in regards to the public opinion about congressional procedures?
3. What are the author’s suggestions for future research on the public opinion and congressional procedures?

Learning objective: Describe the process of congressional policymaking; Describe relationship between the people and Congress

***

CQ Researcher

• Congressional Gridlock

Learning objective: Discuss the relationship between the people and Congress

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Article 1: Deering, C. J. and Maltzman, F. (December 1999). The Politics of Executive Orders: Legislative Constraints on Presidential Power. Political Research Quarterly 52(4). 767-783.

This article discusses Presidents use of executive orders as a way to circumvent the policymaking process. The authors argue that strategic presidents often use executive order to circumvent a hostile Congress, but not likely if they are to be overturned by Congress. The authors test their hypothesis by looking at the annual variation in the number of orders issued during the post World War II period.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the conventional wisdom regarding presidents and the use of executive orders?
2. What approach to the authors take when testing their hypothesis? Are there any issues with their methodology?
3. Which measures are used to test the hypothesis that president issue more executive orders as their support in Congress declines?
4. Are executive orders a viable strategy for presidents?

Learning objective: Identify strategies and tools presidents employ to overcome the constitutional limitations of that office; Describe the organization and the functions of the executive office

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Article 2: Teten, R. L. (December 2007). “We the People” The “Modern” Rhetorical Popular Address of the Presidents during the Founding Period. Political Research Quarterly 60(4). 669-682.

This article discusses the use of popular rhetoric within the presidents State of the Union Addresses in order to determine whether presidents consistently use the tool of going public and whether it is in fact a modern development. The author finds that former presidents also exhibited modern tendencies in their addresses.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the difference between the traditional and modern presidency?
2. What is the going public thesis and do all presidents use this tool to gain the publics support on various policies?

Learning objective: Identify strategies and tools presidents employ to overcome the constitutional limitations of that office; Describe the organization and the functions of the executive office

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Article 3: Whitford, A. B. and Ochs, H. L. (November 2006). The Political Roots of Executive Clemency.  American Politics Research 34(6). 825-846.

This article addresses the conventional wisdom that president’s pardons are political. The authors move beyond this assertion and assess five ways that pardons may be influenced by the policy agendas in the American system of separated powers. The authors find that probability for pardon denials reflects the president’s agenda and ideological position, congressional attention to crime rates, and homicide rates.

Questions to Consider:

1. What does the existing literature focus on?
2. How is the clemency power used to check the power of the judicial branch?

Learning objective: Identify strategies and tools presidents employ to overcome the constitutional limitations of that office; Describe the organization and the functions of the executive office

***

CQ Researcher

• Presidential Power

Learning objective: Give examples of ways in which public opinion affects the relationships between citizens and the president; Compare the modern presidency with the founders' expectations for a limited executive; Identify strategies and tools presidents employ to overcome the constitutional limitations of that office

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Article 1: Smith, A. E. and Monaghan, Karen R. (September 2011). Some Ceilings Have More Cracks: Representative Bureaucracy in Federal Regulatory Agencies. The American Review of Public Administration43(1). 50-71.

This article discusses representative bureaucracy and its importance and influence on the nature, scope, and implementation of public policies. The authors use data that examines the distribution of women in leadership in federal regulatory organizations. The authors find that women remain underrepresented in the these organizations.

Questions to Consider:

1. Do the characteristics of bureaucrats resemble the people they serve?
2. What is representative bureaucracy theory? Identify the two types of representation. When do these occur?
3. What did the authors find in terms of female leadership in federal regulatory agencies? Where is the female leadership mostly centered?

Learning objective: Outline the organization and roles of the federal bureaucracy; Explain how the characteristics and features of bureaucracy influence decision-making

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Article 2: Marion, D. E. (November 1986). The Federal Bureaucracy and Separation of Powers: A View from the Founding. Administration & Society 18(3). 291-314.

This article discusses the federal bureaucracy from the perspective of the founders, Madison and Hamilton, and the Federalist Papers. The author affirms that it is important to look at the instruction of both Hamilton and Madison and that effective government demands an administration that is trusted by the people.

Questions to Consider:

1. Do you agree with Ostrom’s critique the class model of hierarchically arranged professional organizations? Why or Why not?
2. What is the spoils system?

Learning objective: Describe the relationship between the federal agencies and the three branches of the federal government; Explain how the characteristic’s and features of bureaucracy influence decision-making

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Article 3: Clark, R. C., Ochs, H. L., and Frazier, M. (March 2013). Representative Bureaucracy: The Politics of Access to Policy-Making Positions in the Federal Executive Service. Public Personnel Management 42(1). 75-89.

This article discusses whether the bureaucracy represents the interests of the public or whether it reacts to the partisan and ideological demands of political leaders. The authors use date from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Central Personnel Data File to show that both partisanship and ideology influence the demographic composition of the senior executives.

Questions to Consider:

1. What did the author’s analysis show in terms of ideological views?
2. What methodology was used by the authors?
3. What implications do the authors findings have on women and people of color?

Learning objective: Explain how the characteristic’s and features of bureaucracy influence decision-making; Describe power struggles between political appointees and professional bureaucrats

***

CQ Researcher

• Whistleblowers

Learning objective: Analyze the tension between transparency and efficiency in the federal bureaucracy

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Article 1: Pacelle Jr., R. L., Marshal, B. W., and Curry, B. W. (September 2007). Keepers of the Covenant or Platonic Guardians? Decision Making on the U.S. Supreme Court. American Politics Research 35(5). 694. 725.

This article discusses how the Supreme Court justice’s make their decisions and how the Supreme Court as a whole makes their decisions. The authors examine the disconnect between the individual and institutional level by developing a model to help explain decision making in the judicial branch. 

Questions to Consider:

1. What factors contribute to institutional decision-making?
2. Explain the disconnection between individual and institutional decision-making.
3. Do you believe that the court is the keeper of the covenant?

Learning objective: Describe the role that law plays in democratic society; Outline the institutional rules and political influence that shape the Supreme Court and the decisions it makes

***

Article 2: Stoutenborough, J.W., Haider-Markel, D. P.,  and Allen, M. D. (September 2006). Reassessing the Impact of Supreme Court Decisions on Public Opinion: Gay Civil Rights Cases. Political Research Quarterly59(3). 419-433.

This article discusses the debate over the U.S. Supreme Court’s ability to influence public opinion through its decisions and attempt to bring clarity to the current approaches by studying an issue area that is very contentious: gay civil rights. The authors argue that the ability of Court decisions to influence public opinion is a function of a myriad of factors.

Questions to Consider:

1. What factors are important in analyzing the influence of court decisions on public opinion?
2. What do the author’s findings state in regards to the legitimation hypothesis?
3. What suggestions for future research are made the authors and how can these assist the study of supreme court influence on public opinion?

Learning objective: Describe the relationship between citizens and the courts in America; Describe the role that law plays in a democratic society; Outline the institutional rules and political influences that shape the Supreme Court and the decisions it makes

***

Article 3: Hall, M. E. K. (May 2014). Testing Judicial Power: The Influence of the U.S. Supreme Court on Federal Incarceration. American Politics Research. 1-26.

This article discusses the amount of power that is held by the U.S. Supreme Court in terms of criminal justice policies. The adopts a different approach to test power of the U.S. Supreme Court. The findings show that decision-making by the Supreme Court is positively associated with long-term shifts in new admissions to the U.S. federal prisons.

Questions to Consider:

1. What do the authors findings suggestion in terms of the Court’s power and influence in the criminal justice system?
2. How do the author’s findings differ from Hamilton’s assertion that the court “has no influence over either the sword or the purse”?
3. Do you believe the court plays a counter majoritarian role in the political system?

Learning objective: Describe the role that law plays in democratic society; Outline the institutional rules and influence that the Supreme Court and the decisions it makes

***

CQ Researcher

• Supreme Court Controversies

Learning objective: Describe the role that law plays in democratic society; Evaluate Hamilton's claim that the judiciary was the "least dangerous branch of government" in light of the power it wields; Outline the institutional rules and influence that the Supreme Court and the decisions it makes

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Article 1: Baldassare, M. (March 2005). The Role of Public Opinion on the California Governor's Recall in 2003: Populism, Partisanship, and Direct Democracy.  American Politics Research 33(2). 163-186.

This article examines the role of public opinion during the California governor Gray Davis’ recall in 2003 compared to partisanship and ideology. In using the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) statewide surveys, the authors find that public support for the recall was consistent over time and related to negative political attitudes.

Questions to Consider:

1. What was the significance of the political climate on voice choices in the recall?
2. What are the origins of direct democracy?
3. Identify the three tools of direct democracy. Which one is the most popular in your state?
4. What led to the negative political climate during the recall?

Learning objective: Explain the role of public opinion in a democracy; Identify key factors that influence our individual and collective political opinions; Describe different techniques used to gauge public opinion; Give examples of ways in which public opinion enhances or diminishes the relationship between citizens and government

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Article 2: Lewis, D.C., Wood, F. S., and Jacobsmeier, M. L. (September 2014). Public Opinion and Judicial Behavior in Direct Democracy Systems: Gay Rights in the American States.  State Politics and Police Quarterly.1-22.

This article examines whether direct democracy institutions have a similar effect of enhancing the impact of public opinion on judicial behavior and

reducing the likelihood of judges voting in favor of minority rights. The author’s study provides evidence that the institution of direct democracy does in fact increase the effect of public opinion on judicial decisions.

Questions to Consider:

1. How can the direct democracy institutions influence elected officials?
2. What is the primary criticism of direct democracy? Do you believe that it restricts minority rights?

Learning objective: Explain the role of public opinion in a democracy; Identify key factors that influence our individual and collective political opinions

***

Article 3: Rothschild, D. and Malhortra, N. (July-September 2014). Are public opinion polls self-fulfilling prophecies? Research and Politics 1(2). 1-10.

This article discusses the limited research on the bandwagon effects of the polls. In order to address the gap, the authors conduct an experiment using a diverse sample of people. The authors find that opinions expressed through polls affect individual-level attitudes.

Questions to Consider:

1. Discuss the three different policies that were used in the poll.
2. Do you believe that polls can be self-fulfilling prophecies?
3. What are bandwagon effects and how do they affect polls?

Learning objective: Explain the role of public opinion in a democracy; Describe different techniques used to gauge public opinion; Identify key factors that influence our individual and collective political opinions 

CQ Researcher

• Public Opinion Polling

Learning objective: Give examples of ways in which public opinion enhances or diminishes the relationship between citizens and government

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Article 1: Nownes, A. J. (May 2012). An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Celebrity Support for Political Parties in the United States. American Politics Research 40(3). 476-500.

In this article, the author discusses the effects of celebrity support for political parties in the U.S. Using results from a pretest-posttest control group experiment, the author finds that celebrity political activity is more likely to influence citizens views of political parties than it is to affect either citizens’ vote choices or views of individual candidates.

Questions to Consider:

1. Do you believe celebrities matter? Are celebrity endorsements significant for candidates?
2. Identify the author’s hypotheses. What methodology is used to test these hypotheses?
3. How does meaning transfer theory affect party identification?

Learning objective: Explain how parties connect citizens and government; Describe the role parties play in making government policy

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Article 2: Victor, J. N. (November 2007). Strategic Lobbying: Demonstrating How Legislative Context Affects Interest Groups’ Lobbying Tactics. American Politics Research 35(6). 826-845.

This article discusses the lobbying tactics utilized by interest groups. The author attempts to explain variations in interest group behavior at the policy level and finds that measures of legislative context are important components of models of direct and indirect lobbying.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the author’s primary hypothesis?
2. Identify the four categories of legislative context. How do they relate to interest group strategy selection?
3. Which factors contribute to the interest groups decision about how to lobby?

Learning objective: Describe how interest groups use lobbying and campaign activities to get the public policy they way; Identify specific resources that interest groups bring to bear when attempting to influence public policy

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Article 3: Ozymy, J. (January 2013). Keepin' on the Sunny Side: Scandals, Organized Interests, and the Passage of Legislative Lobbying Laws in the American States. American Politics Research 41(1). 3-23.

This article examines how state house can overcome entrenched interests to pass more restrictive legislative lobbying laws. The author presents a model that explains that under normal political conditions, legislatures face strong pressures from organized interests  to resist tougher regulation. The findings show that the prospects for reform are tempered by the power of organized interests.

Questions to Consider:

1. How do states regulate interests and lobbying?
2. Identify the different typologies of political culture as stated by Elazar. Do interests groups use political culture to their advantage?
3. How does the professionalism of the legislature allow for greater control over the policy process? How do the judiciary and executive branches differ?

Learning objective: Describe how interest groups use lobbying and campaign activities to get the public policy they way; Identify specific resources that interest groups bring to bear when attempting to influence public policy

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Article 4: Jacobson, R. D. (November 2011). The Politics of Belonging: Interest Group Identity and Agenda Setting on Immigration.  39(6). 993-1018.

This article discusses how interest groups decide policy positions through case studies of organizations shifting stances on the issue of immigration. The three case studies are: AFL-CIO, the Sierra Club, and the Christian Coalition. The author finds that In all three cases, from across the political spectrum, the groups changed their policy stances and struggled with the notions of race and organizational identity.

Questions to Consider:

1. What tools are used by leader to craft new narratives about what the group stands for?
2. What is the two-way relationship between groups and constituents?

Learning objective: Identify four types of interest groups and the kinds of interests that they represent; summarize the relationship among citizens, interest groups, and government; Identify specific resources that interest groups bring to bear when attempting to influence public policy

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CQ Researcher

• Regulating Lobbying

Learning objective: Identify four types of interest groups and the kinds of interests that they represent; summarize the relationship among citizens, interest groups, and government

Click on the following links – please note these will open in a new window

SAGE Journal Articles

SJ-userguide.pdf

Article 1: Abbe, O. G., Goodliffe, J., Herrnson, P. S., and Patterson, K. D. (December 2003). Agenda Setting in Congressional Elections: The Impact of Issues and Campaigns on Voting Behavior. Political Research Quarterly56(4). 419-430.

This article extends recent research on issue voting and campaign agenda setting to voting decisions in congressional elections. Using a unique data set from 1998, the authors study  the impact of campaign-specific variables on citizens voting decisions, while controlling for relevant attitudinal and demographic factors. The findings show that when a candidate and voter agree on what is the most important issue in the election, the voter is more likely to vote for that candidate if that candidate’s party “owns” the issue.

Questions to Consider:

1. What conditions are necessary for issue voting?
2. What theories link voting behaviors and issues?
3. What is the importance of an agenda in a campaign?

Learning objective: Identify four factors that influence voters decisions; Analyze the reasons why Americans vote or don’t vote

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Article 2: Schill, D., and Krik, R. (October 2013). Courting the Swing Voter: ''Real Time'' Insights Into the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Presidential Debates. American Behavioral Scientist 58(4), 536-555.

This article reports the findings of an analysis of undecided swing state voters during the presidential debates of the 2008 and 2012 elections. The authors found that presidential debates are in fact capable of influencing undecided voters impressions of the candidates.

Questions to Consider:

1. What are the characteristics of an undecided voter?
2. What is the traditional campaign model and how do swing voters fit into that model?
3. What are the limitations to the authors’ study?

Learning objective: Analyze the reasons why Americans vote or don’t vote; Identify four factors that influence voters decisions; Describe the organizational and strategic tactics involved in presidential campaigns

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Article 3: Bor, S. E. (August 2014). Using Social Network Sites to Improve Communication Between Political Campaigns and Citizens in the 2012 Election. American Behavioral Scientist 58(9). 1195-1213.

This article discusses the use of social networks sites during the 2012 campaigns and the lack of research available in the field that examines the complex relationship between campaigns and social networks. The author’s analysis found that social networking sites were used to improve the effectiveness of the campaigns message and to generate online engagement.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is digital democracy?
2. What are the five major contextual properties of social networks as discussed by Boyd (2008)?
3. What is the future of social networking sites and campaigns? Do you foresee an increase in the use of social media?

Learning objective: Analyze the reasons why Americans vote or don't vote

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CQ Researcher

• Voting Controversies

Learning objective: Summarize the importance of elections for citizens

Click on the following links – please note these will open in a new window

SAGE Journal Articles

SJ-userguide.pdf

Article 1: Eisinger, R. M. Veenstra, L. R., and Koehn, J. P. (Winter 2007). What Media Bias? Conservative and Liberal Labeling in Major U.S. Newspapers. The Harvard International Journal of Press/Politics 12(1). 17-36.

This article discusses labeling in major U.S. newspapers. The authors test the hypothesis that major newspaper sources disproportionately label conservative politicians. The authors find that disproportionate labeling does exists but not in a way that it can constitute as bias constitutes.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is ideologically biased reporting and how can it affect elections and campaigns?
2. How does the media play a role in how citizens understand politics?
3. What were the authors’ recommendations for future research? 

Learning objective: Describe the main sources from which Americans get their news and information; Explain the roles and responsibilities of journalists; Describe the link between media and politics; Discuss the relationship between citizens and the media

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Article 2: Payne, J. G. (December 2010). The Bradley Effect: Mediated Reality of Race and Politics in the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election. American Behavioral Scientist 54(4). 417-435.

This article discusses the origins of the Bradley Effect within the 1982 gubernatorial election in California and its emergence as an explanation for Bradley’s unexpected loss. The author explores the validity of the effect in politics and how individuals, such as journalists focus on race.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the Bradley Effect and how does it apply to the 2008 election?
2. What was the author’s findings in terms of the validity of the effect?

Learning objective: Explain the roles and responsibilities of journalists; Describe the link between media and politics

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Article 3: Wasburn, P. C. and Wasburn, M. H. (October 2011). Media coverage of women in politics: The curious case of Sarah Palin. Media, Culture, & Society 33(7). 1027-1041.

This article discusses media coverage in campaigns and patterns of gendered reporting that have discouraged citizens from voting for female candidates.  The authors examine the patterns in the media reporting of Sarah Palin, former candidate for the Vice President of the U.S. Their findings show that gendered reporting consequences are not uniform; they vary according to the issues or symbolic focus of the campaign.

Questions to Consider:

1. What were the effects of media coverage on Palin’s campaign?
2. Do you believe gendered reporting severely impacts a women candidates campaign?
3. What do the authors suggest for future research? Did their study to the field of media and politics?

Learning objective: Describe the link between media and politics; Discuss the relationship between citizens and the media

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CQ Researcher

• Digital Journalism

Learning objective: Discuss the relationship between citizens and the media

Click on the following links – please note these will open in a new window

SAGE Journal Articles

SJ-userguide.pdf

Article 1: Meyer, M. H., Wolf, D. A., and Himes, C. L. (March 2006). Declining Eligibility for Social Security Spouse and Widow Benefits in the United States? Research on Aging 28(2). 240-260.

This article discusses the declining eligibility for social security and widow benefits in the U.S. by tracing trends in marriage for women in five cohorts and predicting marital patters for the last three cohorts. The authors find that eligibility of the women is disproportionate. Women of African American descent are more likely to be ineligible for the benefits.

Questions to Consider:

1. How does social security work and how does it improve the American citizens lives at the age of retirement?
2. What policy changes need to be made so that benefits are distributed equally among women?
3. Are the benefits and policies responsive to women who get a divorce?

Learning objective: Identify four government policy programs that attempt to improve citizen’s lives

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Article 2: Matsubayashi, T. and Rocha. R. R. (September 2012). Racial Diversity and Public Policy in the States.Political Research Quarterly 65(3). 600-614.

This article discusses how racial diversity affects public policy outcomes in the united states by examining the policy backlash hypothesis.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the electoral constraint hypothesis and how does it apply to blacks?
2. What are the authors arguing in their study? Do their findings support their argument?
3. What are the limitations of the backlash hypothesis?

Learning objective: Identify four government policy programs that attempt to improve citizen’s lives; Explain what policy is, who makes it, and how its made

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Article 3: Cummins, J. (October 2012). The Effects of Legislative Term Limits on State Fiscal Conditions.American Politics Research 41(3). 417-442.

This article discusses the effects of term limits on the states fiscal health. The author examines whether states with term limits encounter more fiscal problems than non-term-limited states. In using budget fata from 1983 to 2009 the author’s findings show that legislative turnover decreases budget balances.

Questions to Consider:

1. Do you believe that term limits are useful, or are they an impediment of states that have implement them into the structure of their state legislature?
2. How do term limits affect fiscal policy in states?
3. Are term-limited legislators less knowledge than their career counterparts?

Learning objective: Explain the difference between fiscal policy and monetary policy; Recognize the fundamental language and laws of economics

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Article 4: Machain, C. M. and Morgan, T. C. (April 2012). The Effect of US Troop Deployment on Host States' Foreign Policy. Armed Forces & Society 39(1). 102-123.

This article discusses the deployment of troops abroad and their effect on the host state. The authors argue that as the number of US troops deployed to a host state increases, we should expect the host state to reduce its own troop levels, be more likely to initiate militarized interstate disputes, and be less likely to be the target of interstate disputes.

Questions to Consider:

1. What are the intended and unintended consequences of troop deployment abroad?
2. Explain Palmer and Morgan’s two-good theory of foreign policy. How does it apply to troop deployment?
3. What were the authors’ findings in terms of the effects of troop deployment on the host state?

Learning objective: Explain how global and domestic pressures shape American foreign policy; Describe the strategies and instruments used to address foreign policy issues

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CQ Researcher

• U.S. on the World Stage

Learning objective: Describe the tension between national security and democracy and what it means for citizens