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SAGE Journal Articles

SJ-userguide.pdf

Article 1: 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: 1.6 Relate how representative government works

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Article 2: 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: 1.1 Summarize the importance of institutional design in governance

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Article 3: 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: 1.6 Relate how representative government works

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CQ Researcher

Logic7eCh1-reexaminingconstitution.pdf

Jost, K. (September 2012). Re-examining the Constitution. CQ Researcher. 22(31). 741-764.

This article discusses the Constitutions system of checks and balance and separation of powers and how these two systems are often blamed for congressional gridlock. The author discusses the issues in detail and then provides a succinct background on the creation and evolvement of the U.S. Constitution. The author concludes by discussing American’s favorable views towards the Constitution. 

Questions to Consider:

1. What does the author mean when he portrays the Constitution as being "durbale"?

2. Do you believe a constitutional convention should be held?

3. What is congressional gridlock and how does it impact policymaking?

4. What si the Second Constitution and what impact did it have on individuals and the state?

Learning objective: 1.2 Discuss the ways in which governments are composed of institutions and the qualities of those institutions