PLS 101 American Politics

Prof. Zachman

Study Guide for Exam #2

Use this study guide in conjunction with the study guide for Quiz #2. The 2nd exam covers only
information studied since Exam #1.
Regarding the Chapter on Political Parties:
1) Electoral Systems - Understand the workings of our SMSP system, the alternative vote
system (as used in Australia), and the Proportional Representation system known as the
DHondt divisor formula electoral system (see handout). Be able to identify how an
SMSP system, like that used in the United States, has a tendency to produce a two-party
system. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the alternative vote system that is
used in Australia.
2) Be able to identify several reasons why parties are useful in American politics and why
we have only 2 major parties.
3) Know what divided government is and how it might promote gridlock and why gridlock
is generally undesirable although it may indeed have some benefits.
4) Be able to demonstrate a knowledge of typical stances held by Democratic and
Republican candidates and their parties.

Regarding the Chapter on Voting, Campaigns and Elections

5) Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the election of the president by citizens

through the electoral college. Know what determines the number of electoral college
votes possessed by each state. How many electoral votes does Michigan have?
6) Be able to demonstrate knowledge of the difference between presidential and
parliamentary systems.
7) Know the history of the suffrage in the U.S. E.g., What amendment gave individuals the
right to vote regardless of race, color or previous condition of servitude? In what year
were women guaranteed the right to vote nationwide? What prevented blacks from
voting in the South between 1900 and 1965? What group is still excluded from the
suffrage in most states?
8) Be able to demonstrate and understanding of trends of voter turnout and what contributes
to low turnout.
9) Be able to describe campaign finance rules. How much money can individuals and
interest groups give to candidates? What is hard money? What is soft money? What are
SuperPACS? What are 501s?
10) Know the history and process of presidential elections including the primaries and the
general election (e.g., have primaries always been the main determining factoring in
selecting a partys candidates?).

Regarding the Chapter on Congress:

11) The Constitutional design of congress.
12) Demographics of members of congress.
13) Reapportionment and redistricting.

14) Be able to define Gerrymandering.

15) Know what factors contribute to the election of individuals to Congress (e.g., party ID is
single most important factor; incumbency advantage is also key, coattails effect).
16) Be able to describe the demographics of members of Congress. (Are women
proportionately represented? Blacks? Hispanics? Etc)
17) Be able to describe why minorities may have trouble winning seats in Congress (bloc
voting) and how minority-majority districts aim to rectify this.
18) Be able to demonstrate an understanding of how parties function in congress.
19) Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the leadership in the House and Senate, and
how committees work.
20) Be able to demonstrate an understanding of how a bill becomes a law.

FOR ALL CHAPTERS, BE THOROUGHLY FAMILIAR WITH ALL KEY TERMS!