PLSC 200 Nelson

PLSC 200 Paper #2 Take Home Essay Questions (100 pts)

Each paper is scored on a 100-point basis. To receive credit, essays must be typed using 8 1/2 x 11
format, 1.5 spacing and one-inch margins on all sides. Use a 10 or 12-point type font that is plain and
easy to read. When you have completed your paper it should be uploaded using the link provided.

The answer to one of the questions should be least three pages in length. Please focus on direct and
fundamental arguments to answer the question. Research the questions, collaborate with others and
support your arguments with facts and quotes. You should cite at least three published individuals who
are considered experienced in their field (not just Wikipedia) or use original source material. Please
footnote/endnote your citations. No bibliography or citation page is needed. (l like the
footnotes/endnote because I can see directly the sources that are being used.

How to insert footnotes in Word:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h3U8d8mlSI

http://wordprocessing.about.com/od/macsoftware/tp/How-To-Insert-Footnotes-In-Word-for-Mac-
2011.htm

Please cite sources and DO NOT PLAGERIZE. (www.easybib.com)

You may choose one of the following questions:

Essay Question#1
Elections:
1. Define a re-alignment election.
2. Compare and contrast a re-alignment election with de-alignment or secular re-alignment.
3. Select an election that has been defined as a re-alignment and describe:
a. What issue(s) brought about the re-alignment and
b. What the voting/party population resembled after the re-alignment.
c. How did the election change the country?



Essay Question#2
Campaign Finance:
Discuss how each of the following Supreme Court cases have shaped campaign finance in the United
States:
Buckley v. Valeo (1976)
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA)
Citizens United v Federal Election Commission, (2010)
McCutcheon v. FEC (2014)

After illustrating the issues and important facts, conclude with an argument on the current power and
influence of money in electing officials in the United States today. This would include a discussion of the
role of PACs and SuperPACs.