Science Political 408
The American Presidency
Study Guide for midterm exam
II, 10-11
General Notes: The exam will be administered in class on Thursday, February 24, during
class. The format will be identification and essay, with some degree of choice (something like 4
IDs out of 8, and 1 essay out of 3, though this is subject to change). McBurney students will
take the exam in a separate room, with applicable accommodations (were still trying to find a
convenient location).
We will hold a Review Session on Tuesday, February 22, in 5106 Social Science, at 7PM.
Subject Material and Readings : The exam will cover the material up to and including lecture
on Tuesday, February 22. The emphasis is on the following readings:
Edwards and Wayne, chapters 1-3
Milkis and Nelson, chapters 1-7 (focus on the high points, and the importance of
executive power to early presidents. I wont ask any questions about trivial
things. Monroe Doctrine , Louisiana Purchase, and Spring 1861, fair game.
Grants Caribbean policy, not so much)
Heileman and Halperin, Game Change, chapters 1-14
Understanding the Presidency, chapters 1-14
Delegate Selection Rules from 2008 (on web site)
Bryce, Why Great Men are Not Chosen President.
The IDs will focus mainly on the readings, as a basic check. The essays will be broader, and
will require you to integrate the readings and lectures into a coherent argument. For Game
Change, be able to discuss the differences between an actual campaign and how political
scientists break down the process.
Subject Headings:
Constitutional provisions regarding presidential power generally; conception of
the Framers, evolution of the office. Historical record of early presidents;
relationship between powers and expectations; unilateral powers
Presidents in the political system: separation of powers, formal powers, etc.
Nomination process: evolution, functions, reform, 2008 primary contests
The Electoral college: functions, problems, impact reform; of the electoral college
on the election process; role of the electoral college in recent elections
Strategies: There are some main themes in the course the nature of executive power,
accountability, the consequences of structure, tensions in the electoral process that you can
use to organize the readings and other material. As a rule, I look for evidence that you have
thought about the material; putting together an argument counts more than simply regurgitating
facts from lectures and readings (typically that strategy will net no better than a B). As you
study, incorporate writing into your work: write out longhand descriptions, definitions,
summaries, analyses.
Administration: the only thing you need is a pen. Leave everything else at home, or be
prepared to place it in a closed backpack or purse. No cell phones, iPods, Blackberries,
headphones, or other electronic devices (you know the drill). Be there on time. Late arrivals
will get no extra time, and we will not administer the exam to anyone who arrives after
3:15PM. Often, there is one person who just whiffs and misses the exam. Please dont be that
person.
A (necessary, unfortunately) reminder: I take a very, very dim view of academic misconduct,
which in the context of in-class exams includes: collaboration with others, discussing answers
or questions, copying from other exams, referring to crib sheets, notes, papers, books, electronic
devices, or other materials, during the exam (this is not an exclusive list). Violations will result
in a failing grade for the class, with referral to the Dean of Students for possible further action.
If you have any questions about the subject (and the rights that you have), see the Dean of
Students web site: http://www.wisc.edu/students/saja/misconduct/misconduct.html . I care very
much about academic integrity, and have zero tolerance for misconduct. Heres hoping that this
is the only time the subject comes up.