American Government
Field Exam Day One
May 1998

Part I -- Required
A forthcoming book on American exceptionalism opens by citing two cases of the contrasting public policies of the United States and European nations (family leave policy and gasoline taxes). The author states that "Government in the United States is much more limited and much smaller than government in virtually every other advanced industrialized country on earth." He then promises to construct an explanation of why this is so. If you were to undertake this author's task, what theories would you draw on, and what forces in American political development, institutions, public opinion, and political behavior would you give weight to?

Part II--answer two
1. What incentives do members of Congress have to take a broad view of the public interest? What incentives do they have to serve the interests of narrow groups? Which set of incentives is more powerful?

2. Select any twentieth century presidency and compare it with a pre-twentieth century presidency. Begin your essay by stating why you have chosen your particular pair, indicating which theory (or theories) about American political development, the presidency, or constitutionalism your comparison will "test" or shed light on.

3. Discuss precisely what is meant by "inside" and "outside" strategies for interest group action, and discuss the extent to which one strategy or another is used, the circumstances under which groups use one strategy or another, and--in so doing-describe in some detail the empirical research showing the use of these strategies.

4. Madison referred to separation of powers and federalism as "auxiliary precautions"--that is, ways to contain the power of government and keep government responsible to the populace in addition to the more fundamental way of periodic election of officeholders. Of the two auxiliary precautions, which has been more effective as an instrument to the Framers' end? Explain your choice analytically and at length.

5. Beginning with the framing generation, Americans have long disapproved of political parties. Identify the main obstacles that American practice has posed to the functioning of strong parties. Identify the principal causes of the persistence of parties and their importance to the functioning of government nonetheless.