Study Tool American Urban Society Chapters 5-8 Spring 2013
Chapter 5
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 are the 2 major pieces of civil rights legislation in the United States. What specifically did the 1964 Civil Rights Act do? What exactly did the Supreme Court case Plessey vs. Ferguson (1896) establish? After the Civil War and following Reconstruction, what various means did States in the South use to disenfranchise (deprive) black voters? The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) initiated major initiatives to obtain civil rights using what means? Along with the forceful presence of Martin Luther King, which President ultimately was finally able to convince Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965?
Chapter 6
The opening to Chapter 6 describes the confusion that remains regarding the recently adopted health care reform legislation. Politicians tried to win over segments of the public by contrived presentations that resulted in confusion, demonizing and acrimony. We will see similar efforts to influence public opinion, yours included, in the 2012 Presidential election. What should we, as citizens, try to do to find out what issues or candidates we should support? The American public is very sensitive to certain major issues in public life. In the run up to the 2012 election, we have seen evidence of this with particular Republican candidates being analyzed in terms of certain aspects of their private life. Some say a candidates personal life is private. But today, more often, private lives become public. One key aspect of political socialization is, as noted in your text, remains racially segregated. What is this particular area of American life? New technology is everywhere: IPads, IPhones, Google Android, Windows 8 cell phones, Microsoft Surface, Bluetooth, etc. Other forms of older technology are fading from common use. Can you name any that are falling into disuse by folks your age? Women are different than men they say. True in politics as well. If you are running a campaign, it would be useful to know how the sexes differ. Liberals and conservatives seem to have distinctive personalities. Can you describe 4 or 5 characteristics for each?
There are various forces that shape your political socialization. Ultimately, there is one agent that stands out as having the most impact of all on your political life
Chapter 7
Citizen participation is a major force in the American political system, and it takes many forms. In the sixties (and even today), boycotts were quite common, forcing businesses and politicians to rethink their views on various social issues. A variation of this theme, discussed in your text, relates to consumer power by encouraging people to shop, dine, or otherwise patronize venues that comply with certain desired qualities regarding the quality, manufacturing processes or safety of their products. In our country, we all benefit by the fine laws, programs and improvements initiated and carried out by others. But, we simply cant be involved with all the efforts that are ongoing 24/7. Some people choose not to actively participate in something as basic as our democracy. What is this problem known as? There are many different factors related to the likelihood of political participation. What is the most significant factor on predicting political participation? There are several key paths to gain knowledge and experience in being politically active. Many politicians have followed these different paths to gain skills essential in politics. As the pending mid-term elections illustrate, voter turnout is critical. Mobilizing voters is a complex, arduous effort. As much contact as possible occurs when future voters are contacted personally and invited by the organization and activists to assist in one or more of the specific efforts leading up to actually voting for the candidate(s). This approach is referred to as ______________.
Chapter 8
Many groups are trying to influence our opinions on who to vote for and to influence public policy. Just listen to the political ads, and look at the name of the organizations in fine print. Many work behind the scenes. A large number are also highly visible. There are hundreds of these particular groups, and they have become very powerful. The Constitution protects their right to exist. How varied are interest groups? Whos on top? How has their prominence changed as political participation has gradually been lessening? Women have made inroads in politics, beginning with Sojourner Truth and Alice Paul leading the way in the 1800s. Can you think of major positions of governmental power that are occupied by women? Many interest groups offer incentives to get us to join and participate. Youve probably responded to some solicitations based on incentives offered. What kind of incentives are popular?
Certain ethnic groups have been studied more extensively than others. Can you list the degree of attention paid by experts in descending order? Basic American voter turnout trends are important to know in studying American political forces at play. What are the salient, or dominant, voter turnout trends we can observe that are occurring?
Note: Articles posted on class website and class discussion notes should be reviewed for Extra Credit questions which are mined by from this material.
