Oral Midterm Exam Guide

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Questions and Answers

During the oral midterm exam, what materials are students explicitly NOT allowed to use?

Printed notes prepared in advance
Online search engines like Google
Their mobile phone
All of the above (correct)

The midterm exam score is solely determined by the correctness of definitions provided by the student.

False (B)

Which score range indicates that a student is competent with most of the material, but their answers lack clarity and detail?

75-79 (correct)
80-85
60-65
90-95

Explain why providing a real-world example is important when defining a concept during the oral midterm exam versus simply providing a definition.

Providing a real-world example demonstrates an understanding of the concept's practical applications and significance, showcasing a deeper comprehension beyond rote memorization. Signup and view all the answers

A student who consistently provides clear, logical answers, relevant examples, and demonstrates fluency with most of the material, but benefits from occasional prompting, would likely receive an 'Acceptable' grade.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

To achieve a score of 100 on the midterm, a student must demonstrate complete ______ of the material.

mastery Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary indicator of a 'Basic' (70-74) level understanding, besides understanding the material?

The need for prompting to fully develop answers. Signup and view all the answers

Match each element with its description in preparation for the oral midterm exam:

Definition = A clear and concise explanation of a term or concept. Concrete Example = A specific instance illustrating the term or concept in action. Real-World Significance = The importance or impact of the term or concept in practical situations. Assigned Materials = Content from readings, lectures, or other resources provided in the course. Signup and view all the answers

What detail will you need to access the Zoom meeting room?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

A student achieving a score in the '____ Passing' range demonstrates minimal ability to answer questions even with significant prompting.

Barely Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is LEAST associated with a student performing at the 'Exceptional' (95-100) level?

Reliance on direct quotes from assigned materials (A) Signup and view all the answers

You can prepare for the midterm oral exam by searching for generic definitions and examples online or using AI tools, and relying solely on this information during the exam.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Match the score ranges with their corresponding descriptions:

95-100 = Exceptional understanding and articulation 80-85 = Proficient with most material 65-69 = Mediocre ability; needs prompting 50-59 = Failing; inability to answer most questions competently Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to give an answer that is 'grounded in the assigned materials' during the oral midterm exam, and why is it important?

Giving an answer 'grounded in the assigned materials' means referencing and integrating concepts, examples, and insights directly from the course readings, lectures, or other assigned resources instead of relying on generic definitions and examples. It is important because it demonstrates that the student has engaged with and understood the specific content presented in the course. Signup and view all the answers

A student's performance is described as demonstrating 'mostly fluent' understanding, with answers that are 'mostly clear and logical.' Which of the following score ranges does this description BEST align with?

85-89 (B) Signup and view all the answers

A failing grade suggests the student can answer most questions competently with significant prompting.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a key difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate?

The Senate confirms presidential appointments, while the House does not. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Citizens of larger states like California are overrepresented in the Senate due to equal representation.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Briefly explain how the Electoral College can be considered undemocratic.

It is often called undemocratic because the popular vote winner may not win the presidency. Signup and view all the answers

A prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly is known as a ________.

filibuster Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

Gerrymandering = Drawing electoral district boundaries to favor one party. Fake news = False or misleading information presented as news. Electoral College = A body of people representing the states of the US, who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president. Filibuster = A tactic used in the United States Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant barrier to a bill becoming a law at the national level?

Lack of presidential support. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive bias leads individuals to overestimate their own knowledge and abilities, particularly in areas where they are unskilled?

Dunning-Kruger Effect (D) Signup and view all the answers

Conspiracy theories are generally harmless and do not pose a threat to society.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Explain one way in which citizens of small states are overrepresented in the federal government.

Each state gets two senators regardless of its population, so states with smaller populations have a disproportionately large voice in the Senate. Signup and view all the answers

Direct democracy and representative democracy are essentially the same, differing only in scale.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe the core difference between liberalism and libertarianism concerning economic intervention.

Liberals generally support government intervention to address economic inequality, while libertarians advocate for minimal government intervention in the economy. Signup and view all the answers

The Great Compromise at the Constitutional Convention resolved the debate over state representation in Congress by creating a bicameral legislature with the based on population and the with equal representation for each state.

House, Senate Signup and view all the answers

Match each political ideology with its core principle regarding individual liberty:

Conservatism = Emphasizes tradition and social order, with liberty balanced by responsibility. Liberalism = Values individual rights and freedoms, advocating for government intervention to protect them. Libertarianism = Prioritizes individual liberty above all else, advocating for minimal government intervention. Authoritarianism = Subordinates individual liberty to state authority. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary logic behind having a difficult amendment process for the U.S. Constitution?

To ensure that amendments are only made after careful consideration and broad consensus. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Separation of powers and checks and balances are identical concepts that both aim to prevent any single branch of government from becoming too powerful.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Name two ways in which the original U.S. Constitution was undemocratic.

<ol> <li>The Electoral College, which does not always align with the popular vote. 2) The original allowance of slavery, which denied basic rights to a large portion of the population.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the constitutional and historical reasons behind the lack of meaningful representation for tax-paying American citizens in certain territories or the nation's capital.

The lack of representation can be traced to the legacy of American empire and the Constitution's specific treatment of the nation's capital. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a historical method of voter suppression in the United States?

Ranked-choice voting (D) Signup and view all the answers

Newman argues that the U.S. voting system, characterized by "single-member districts with winner-take-all voting rules," contributes to the ______ of our democracy.

unhealthiness Signup and view all the answers

According to Pariser, search engines like Google are completely unbiased and provide neutral search results for all users.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of lies and rhetoric in the January 6th Capitol insurrection, as discussed in the film Lies, Politics and Democracy.

The film examines how former President Trump's false claims about the election results fueled the events of that day. It also covers the complicity of many in the Republican party and how the actions and inactions of party leaders helped undermine and threaten democracy in the United States. Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment is most directly related to the events that transpired in Charlottesville in 2017, considering the issues at the core of the demonstrations?

1st Amendment (B) Signup and view all the answers

The concepts of 'filter bubbles' and 'echo chambers' primarily relate to the effects of geographic representation on political opinions.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Briefly explain how the elastic clause impacts the balance of power between the federal government and state governments.

The elastic clause allows Congress to stretch its enumerated powers, potentially expanding federal authority at the expense of state power. Signup and view all the answers

The practice of redrawing electoral district boundaries to favor one political party over another is known as __________.

gerrymandering Signup and view all the answers

Match the following election-related terms with their descriptions:

Cloture = A procedure for ending debate and taking a vote. Filibuster = A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill. Reapportionment = The process of reallocating seats in the House of Representatives among the states based on population changes. Redistricting = The process of drawing electoral district boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the main difference between a direct democracy and a representative democracy?

In a direct democracy, citizens vote on policies directly, while in a representative democracy, they elect representatives to make decisions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court case Downes v. Bidwell (1901) primarily dealt with the application of the Bill of Rights to U.S. territories.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the Great Compromise (also known as the Connecticut Compromise) during the Constitutional Convention.

The Great Compromise resolved the dispute between states with large and small populations by creating a bicameral legislature: the House of Representatives (based on population) and the Senate (with equal representation for each state). Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Midterm Score: 100 (MASTERY)

Demonstrates complete understanding, clear answers, relevant examples, grounded in course materials, and articulates real-world significance without prompting.

Answering Questions

Use definitions, examples and significance.

Demonstrating Engagement

Referencing the resources and concepts discussed.

Mastery

Clear, logical answers, relevant examples, excellent detail, grounded in the assigned materials, and clearly articulates significance in the real world, no prompting required.