GOVT30
- Third Discussion Paper Topics
Write a paper of no more than three
pages (double-spaced) to address and answer one of the following three
questions. The paper should be handed in to your GSI Monday, April 24,
In your papers, be sure to do the
following: (1) answer the question directly, (2) organize your paper around a
simple argument that is stated at the beginning of the paper, (3) minimize
typographical and grammatical errors, (4) draw upon some relevant readings from
the class, and (5) consider potential or actual counterarguments against your
position.
1. For
this paper, please read Richard Hall and Frank Wayman's
"Buying Time: Moneyed Interests and the Mobilization of Bias in
Congressional Committee", American Political Science Review 84:
797-820. This is available at www.jstor.org,
following the links to "American Political Science Review" or
searching under "Richard Hall."
A popular belief
in American politics is that moneyed interests are able to buy the votes of
members of Congress. Using as a guide Schattschneider’s
"The Scope and Bias of the Pressure System” and Hall and Wayman's "Buying Time: Moneyed Interests and the
Mobilization of Bias in Congressional Committee", discuss whether this
assertion is correct/incorrect or somewhere in the middle? Does the roll call
voting record of congressional members adequately capture the level of interest
group influence on members' behavior?
2. Contrast the Prerogative, Stewardship
and Literalist theories of the presidency as evidenced in the excerpts from
Lincoln, Roosevelt and Taft, respectively (S&W, pp. 312-19). Which theory would
be preferable to Alexander Hamilton as he portrays the presidency in the Federalist? Which theory is preferable in
the 21st century, in light of the opportunities and threats posed by
economic globalization and national security?
3. Does "going public" give the
president an advantage over Congress, or can Congress resist the power of
presidential rhetoric? With modern technology and the ability of presidents to
address national audiences, does the president hold a persuasive advantage over
Congress? Using Neustadt, Kernell
and an example or two from