GOVT1000 Introduction to Political Analysis and Institutions S2_2020/21

Assignment

(Answer BOTH Questions)

Your response should be a short essay between 800 – 1350 words. This essay should be referenced properly using the APA style and should include in-text citations and a bibliography [not included in word count] (Each response is worth 25 marks)

1.   Evaluate the following quote: “Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.” Franklyn D. Roosevelt

a)  What is the relationship between voting and democracy? [4 marks]

b)  In what ways other than voting can people participate in the political process?

Identify and explain two strengths and two weaknesses of each kind of activity? [6 marks]

c)  Are scholars right to be concerned that several countries in the world are facing a ‘participation crisis? Explain your point of view. [6 marks]

d)  In your conclusion, evaluate the extent to which compulsory voting and lowering the voting age may be the best ways to improve participation in democracies. [5 marks]

e)  Grammar, Spelling, formatting [4 marks]

2.   Using a Caribbean country of your choosing, evaluate the importance of interest groups for representative democracies.

a)  Why do interest groups exist? What are their functions? [4 marks]

b)  In what ways do interest groups increase representation and in what ways do they decrease representation? [6 marks]

c)  In your conclusion, analyse how you believe trade unions may complement or undermine political parties and the institutional channels for political decision-making?  Are they too powerful? [12 marks]

d)  Grammar, Spelling, formatting [3 marks]

5 July 2021                                                                                                                                                2