POSC MIDTERM VIDEO REVIEW:

Key Topics to Focus On:

• ASH Experiment:

  • This topic is significant; relates to opinions and social pressure experiments based on Mill's theories.

  • Read the document found under the schedule on the homepage.

  • Expect: 6 questions on ASH regarding experiment findings.

• Patterson Chapter 3:

  • Thorough reading is essential; covers federalism, not previously addressed in lectures or quizzes.

  • Expect questions about state vs. federal powers, and related themes.

Lecture Content Coverage

• First Half of Exam: Approximately 35-40 questions directly linked to lecture content.

• Lecture Outlines: Access outlines on Canvas (outlines 1, 2 detailed, and 3).

• Non-Covered Topics: Lecture section on ideology will not be included in exam questions.

Thematic Breakdown of Exam Questions

1. Locke and Hobbes - 5 questions:

   • Basic beliefs and differences between Locke and Hobbes, including their influence on governance.

2. Natural Rights & State of Nature - 4 questions:

   • Understand concepts like natural rights and the state of nature, including ties to divine rights of kings.

3. Types of Government - 7 questions:

   • Cover authoritarianism, totalitarianism, democracy, and the concept of tyranny.

4. Direct Democracy - 6 questions:

   • Focus on California's mechanisms of direct democracy.

5. Unique Features of US Government - 3 questions:

   • Individualism, political equality, as addressed in lecture and in notes.

6. Articles of Confederation - 3 questions:

   • Strengths and weaknesses of this early governing document.

7. Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists - 5 questions:

   • Key principles and modern applications of federalism today.

8. Constitutional Convention - 5 questions:

   • Key plans from the convention and compromises that shaped the current government.

9. Constitutional Worksheet - 8 questions:

   • Study material presented in the worksheet thoroughly.

Patterson Textbook Insights

Chapter Overviews:

• Chapter 1: 6 questions.

  • Focus on values, types of equality, and economic systems.

• Chapter 2: 8 questions.

  • Read about the constitution and limitations of government power (predominantly found in the Bill of Rights).

• Chapter 3: 7 questions.

  • Federalism, state vs. federal power dynamics, funding systems (categorical vs. block grants).

Mill's Concepts

• Expect 6 questions on Mill's theories:

  • Important to differentiate between free speech and Mill's stance on opinion validity and coercion by the government.

  • Mill’s views on truth and the necessity of free expression for societal understanding.

ASH Experiment Summary

• Final Significance: 6 questions will focus on the experiment described in ASH, relevant to Mill's ideas. Focus on findings and implications, not group outcome proofs.

These study notes outline the key areas of focus for the upcoming midterm exam, emphasizing the importance of understanding lecture materials, specific readings, and critical theoretical perspectives.