1. UNIT II: Political Beliefs & Behaviors
Warm-Up Activities

2. Unit 2 Learning Log Check
Name:__________________________
Directions: Score each activity below using the guidelines provided. Write your score on the line provided. If you do not have an activity for a day you had an excused absence, write the letter “A” on the line provided, otherwise write a “0”. Then add up your scores.
Total Points (TP) _____ Actual Total (AT) _____ (27 pts.*)
Notes:
Total Points (TP) is the sum of your warm up scores. To determine your TP, add up the scores for all of your warm ups/written activities.
Actual Total (AT) is the sum of a perfect score for each warm-up activity. To determine your AT, add up the scores for all of warm ups you were present for (*the true actual total – perfect attendance).
TOTAL SCORE _____/10

3. FRQ: Beyond Red vs. Blue Political Typology

4. FRQ: Beyond Red vs. Blue Political Typology (Continued)
Where did you fall on the “Political Typology” continuum and did you agree with the quiz’s determination? Why or why not? Explain (i.e., which ideology classification most accurately identifies you). [2 points]
Did you believe the “Political Typology” Quiz’s questions were asked in a way to accurately gage your political ideology? If so, explain why. If not, explain your reasons. [2]
Where do you think President Obama would fall on the Political Typology spectrum and explain your answer? [2]
Has the Republican party become the party of white males? If not, who does the Republican party represent? Explain. [2 points]
Score: _____ /8

5. SRQ (Short-answer Response Question) Political Socialization
Who or what most influenced your major beliefs regarding the following issues:
The size and role of the government d. The Supreme Court
The Constitution e. Civil liberties
Specific political issues (i.e., abortion, death penalty, etc.)
What would you describe as the largest impact your family has had on your political beliefs? Do you attribute any beliefs to specific family members? Explain.
Has your family impacted your party preference or are you one of the growing number of independents?
In elementary school were you taught respect for the nation’s political symbols (i.e., the flag, the president)? How has your educational experience impacted your political beliefs?
How have teachers, the content of courses you studied, books you have read, or school/education in general impacted your political beliefs?
Where do you get more of your political information from; family, friends, or the media?
In what ways have your peers influenced your political beliefs?
As you have aged, have your peers or teachers challenged any of your views regarding politics? For example . . .
Score: _____ /8

6. SRQ: 2b Presidential Liberalism Analyzing Tables, Charts & Graphs
Economics
Social
Average
Roosevelt, F.D.
82.5
71.6
77.05
Johnson
78.2
83.5
80.85
Truman
74.6
74.3
74.45
Kennedy
65.4
66.4
65.9
Clinton
63.1
72.0
67.55
Carter
60.3
67.0
63.65
Nixon
47.7
44.9
46.3
Ford
38.8
39.3
39.05
Eisenhower
36.9
37.85
Bush, G.H.W.
33.1
32.8
32.95
Reagan
17.6
18.0
17.8
Mean ideology scores for each president in the economic and social policy domain. Values range from 0 (most conservative) to 100 (most liberal).
Summarize the data presented in the graph. [1 point]
Identify two (2) trends/generalizations that help to understand the data more clearly. [2]
Score: _____ /3

7. SRQ: Polling Methods & Questions (Handout)
Using your textbook (pp ), and the handout, “Polling Bias Types,” determine what is wrong with the following polling methods.
Calling survey participants on the phone only from Noon until 3PM.
Asking survey participants to call in their vote.
Polling only a retirement home to gauge the nation’s views on health care.
Asking bald men what kind of shampoo they prefer.
What is wrong with each of the following polling questions?
“Are you in favor of killing babies?” in an abortion survey.
“Would you say that Barack Oboma clobbered John McCain in the last election?” in a post-election poll.
“Do you like the President?” in a presidential approval rating.
“For whom did you vote in the last election?” to assess partisan affiliation.
Score: _____ /8

8. FRQ: Realignment vs. Divided
Describe the concepts of “critical election” and “realignment,” according to the theory expressed by V.O. Key, Jr.
Explain what “divided government” is, according to David Mayhew, and how it makes “realignment” less likely.
Define “attentive public” and explain how B.R. Berelson’s argument further explains the persistence of divided government (or not).