University of California Irvine American Government Questions Paper

1. Evaluate the three types of traditional (i.e., nondigital) news sources in the United States. Whatare some of the distinct characteristics of each medium? How do the sources differ from eachother in terms of the ways in which they disseminate news as well as the audiences theyreach? (There are three components to this question).

2. With the rapid proliferation of online sources in the twenty-first century, the Internet hasrevolutionized the way Americans get their news. Discuss the requirements of digitalcitizenship and how these requirements produce the so-called digital divide. In addition, weighthe advantages and disadvantages of the Internet as a tool for Americans to learn aboutpolitics. (There are four components to this question).

3. Although the First Amendment protects freedom of the press, the federal government haspassed many laws regarding media communications. Discuss the differences in how the federalgovernment regulates different kinds of media. In your answer, be sure to discuss the 1996Telecommunications Act, the Communications Decency Act, and at least three regulations thatgrew out of the FCC’s licensing power (There are four components to this question)

4. Explore the role of political parties in American politics. In what ways do political partiesdiffer from interest groups? How do parties contribute to democratic government? (Thereare two components to this question).

5. The proportion of Independents, Democrats, and Republicans in the American public haschanged significantly over the last five decades. Describe these changes and discuss howparty identification varies across social groups. Is there evidence that a party dealignment isoccurring in the United States? Explain. (There are three components to this question

6. Analyze the role of third parties in the American political system. Your essay should considerthe following: (A) the reasons that third parties arise; (B) the reasons why a three-partysystem has not emerged in the United States; and (C) some of the more notable third-partypresidential candidates in American history. (There are three components to this question.)

dont need to write too much