We will have a quiz on The Study of Politics.
Make sure to bring your "Logical Fallacies" handout, you will need it for our group discussion.
Don't forget that we do not have class on Tuesday, July 4.
Don't forget that your Introduction letter/office visit and your syllabus contract are due by Friday, July 7.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Textbook Assignment 1
These are the questions for the textbook assignment we went over in class. These questions may appear on your exam. We will go over the answers to these questions on Monday.
Chapters 1,2
1. Why do some people dislike the concept of political power?
2. What is the political concept of legitimacy?
3. What are two reasons why politics isn't quantifiable?
4. What are the traditional hallmarks of scholarship?
5. What is the difference between a primary source and a secondary source?
6. What is the difference between something that is descriptive and something that is normative?
7. What is a social contract?
8. What was the most important factor in society according to Karl Marx?
9. What is the theory of positivism?
10. What is rational-choice theory?
Chapters 1,2
1. Why do some people dislike the concept of political power?
2. What is the political concept of legitimacy?
3. What are two reasons why politics isn't quantifiable?
4. What are the traditional hallmarks of scholarship?
5. What is the difference between a primary source and a secondary source?
6. What is the difference between something that is descriptive and something that is normative?
7. What is a social contract?
8. What was the most important factor in society according to Karl Marx?
9. What is the theory of positivism?
10. What is rational-choice theory?
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Friday Class
Don't forget to bring your textbook to class Friday, you will need it.
Assignment 3 is due on Friday as well. So is the e-mail to sign up for blogger.
Assignment 3 is due on Friday as well. So is the e-mail to sign up for blogger.
Thursday Links
Lesbian and Gay Parenting
See also: Ellen C. Perrin, MD, "Technical Report: Coparent and Second-Parent Adoption by Same-Sex Parents," Pediatrics, Vol. 109 No. 2, (2002).
Source
ABC News/Washington Post Poll. June 22-25, 2006. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE +/-3 (for all adults). Fieldwork by TNS. RV = registered voters.
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bush is handling the situation in Iraq?"
Approve 37%
Disapprove 62%
"Which political party -- the Democrats or the Republicans -- do you trust to do a better job handling the situation in Iraq?" Options rotated. Half sample.
Democrats 47%
Republicans 41%
Both 1%
Neither 9%
Unsure 2%
"All in all, considering the costs to the United States versus the benefits to the United States, do you think the war with Iraq was worth fighting, or not?"
Worth Fighting 40%
Not Worth Fighting 58%
Unsure 2%
"Do you think the war with Iraq has or has not contributed to the long-term security of the United States?"
Has 51%
Has Not 48%
Unsure 1%
"Do you think the Bush Administration does or does not have a clear plan for handling the situation in Iraq?" Half sample
Does 35%
Does Not 64%
Unsure 2%
"Do you think the Democrats in Congress do or do not have a clear plan for handling the situation in Iraq?" Half sample
Do 24%
Do Not 71%
Unsure 5%
"Some people say the Bush Administration should set a deadline for withdrawing U.S. military forces from Iraq in order to avoid further casualties. Others say knowing when the U.S. would pull out would only encourage the anti-government insurgents. Do you yourself think the United States should or should not set a deadline for withdrawing U.S. forces from Iraq?"
Should 47%
Should Not 51%
Unsure 1%
"Do you think the United States is or is not making significant progress toward restoring civil order in Iraq?" Half sample
Is 48%
Is Not 49%
Unsure 2%
"Do you think the war with Iraq has or has not [see below]?" Half sample "Contributed to long-term peace and stability in the Mideast"
Has 39%
Has Not 58%
Unsure 2%
"Do you think the war with Iraq has or has not [see below]?" Half sample "Damaged the United States' image in the rest of the world"
Has 74%
Has Not 25%
Unsure 1%
"Do you think the war with Iraq has or has not [see below]?" Half sample "Encouraged democracy in other Arab nations"
Has 49%
Has Not 47%
Unsure 4%
"Do you think the war with Iraq has or has not [see below]?" Half sample "Helped to improve the lives of the Iraqi people"
Has 68%
Has Not 29%
Unsure 3%
"Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the way U.S. military forces in Iraq are doing their jobs?"
Approve 86%
Disapprove 12%
Unsure 2%
"Do you think the United States is doing all it reasonably can do to try to avoid civilian casualties in Iraq, or do you think it should do more?"
Doing All It Can 58%
Should Do More 39%
Unsure 3%
"Some U.S. forces in Iraq have been accused of intentionally killing Iraqi civilians. Do you think this represents a few isolated cases, or do you think it's more widespread than that?"
Few Isolated Cases 78%
More Widespread 20%
Unsure 2%
"Do you think of the war with Iraq as part of the war against terrorism, or as separate from the war against terrorism?" Options rotated
Part of 56%
Separate From 43%
Unsure 1%
Associated Press/Ipsos poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. May 15-17, 2006. N=1,001 adults nationwide. MoE +/-3.1.
"Overall, would you say immigrants are having a good or bad influence on the way things are going in the United States?"
Good Influence 52%
Bad Influence 46%
Unsure 2%
"Generally, do you think immigrants are more likely to be involved in criminal activity than people born here, less likely, or isn't there much difference?"
More Likely 19%
Less Likely 12%
Not Much Difference 68%
Unsure 1%
"Generally, do you think immigrants work harder than people born here, not as hard, or isn't there much difference?"
Harder 51%
Not as Hard 5%
Not Much Difference 43%
Unsure 1%
FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. May 16-18, 2006. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE +/- 3.
"How serious a problem do you believe the illegal immigration situation is in the United States today? Do you see it as a very serious problem, somewhat serious, not very serious or not at all a serious problem?"
Very Serious 57%
Somewhat Serious 29%
Not Very Serious 10%
Not at All Serious 3%
Unsure 1%
CBS News Poll. May 16-17, 2006. N=636 adults nationwide. MoE +/- 4 (for all adults).
"Would you favor or oppose allowing illegal immigrants who have done the following to stay and work in the United States: paid a fine, been in the U.S. for at least five years, paid any back taxes they owe, can speak English, and have no criminal record?"
Favor 77%
Oppose 19%
Unsure 4%
ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Adults nationwide. Fieldwork by TNS.
"Do you think the United States is or is not doing enough to keep illegal immigrants from coming into this country?" Conducted 5/12-14/06; N=508; MoE +/-4.5
Enough 20%
Not Enough 77%
Unsure 4%
CBS News/New York Times Poll. May 4-8, 2006. N=1,241 adults nationwide. MoE +/-3 (for all adults).
"Do you think the United States is or is not doing enough to keep illegal immigrants from coming into this country?" Conducted 5/12-14/06; N=508; MoE +/-4.5
Favor 29%
Oppose 66%
Unsure 5%
FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. June 13-14, 2006. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE +/- 3.
"Do you believe gays and lesbians should be allowed to get legally married, allowed a legal partnership similar to but not called marriage, or should there be no legal recognition given to gay and lesbian relationships?"
Legally Married 27%
Legal Partnership 25%
No Legal Recognition 39%
Unsure 8%
ABC News Poll. May 31-June 4, 2006. N=1,001 adults nationwide. MoE +/-3. Fieldwork by TNS Intersearch.
"Do you think homosexual couples should or should not be allowed to form legally recognized civil unions, giving them the legal rights of married couples in areas such as health insurance, inheritance and pension coverage?"
Should 45%
Should Not 48%
Unsure 7%
"Do you think it should be legal or illegal for homosexual couples to get married?"
Legal 36%
Illegal 58%
Unsure 5%
"Would you support amending the U.S. Constitution to make it against the law for homosexual couples to get married anywhere in the U.S., or should each state make its own laws on homosexual marriage?" Options rotated
Amend Constitution 42%
State Laws 51%
Unsure 7%
The Harris Poll. April 4-10, 2006. N=1,016 adults nationwide. MoE +/- 3.
"In general, do you favor permitting a woman who wants one to have an abortion in all circumstances, some circumstances or no circumstances?"
All 24%
Some 53%
No 20%
Unsure 4%
"Do you favor laws that would make it more difficult for a woman to get an abortion, favor laws that would make it easier to get an abortion or should no change be made to existing abortion laws?"
More Difficult 40%
Easier 15%
No Change 40%
Unsure 6%
CBS News Poll. April 6-9, 2006. N=899 adults nationwide. MoE +/- 3.
"What is your personal feeling about abortion? (1) It should be permitted in all cases. (2) It should be permitted, but subject to greater restrictions than it is now. (3) It should be permitted only in cases such as rape, incest and to save the woman's life. OR, (4) It should only be permitted to save the woman's life."
All Cases 29%
Greater Restrictions 17%
Rape, Incest, Woman's Life 33%
Only Woman's Life 14%
Never 4%
See also: Ellen C. Perrin, MD, "Technical Report: Coparent and Second-Parent Adoption by Same-Sex Parents," Pediatrics, Vol. 109 No. 2, (2002).
Public Opinion
Source
President Bush
| Poll | Dates | Approve | Disapprove | Unsure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOX/Opinion Dynamics RV | 6/27-28/06 | 41 | 50 | 9 |
| USA Today/Gallup | 6/23-25/06 | 37 | 60 | 3 |
| ABC/Washington Post | 6/22-25/06 | 38 | 60 | 2 |
| Diageo/Hotline RV | 6/21-25/06 | 41 | 56 | 3 |
| Pew | 6/14-19/06 | 36 | 54 | 10 |
| CNN | 6/14-15/06 | 37 | 53 | 10 |
| NBC/Wall Street Journal | 6/9-12/06 | 37 | 58 | 5 |
| CBS | 6/10-11/06 | 33 | 60 | 7 |
| AP-Ipsos | 6/5-7/06 | 35 | 63 |
Iraq War
ABC News/Washington Post Poll. June 22-25, 2006. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE +/-3 (for all adults). Fieldwork by TNS. RV = registered voters.
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bush is handling the situation in Iraq?"
Approve 37%
Disapprove 62%
"Which political party -- the Democrats or the Republicans -- do you trust to do a better job handling the situation in Iraq?" Options rotated. Half sample.
Democrats 47%
Republicans 41%
Both 1%
Neither 9%
Unsure 2%
"All in all, considering the costs to the United States versus the benefits to the United States, do you think the war with Iraq was worth fighting, or not?"
Worth Fighting 40%
Not Worth Fighting 58%
Unsure 2%
"Do you think the war with Iraq has or has not contributed to the long-term security of the United States?"
Has 51%
Has Not 48%
Unsure 1%
"Do you think the Bush Administration does or does not have a clear plan for handling the situation in Iraq?" Half sample
Does 35%
Does Not 64%
Unsure 2%
"Do you think the Democrats in Congress do or do not have a clear plan for handling the situation in Iraq?" Half sample
Do 24%
Do Not 71%
Unsure 5%
"Some people say the Bush Administration should set a deadline for withdrawing U.S. military forces from Iraq in order to avoid further casualties. Others say knowing when the U.S. would pull out would only encourage the anti-government insurgents. Do you yourself think the United States should or should not set a deadline for withdrawing U.S. forces from Iraq?"
Should 47%
Should Not 51%
Unsure 1%
"Do you think the United States is or is not making significant progress toward restoring civil order in Iraq?" Half sample
Is 48%
Is Not 49%
Unsure 2%
"Do you think the war with Iraq has or has not [see below]?" Half sample "Contributed to long-term peace and stability in the Mideast"
Has 39%
Has Not 58%
Unsure 2%
"Do you think the war with Iraq has or has not [see below]?" Half sample "Damaged the United States' image in the rest of the world"
Has 74%
Has Not 25%
Unsure 1%
"Do you think the war with Iraq has or has not [see below]?" Half sample "Encouraged democracy in other Arab nations"
Has 49%
Has Not 47%
Unsure 4%
"Do you think the war with Iraq has or has not [see below]?" Half sample "Helped to improve the lives of the Iraqi people"
Has 68%
Has Not 29%
Unsure 3%
"Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the way U.S. military forces in Iraq are doing their jobs?"
Approve 86%
Disapprove 12%
Unsure 2%
"Do you think the United States is doing all it reasonably can do to try to avoid civilian casualties in Iraq, or do you think it should do more?"
Doing All It Can 58%
Should Do More 39%
Unsure 3%
"Some U.S. forces in Iraq have been accused of intentionally killing Iraqi civilians. Do you think this represents a few isolated cases, or do you think it's more widespread than that?"
Few Isolated Cases 78%
More Widespread 20%
Unsure 2%
"Do you think of the war with Iraq as part of the war against terrorism, or as separate from the war against terrorism?" Options rotated
Part of 56%
Separate From 43%
Unsure 1%
Illegal Immigration
Associated Press/Ipsos poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. May 15-17, 2006. N=1,001 adults nationwide. MoE +/-3.1.
"Overall, would you say immigrants are having a good or bad influence on the way things are going in the United States?"
Good Influence 52%
Bad Influence 46%
Unsure 2%
"Generally, do you think immigrants are more likely to be involved in criminal activity than people born here, less likely, or isn't there much difference?"
More Likely 19%
Less Likely 12%
Not Much Difference 68%
Unsure 1%
"Generally, do you think immigrants work harder than people born here, not as hard, or isn't there much difference?"
Harder 51%
Not as Hard 5%
Not Much Difference 43%
Unsure 1%
FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. May 16-18, 2006. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE +/- 3.
"How serious a problem do you believe the illegal immigration situation is in the United States today? Do you see it as a very serious problem, somewhat serious, not very serious or not at all a serious problem?"
Very Serious 57%
Somewhat Serious 29%
Not Very Serious 10%
Not at All Serious 3%
Unsure 1%
CBS News Poll. May 16-17, 2006. N=636 adults nationwide. MoE +/- 4 (for all adults).
"Would you favor or oppose allowing illegal immigrants who have done the following to stay and work in the United States: paid a fine, been in the U.S. for at least five years, paid any back taxes they owe, can speak English, and have no criminal record?"
Favor 77%
Oppose 19%
Unsure 4%
ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Adults nationwide. Fieldwork by TNS.
"Do you think the United States is or is not doing enough to keep illegal immigrants from coming into this country?" Conducted 5/12-14/06; N=508; MoE +/-4.5
Enough 20%
Not Enough 77%
Unsure 4%
CBS News/New York Times Poll. May 4-8, 2006. N=1,241 adults nationwide. MoE +/-3 (for all adults).
"Do you think the United States is or is not doing enough to keep illegal immigrants from coming into this country?" Conducted 5/12-14/06; N=508; MoE +/-4.5
Favor 29%
Oppose 66%
Unsure 5%
Gay Marriage
FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. June 13-14, 2006. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE +/- 3.
"Do you believe gays and lesbians should be allowed to get legally married, allowed a legal partnership similar to but not called marriage, or should there be no legal recognition given to gay and lesbian relationships?"
Legally Married 27%
Legal Partnership 25%
No Legal Recognition 39%
Unsure 8%
ABC News Poll. May 31-June 4, 2006. N=1,001 adults nationwide. MoE +/-3. Fieldwork by TNS Intersearch.
"Do you think homosexual couples should or should not be allowed to form legally recognized civil unions, giving them the legal rights of married couples in areas such as health insurance, inheritance and pension coverage?"
Should 45%
Should Not 48%
Unsure 7%
"Do you think it should be legal or illegal for homosexual couples to get married?"
Legal 36%
Illegal 58%
Unsure 5%
"Would you support amending the U.S. Constitution to make it against the law for homosexual couples to get married anywhere in the U.S., or should each state make its own laws on homosexual marriage?" Options rotated
Amend Constitution 42%
State Laws 51%
Unsure 7%
Abortion
The Harris Poll. April 4-10, 2006. N=1,016 adults nationwide. MoE +/- 3.
"In general, do you favor permitting a woman who wants one to have an abortion in all circumstances, some circumstances or no circumstances?"
All 24%
Some 53%
No 20%
Unsure 4%
"Do you favor laws that would make it more difficult for a woman to get an abortion, favor laws that would make it easier to get an abortion or should no change be made to existing abortion laws?"
More Difficult 40%
Easier 15%
No Change 40%
Unsure 6%
CBS News Poll. April 6-9, 2006. N=899 adults nationwide. MoE +/- 3.
"What is your personal feeling about abortion? (1) It should be permitted in all cases. (2) It should be permitted, but subject to greater restrictions than it is now. (3) It should be permitted only in cases such as rape, incest and to save the woman's life. OR, (4) It should only be permitted to save the woman's life."
All Cases 29%
Greater Restrictions 17%
Rape, Incest, Woman's Life 33%
Only Woman's Life 14%
Never 4%
Wednesday Links
Flag burning amendment
Iraq amnesty plan
Israeli-Gaza situation
Public Opinion
USA Today/Gallup Poll. June 23-25, 2006. Adults nationwide.
"Do you favor or oppose a constitutional amendment that would allow Congress and state governments to make it illegal to burn the American flag?" N=484, MoE +/- 5 (Form A) 6/23-25/06
Favor 56%
Oppose 41%
Unsure 3%
"Some people feel that the U.S. Constitution should be amended to make it illegal to burn or desecrate the American flag as a form of political dissent. Others say that the U.S. Constitution should not be amended to specifically prohibit flag burning or desecration. Do you think the U.S. Constitution should or should not be amended to prohibit burning or desecrating the American flag?" N=516, MoE +/- 5 (Form B)
Should Be Amended 45%
Should Not Be Amended 54%
Unsure 2%
Gallup Poll. Feb. 6-9, 2006. Nationwide.
"In the Middle East situation, are your sympathies more with the Israelis or more with the Palestinians?" N=1,002 adults, MoE +/- 3
Israelis 59%
Palestinians 15%
Both 5%
Neither 13%
Unsure 8%
"Do you think there will or will not come a time when Israel and the Arab nations will be able to settle their differences and live in peace?" N=1,002 adults, MoE +/- 3
Will 32%
Will Not 65%
Unsure 3%
Iraq amnesty plan
Israeli-Gaza situation
Public Opinion
USA Today/Gallup Poll. June 23-25, 2006. Adults nationwide.
"Do you favor or oppose a constitutional amendment that would allow Congress and state governments to make it illegal to burn the American flag?" N=484, MoE +/- 5 (Form A) 6/23-25/06
Favor 56%
Oppose 41%
Unsure 3%
"Some people feel that the U.S. Constitution should be amended to make it illegal to burn or desecrate the American flag as a form of political dissent. Others say that the U.S. Constitution should not be amended to specifically prohibit flag burning or desecration. Do you think the U.S. Constitution should or should not be amended to prohibit burning or desecrating the American flag?" N=516, MoE +/- 5 (Form B)
Should Be Amended 45%
Should Not Be Amended 54%
Unsure 2%
Gallup Poll. Feb. 6-9, 2006. Nationwide.
"In the Middle East situation, are your sympathies more with the Israelis or more with the Palestinians?" N=1,002 adults, MoE +/- 3
Israelis 59%
Palestinians 15%
Both 5%
Neither 13%
Unsure 8%
"Do you think there will or will not come a time when Israel and the Arab nations will be able to settle their differences and live in peace?" N=1,002 adults, MoE +/- 3
Will 32%
Will Not 65%
Unsure 3%
Friday, June 09, 2006
Welcome
Welcome to Mr. Quinnell's POS 2001 class for Summer B, 2006. Check back to this site regularly for announcements, news and other things related to this class.
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