MIDTERM FREE
RESPONSE EXAM

Directions:
You will answer ALL FIVE of the following free response questions.  Please make sure to illustrate your free
response answers with substantive examples where appropriate. Make certain to
number each of your answers as the question is numbered below.  You will answer all FIVE questions in ONE
document. 

1. Discuss the TWO
   major questions posed in the landmark case McCulloch v. Maryland in 1819.  Next, what were the TWO constitutional
   provisions used by the Supreme Court’s majority in the McCulloch v. Maryland
   decision to justify its opinion.  Lastly,
   explain how the McCulloch case expanded the power of the federal
   government in relation to the states.

2. The text discusses several reasons for political
   participation and gives reasons for the decline in voter turnout in the United
   States.  With this information, formulate
   a strategy to increase voter participation. 
   In your response, discuss ONE target group, ONE electoral procedure, and
   ONE legal requirement to increase voting in the United States.

3. What were THREE issue discussed during the
   presidential debate Sunday evening?  What
   were the responses by Mr. Trump and Secretary Clinton on EACH of those three
   issues you mentioned?  Which candidate
   did you most agree with on EACH issue? 
   Explain.  Lastly, list and explain
   TWO reasons which candidate you felt won the debate.

4. Interest
   groups attempt to influence the policy-making process in a number of ways and
   through multiple access points.  For EACH
   of the following, explain how interest groups advance their causes, and give a
   specific example (real-life or hypothetical) for each:  1) litigation, 2) donating money through
   PACs, 3) grassroots lobbying

5. The text discusses THREE major
   roles that the media plays in the political process.

   a.
   Explain each role and cite an example on how the media played that role in the
   political arena.

   b.
   Lastly, which role do you think is the most powerful the media possess?  Explain.