Questions for Political Science Students

Reading Time: 1 minuteAuthor: Emily Farris Texas Christian University
Politico asked top historians to create a paragraph from the future that described the current moment in time. Many of the top historians described the past decade 100 years ago by describing it through the lens of massive racial and economic divisions. This exercise prompted me to think about how I might adapt it for an Introductory Political Science class on the first (and final) day of class.
I will be using a first-day quiz I borrowed from Dr. William Adler (NEIU) a few years back. It has nine questions plus some basic information. I’m thinking of adding a tenth question asking students to describe the current state in American politics. This would be written for someone who will understand 100 years from now. This could be continued throughout the semester. Students could ask how each topic (media, public opinion, etc.) might update their paragraph, and then use it again for final essay questions.
Questions for the First Day
Next: “We consider these truths to be self evident …”
How many times does the Constitution mention God?
Name the three branches of America’s National Government.
What is federalism?
What is Article I of the Constitution?
Can the president go to war if Congress doesn’t give permission?
What was the outcome of Roe v. Wade
What does the Fourteenth Amendment mean?
Who are your representatives in Congress in State legislature? In local government?
One paragraph should describe the current state of American politics. This will allow someone to understand the last ten years of American politics 100 years later.