POLS 317
N BERCH
SPRING 2014
Paper Assignment
You are to
write a paper of 7-10 (typed and double-spaced) pages, addressing one of the
following questions. The paper is due in
class on Monday, April 21. Late papers
will be penalized 10 points per day. You
should make use of the course readings, lectures, discussions, and blog
assignments, where appropriate, and you should do some additional reading as
well. When you cite the words or ideas
of those other than yourself, you should cite them in an appropriate fashion. Please ask if you have questions along the
way. Good luck!
1.
In The
Logic of Collective Action, Mancur Olson claims that many interests will
not form an interest group due to the free rider problem. He also discusses possible solutions to the
free rider problem. Summarize Olson’s
theory. In the real world, when is he
right, and when is he wrong? Be as
specific as possible.
2.
In The Rise and Decline of Nations,
Mancur Olson argues that interest groups accrue over time, make demands on
government, and eventually slow the rate of economic growth. Summarize his theory. Is his theory correct? Explain.
3.
"Last
week, the Supreme Court reversed a century of law that I believe will open the
floodgates for special interests – including foreign corporations – to spend
without limit in our elections."—Barack Obama, State of the Union Address,
2010. Is he right? Why or why not?
4.
Are
interest groups, on balance, good for democracy or bad for democracy? Consider both sides and defend a position
with reasons and evidence.
5.
Some
argue that the only way to curb interest group influence in American politics
is to shift to a parliamentary system, reducing the importance of checks and
balances and, in turn strengthening political parties. Evaluate that claim, and the pros and cons of
such a shift, using reasons and evidence.
