Download Political Socialization and Governance: The Experience of Tom Volgy - Prof. Charles E. Wal and more Study notes Political Science in PDF only on Docsity! US GOV & POLITICS -FAL2007 > COURSE DOCUMENTS Chapter 1 1. What do Tom Volgy's early experiences in the U.S. tell us about the differences in political socialization that occur depending on race, ethnicity, region, family values, etc.? Why, after all he went through, did he become an avid defender of America? 2. Compare the political outlooks of Tom Volgy and his parents. In what ways did they differ, and why? 3. How does Volgy contrast the southwest with older cities and regions? 4. Volgy says "my story is a dangerous one." What does he mean by that? 5. When Volgy says "I would not have made it without some of those [public] policies, what kinds of policies is he referring to? 6. Volgy asys that the main thing voters lack is "empathy." What does he mean by that? How does it differ from lack of "knowledge?" Chapter 2 1. Are Volgy's comments about the pessimism of citizens toward the U.S. government still accurate? Why or why not? 2. When large numbers of citizens see the government as illegitimate and not credible, Volgy says, democracy is in danger. What is the nature of the danger? 3. What does Volgy mean when he calls the U.S. system of government a "political laboratory?" Why does that place extra demands on citizens? 5. How have parties declined, and why does volgy regard that as unfortunate? What other "mediating institutions" are there? Are they declining as well? 6. What does Volgy mean when he says the media give us a sense of "false closeness?" 7. How does attack journalism hurt governance, according to Volgy? 8. Why are local governments especially interesting places to learn how government works? Chapter 3 1. Why, in Volgy's experience, does anybody run for office? 2. What is the effect on families when a member enters politics? 3. What special hardships befall women in public office? 4. Why does "scandalmongering" by politicans tend to work? What are its costs to the community and the "political laboratory?" Chapter 4 1. What is a "perk?" Why do people perceive politicians as abusing them? What is Volgy's view of this? 2. According to Volgy, are public officials being paid too much? What is his argument? 3. How does Volgy describe the "junkets" he has taken? 4. What, according to Volgy, is the "ultimate benefit" that really motivates people in public office? What is the "ultimate perk?" 5. Volgy notes how expensive campaigns are, and how access to money is an incumbent's "perk." What does he see as the effects of the massive spending by incumbents on the quality of elections? On the way incumbents do their jobs? On public policy? 6. What kind of campaign finance reform has been enacted in Tucson? What, according to Volgy, have been its effects? Does he approve or not? Chapter 5 1. What is the point Volgy is trying to make when he recites the details of his daily schedule? 2. At the end of the chapter, Volgy muses on the effects his political life has had on his personal circle of friends. What point does he make here? 3. What is the "hardest day of the week," and why?
