Your take-home exam consists of two essay questions. Each answer is worth fifteen
points, and each answer cannot be longer than 3 double-spaced pages (a total of 6
pages). Your answers should equally integrate the assigned readings, lectures,
and outside sources. For the outside sources, I have provided a MLA Citation Guide
at the end of your syllabus. You should clearly define any abstract concepts introduced.
Political Science is at its best when applied to real life circumstances.
1.In 2024, former President Donald J. Trump and President Joseph R. Biden are in a
dead heat in the presidential election race. Neither candidate can figure out how to pull
ahead of the other in the polls. Given that you took this voting behavior class, both
candidates come to you seeking advice on how to win the presidential election. You can
only serve on one campaign.
Using the lectures, assigned readings, and outside sources, you are to answer this
question: What three strategies would you recommend for Trump OR Biden to win the
presidential election (be sure to use textual evidence to support your claims)? For
example, find a weakness in certain demographics and explain how you would remedy
that issue for your candidate.
2. One of the central reasons our electoral system is so durable is because of the ability
of its party system to absorb the intense conflict and critical change that have developed
on occasion in its complex society. These major durable changes are a direct result of
realignment theory (including critical elections, realignments, secular realignments, and
dealignments). Based on the current political atmosphere, does it make realignment
theory less important than during past eras? To support your arguments, discuss three
factors in the realignment literature that contribute to a future realignment (or lack
thereof). Be sure to equally integrate the lectures, class readings, and outside sources.

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