Describe the responsibilities of the secretary of state. Beyond the formal duties assigned to this position, why does the role of the secretary change from administration to administration? How have post–World War II changes affected the ability of the secretary to conduct effective diplomacy?
What will be an ideal response?
Answers should identify the secretary of state as the chief diplomat and the ranking member of the cabinet. The secretary’s responsibilities should include advising the president and overseeing the State Department, in addition to being the chief diplomat. Answers should identify how the preferences of each president, communication skills, and management style all impact the ability of the secretary to influence the decision-making process. Answers should detail how the end of WWII and the National Security Act of 1947 paved the way for the rise of the Defense Department and have led to a gradual decline in the State Department’s influence and prestige. Answers may also address the chronic problems and ongoing controversies of the State Department as factors that affect the secretary’s ability to conduct effective diplomacy.
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Using the example of the conflict over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, describe how the three major challenges to international relations complicate the political situation.
What will be an ideal response?
Which of the following best defines a hypothesis in political science research?
a.) a statement predicting a relationship between variables b.) a question posed to guide the research c.) a statement of the findings of research d.) a statement posed simply for purposes of argument
A(n) ____________ is a single occurrence, realization, or instance of the objects or entities being studied.
a. Element, or unit of analysis is also acceptable b. Statistic c. Population parameter d. Estimator
What is meant by Alexis de Toqueville's term, "tyranny of the majority"?
a. When minority groups assert their interests over those of the majority b. When presidents ignore the desires of the majority of citizens c. When terrorists use threats or violence to force their will on a population d. When a dominant group uses its control of government to trample the rights of minority groups e. When those not in power attempt to seize control of the government