Political Science 586 – The Quality of Democracy

                                            Spring 2018

                                           Midterm Exam

Answer three (3) questions in total. Your answers should be approximately 2 double-spaced pages.
Define your terms where necessary.


You are free to consult the readings and lecture slides while writing your answers, but please do
not do additional research or discuss the exam with other students. You should email the exam to 24
hours after you begin.


 1. It is commonly believed that a well-functioning democracy is one where politicians listen to
citizens. Is this the right or the wrong way to think about democratic quality and why?


 2. How can we empirically evaluate the degree of policy responsiveness? What are the pros and cons
of the different ways of measuring policy responsiveness?


 3. Some authors argue that electoral accountability is the main way that citizens can influence
politics because punishing/rewarding politicians is the only thing they are capable of. Is this
true? What are some of the complications of this linkage?


 4. Politicians often promise one thing and then do another. Is this always a bad thing? Explain
when it is good and when it is bad.


 5. We discussed three major linkages between citizens and politicians in the first half of the
course. Which of these do you think is the most likely to produce good results  - ie, good policies
that benefit all citizens?