American Foreign Policy

Midterm
Quiz Instructions

I. Short Essay (2 questions; 4 points each)

You will answer two questions. An ideal answer carries three essential elements: conceptual basis, familiarity with readings/lectures, and concrete examples. Make sure to provide direct answers to the questions, rather than a broad summary of the readings or lectures. Include examples from the history or current affairs of American foreign policy.

II. Essay (1 essay; 7 points)

You will write an essay in response to the prompt. The best answers will not only demonstrate a familiarity with the readings, but also an ability to think critically and make brief, original arguments supported by examples.

The expected length of each short essay is 300-400 words and 500-600 words for the long essay. It’s open book/notes, but make sure to answer the questions in your own words and follow proper academic guidelines to avoid plagiarism.

Question 1 4 pts
How do interest groups affect foreign policy? What does their participation mean for democracy and American national interest? What lessons does study of the Israel lobby offer for policy-makers or the American public?

Question 2 4 pts
Discuss the role of public opinion and the media in American foreign policy. What issues unite and divide the public and the policy-makers when it comes to foreign policy? What roles does the media play in bridging or exacerbating the populist, partisan, and perception gaps that may exist across different parts of the American public?

Question 3 7 pts
What do scholars mean by “American exceptionalism” in foreign policy? What makes a nation like the U.S. exceptional? How did the term come to popular usage? Provide examples of key ideas, terms, and thinkers.
Is “American exceptionalism” exceptional in comparison to other nations’ exceptionalism?
Ultimately, what are some concrete consequences of American exceptionalism on the substance and style of foreign policy?