POL318
Strategy and Ethics in Election Campaigns
Dr. Sellers

Sample Essay Questions for Final Exam

1. How do candidate qualities affect the type of campaign that a candidate runs? What types of candidates run the best campaigns? In your essay, link the types of candidates to three different aspects of election campaign: the constituents (whom to represent), messages (how to choose a message), and fundraising (how fund the message).
2. How does context shape the decision to run, campaign strategy, and election outcomes? What aspect of context is most important? How does this aspect of context change? Can candidates change it, or must they wait for change (caused by some other factor)?
3. In contemporary politics, are most candidates ethical or unethical? Base your argument on two distinct normative standards. In addition, discuss two proposed reforms (from course materials) to improve the ethical image of candidates. Would these reforms work? Why or why not?
4. From whom do congressional candidates raise their money? From whom should they raise money? Make sure that your answer directly addresses theories of representation that we have discussed.

When answering each of the 4 questions, try to apply specific concepts and terms from our class discussions and assigned reading from throughout the semester.  Your answers will also be better if you use examples of actual politicians and campaigns (but you definitely do not need to search for new examples or material beyond those discussed in class and the assigned readings).  These two suggestions apply to all 4 sample essay questions.