American Politics Commons^™

The Presidency, Press, And Public Opinion: Has The Relationship Between The Press And The Office Of The Presidency Shifted Since Trump’S Administration?, Jonas Kammeyer-Mueller

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

In political science, studies focusing on the relationship between the press and the president have a long and rich history. However, few presidents have fought the press as strongly as Donald Trump. Given that many of these attacks utilized the influence afforded to Trump by occupying the Office of the Presidency, and that the press has long been noted to have influence over the public, it is worth examining if the relationship between the Office of the President and the press has shifted as a result of these attacks. Because the ability of the Presidency to govern as they wish …

Outlaw President?, Jim Read

Political Science Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Performing Protest, Performing Memory: Speech Act Theory And January 6, Mary Lynne Gasaway Hill

Faculty Scholarship

In daily life, memory performs a staggering array of tasks. It offers reassurance, validation, legitimation, and approval. It transgresses boundaries and polices them. It confirms understandings and undermines them. It warms our hearts and chills our blood. In the realm of protest, as this article will show, memory works through intentional language use. In the context of activism, acts of memory are often performative: they aim not just to restate the status quo, but to change something about it. This chapter operationalises J.L. Austin’s Speech Act Theory (1994, SAT) as a lens through which to examine how the contentious discourse …

Discretion, Deference, And Dysfunction: U.S. Refugee Resettlement From Egypt, Cassandra Mcclellan

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates refugee resettlement from Egypt to the U.S., as facilitated by UNHCR Egypt and the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Accordingly, the research questions ask what factors determine the volume and profile of refugees UNHCR Egypt submits to USRAP for resettlement, as well as the related determining factors for refugees rejected from and accepted to USRAP. A fourth research question examines the impacts of U.S. refugee policy on the resettlement system in Egypt, including on UNHCR Egypt and refugees. To answer these questions, the thesis first delves into the history of U.S. immigration and refugee policies, with a …

Breaking Boundaries: A Critical Trans Framework Analysis Of Anti-Transgender Sports Policies In Education, Tori Porter, Briana A. Savage, Dresden June Frazier

Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education

This policy analysis examines the impacts of anti-transgender sports legislation on K-20 transgender students through a critical trans framework. We investigate how anti-transgender laws enforce gender norms and intersect with other forms of oppression, such as racism and ableism, affecting multi-marginalized transgender students in sports and limiting access to a well-rounded education. Epistemic injustice is revealed, as these policies disregard transgender students' experiential knowledge and involvement in decision-making processes. Findings indicate that anti-transgender sports policies impact students at individual, institutional, and cultural levels, perpetuating discriminatory practices and reducing access to gender-affirming spaces and supportive adults. We argue for inclusive, evidence-based …

Tolland Triangle Project, Garrett Bumps

CAFE Symposium 2025

The Tolland Triangle Project identifies the unique factors that increase the accident rate on a portion of I-84 in Tolland, Connecticut, and establishes an action plan to mitigate the issue. Despite past setbacks in this area, Tolland residents are ready for solutions, and this advocacy plan enables citizens to have their voices heard, and seek solutions from their government on a city, state, and federal level.

The Politics Of U.S. Religious Freedom And The War On Gaza, Elizabeth Shakman Hurd Phd

Department of Religion Events

It is not possible to understand what is happening in Gaza, or in the US, without understanding the religious politics of American support for Israel. This lecture delves into the swirling mixture of religion, history, and politics that shape relations between these two states. The structure of that relationship also shapes what it means to be religiously free in the US today. Whose religion is free? And whose is defined as heresy, terrorism, or anti-Americanism? At a moment in which US-Israeli relations have come under unprecedented strain and scrutiny, it is helpful to approach this relationship from outside the demands …

Casar Public Lecture: Will Trump End The Ukraine War?, The Prince Alwaleed Center For American Studies And Research Casar

Performances, Events, and Presentations

Trump wants to become the world’s Peace Maker, the Master of the Art of Making Deals. He promised to end this war in 24 hours. Yet the real question is whether Putin wants to end the war, or whether he is ready for a deal ? If so, then what kind of a deal? Could it be that Putin might have a different deal in mind than the deal Trump is willing to offer?? So what happens then??? The lecture deliberated about the possible answers to this very question from several perspectives, analyzing the impact on Egypt, the region & …

The Disinformation Vaccine: A Case For Integrating Comprehensive Disinformation Education Into First Year Writing Classes, Benjamin F. Jackson

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Students’ exposure to disinformation and misinformation is far greater than it has ever been. As the ability of generative AI to produce image, video, and audio deepfakes grows more sophisticated, disinformation will become even easier to spread and harder to detect. The rapid spread of social, political, scientific, and medical disinformation has been deadly and its potential is disastrous. Security experts now warn that dis/misinformation is the greatest threat to national security. Americans at large and students in particular have a demonstrated lack of information literacy when it comes to detecting false information, and bad actors nationally and globally are …

The Electoral College In The American Mind Dataset, September 13-17, 2024, Eric Burin

Datasets

The dataset was generated by a study titled “The Electoral College in the American Mind,” the purpose of which was to better understand people’s thoughts and feelings about the Electoral College. The study’s survey instrument was a questionnaire that posed thirty Electoral College-themed questions: twenty-eight of the questions were written in a multiple-choice format; two were written in an open-ended format. The dataset consists of the aggregate responses to the former, cross-tabulated by the respondents’ demographic characteristics.

The study was administered online by a national firm, SurveyUSA, from September 13, 2024, through September 17, 2024. Using a web-based format, SurveyUSA …

Does Money Buy Happiness? Examining Spending And Approval Of Senators, Steven D. Kaga, April Johnson

The Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research

This project seeks to examine the relationship between approval ratings for US senators who ran in the 2020 election and the amount of campaign spending while controlling for Gender, Incumbency status, Party affiliation and the number of primary challengers to seek greater understanding on how campaign spending impacts the overall sentiment that the voters have for their representatives.

Poverty And Voter Turnout: An Elusive Relationship, Mckenna C. Doran

The Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research

As poverty becomes an increasingly pressing issue in America, researchers and scholars alike are left to determine the extent to which poverty has become ingrained in our society. Many different theories exist on how poverty plays (or does not play) a role in politics, particularly voter turnout. Gaps in previous research have left room for my study to connect some dots and draw conclusions based off my own data. After collecting data from 25 Georgia counties and the 2020 presidential election, I had to conclude that in my study, there exists no confirmed relationship between poverty and voter turnout. There …

Deuce Redemption: Grindhouse Cinema, Moral Panic, And Urban Renewal, Robert Brenner

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

If you consult standard histories of the “redevelopment” of 42^nd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenue, AKA “the Deuce,” you will read that it was filled with nothing but criminals and pornographers, that decent people avoided it at all costs, and the only way the block could be “saved” was by seizing it via eminent domain, evicting all the current tenants, and replacing them with Disney and its fellow entertainment corporations.

The purpose of this thesis is to offer a more nuanced alternative to these standard histories. I will argue that the Deuce was a lower-class, multiracial, queer entertainment …

Myth, Mayhem, And Pseudo-Democracy: The Role Of Political Myths In Mobilizing Nationalist Populist Movements And Political Extremists, Stephon J. Boatwright

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This body of research analyzes the enduring impact of political myth in nationalist populism and extremist movements. The rise of Western nationalist parties and acts of terror in the early 21st century gave life to this project. The manuscript advances two theories regarding political myths and their relationship to far right radicalism. First, nationalist myths—sprawling political worldviews whose dogmatic tenets are resistant to empirical critique and rational refutation—function as ideological constructs. They fictionalize the causes of events and serve to recruit adherents to authoritarian causes. Myths are continually reworked to address factual inaccuracies, failed predictions, and evolving social developments, while …

The Role Of U.S. Leadership In Resolving Indo-Pak Ensuring Rivalry, Abdul Sadiq Khan

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

The partition of British India in 1947 and the subsequent events caused a great deal of mutual mistrust that has persisted in the bilateral ties between Pakistan and India for seven decades. Post-Partition India inherited the state infrastructure of the British. Pakistan, on the other hand, has to build its state apparatus from the ground up. Indian leadership was certain that the nascent state of Pakistan would not survive and eventually reunify with India. The two countries are marked by the history of wars like in 1948, 1965, and 1999 over Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan and India appear to be …

The 1920s Klan, More Than Just The South: A Historiographical And Pedagogical Assessment, Nicolas Soucy

History - Master of Arts in Teaching

I. Synthesis Essay..............................3

II. Primary Source Documents.........16

III. Textbook Critique.........................28

IV. Textbook Rewrite.........................31

An Examination Of Donald Trump And Young Evangelical Voters, Kevin Finn

Honors Theses and Capstones

The relationship between Donald Trump and religious voters is often discussed, but much less attention has been directed to the connection between Trump and young voters, particularly young evangelicals. This paper attempts to provide the reasoning behind why despite his unconventional character, Trump maintains a strong base of support from young evangelical voters. After examining the theories of previous scholars, it hypothesizes that support is shaped by religious elites, who exploit the strong connection that young evangelicals have to their community. The argument is separated into three phases: first, that evangelical leaders and elites have proven to be consistently in …

Living Networks: Reimagining Social Capital Beyond Institutions, Meghna Pamula

CMC Senior Theses

This thesis investigates the decline of social capital in the United States and explores how community connection can be rebuilt outside of traditional government institutions. Motivated by the question of whether social capital can be rebuilt within bureaucratic structures, the research evaluates the role of alternative, agile models such as local volunteer organizations, mutual aid networks, third spaces, and NGOs. Using a comparative case study approach and qualitative analysis, I examine initiatives across different cultures that foster social trust and connection beyond the limitations of formal systems. The findings illustrate that adaptive models of social capital that are not based …

Church Attendance, Gender Roles, And Human Sexuality, Derek D. Goodrich

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

This research examines how the frequency of religious attendance impacts views on gender roles and sexuality in Christian subgroups in the United States. Prior research on the varying worldviews of American Christians has revealed a diverse group of opinions that cannot be explained solely by denominational affiliation. Based on social identity theory, this study explores whether the frequency of attendance at religious services influences congregants’ beliefs on six issues: legalization of gay marriage, the acceptance of homosexuality in society, the acceptance of transgender people, whether a parent should stay home with the children, which parent should stay home, and women …

Where’D You Go, Ohio: Progressive Ohio Ballot Initiative Passage In A Republican Aligned State, Colin D. Swearingen, Elizabeth A. Stiles, Barrett Scheatzle*

2025 Faculty Bibliography

Over the span of just three months, Ohio voters went to the polls to weigh in on three issues concerning the threshold needed to amend the state constitution, abortion, and marijuana. Despite being a Republican-leaning state – per an author’s calculations, its Cook’s Partisan Voter Index is R+6 – the more progressive position won all three votes handily. In August, the coalition supporting the status quo of requiring a simple majority to change the state constitution, a longheld progressive position, won 57.1% of the vote (“The New York Times,” 2023a). In November, voters approved a constitutional amendment to give individuals …

The Shadow Of Exceptionalism: Morality, Pragmatism, And Covert Action In American Cold War Foreign Policy, Kyle Stacy

History Theses - Archive

The complex forces of national identity, economic ambition, and ideological justification created a dynamic and contested landscape that shaped America’s Cold War policies. A carefully curated useful past, bolstered by religious convictions, fostered a belief in American exceptionalism and moral leadership that provided both the impetus and justification for 11 America’s actions abroad. Yet, America’s stated ideals—freedom and democracy—existed in stark tension with the pursuit of its national interests, often clashing with its self-perceived moral superiority. The Cold War environment fostered a culture of secrecy within the highest levels of government. Here, transparency and accountability were readily sacrificed for strategic …

From The Personal To The Political: Abortion Salience And Women’S Voting Trends Over Three Decades, Danielle N. Myers

Political Science Theses - Archive

Abortion has shaped American politics for decades, yet its long-term impact on women’s political behavior remains under-examined. This study explores how abortion salience and media framing influenced women’s voter turnout between 1990 and 2020. Drawing on a content analysis of major newspaper coverage and voter data from the American National Election Studies (ANES), I test four hypotheses about turnout, belief alignment, party defection, and media framing effects. The results suggest that while Pro-Choice women consistently vote at higher rates and prioritize abortion in candidate selection, media salience alone does not significantly boost turnout or cause widespread party realignment. Additionally, increased …

What Relationship Does Social Media Have To Political Participation And Voting Behavior In Adults Aged 18-25 In The State Of Kansas?, Nicholas E. Ladish

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

During the past two decades, the rise of social media has a significantly impacted the lives many individuals in the United States. This is particularly true of young adults between the ages of 18-25 years old. The rapid growth of various social media platforms has given rise to the sharing and exchange of information and ideas in a way that has not previously existed.

This qualitative research study used survey questionnaires, as well as semi-structured interviews to explore both the positive and negative impact, as well as the role of social media when it comes to influencing political affiliation, behavior, …

Doge's Matrix Structure And Presidential Power, Jason Marisam

Faculty Scholarship

At the start of his second term, President Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a novel White House entity tasked with reshaping the federal bureaucracy. Far more than a traditional advisory commission, DOGE employed a matrix structure that embedded staff across executive agencies, establishing dual reporting lines to both agency heads and the White House. This essay argues that DOGE’s organizational design represents a structural innovation in presidential control and an evolution of the longstanding “czar” model. Drawing on organizational and principal-agent theories, the essay explores how the matrix structure enhanced the President’s capacity to monitor agency behavior, …

Abortion On The Ballot: How Direct Democracy Shapes Abortion Policy Post-Dobbs, Serena E. Klebba

Honors Theses

Since the return of abortion policy to the states following Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022), sixteen states have considered ballot measures addressing core questions of abortion access. Distinct from pre-2022 initiatives, these recent measures present binary choices on issues such as viability-based access, six-week bans, and the existence or repudiation of a right to abortion in state constitutions. Although existing scholarship generally frames initiatives and referendums as mechanisms that enhance congruence between public opinion and policy outcomes, this focus overlooks the broader effects of direct democratic processes on voters. I hypothesize that there is something unique in the …

Off The Grid: Rural Identity, Environmentalism, And Renewable Energy Policy In Rural New England, Joseph A. Grassi

Honors Theses

This thesis investigates how rural identity, environmental values, and place-based resentment interact to shape support for land use regulation in rural New England. Despite their vulnerability to climate change, rural communities often resist renewable energy development—a pattern commonly attributed to economic concerns or NIMBYism. Using an original survey of over 1,400 New England residents, this study tests six hypotheses through multivariate regression and subgroup analysis. Findings confirm that environmental identity is a strong predictor of support for land use regulation; however, this effect diminishes significantly among rural respondents. Place identity alone is associated with greater policy support, but when combined …

Shared Tracks, Divided Rule: The Role Of Polycentrism In Shaping Public Transportation In U.S. Metropolises, Dev Purohit

Honors Theses

American public transportation is notably less comprehensive and efficient relative to peer nations. The reliance on private automobiles and commercial air travel for routes that can be served by high-speed rail is a uniquely American phenomenon. This inefficiency is deeply rooted in governance structures, where centralized decision-making has often failed to address the complexities of metropolitan transit systems spanning multiple jurisdictions. This project explores polycentric governance as a potential mechanism to address these shortcomings by fostering competition, enhancing collaboration, and promoting localized responsiveness within metropolitan transit systems. By developing an empirical inventory to measure governance polycentricity and comparing transit outcomes …

Shouting Down Democracy: The Role Of The Deeply Engaged In American Political Discourse, Annaliese Fleck

Honors Theses

In an age of heightened polarization and increasing incivility in politics, a small but influential subset of Americans, known as the deeply engaged have emerged as dominant voices in political dialogue. This thesis investigates who these individuals are, what drives them, and how their behavior impacts democratic participation in the United States. Through a combination of theoretical analysis and original survey data, this study constructs a profile of the deeply engaged and distinguishes them from the general electorate. Drawing on foundational concepts of free speech, including isegoria and parrhesia, and the philosophies of John Stuart Mill and Karl Popper, this …

When Choice Disappears: Voter Cynicism In The Absence Of Competition, Benjamin J. Kaden

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the democratic consequences of uncontested state legislature elections in the United States, focusing on how the absence of electoral competition influences both voter engagement and political attitudes. While state legislatures wield significant influence over public policy and resource allocation, an increasing number of these elections proceed without meaningful opposition. Drawing on an original survey of 2,775 respondents, this study tests two core hypotheses: first, that uncontested state legislature elections lead to decreased voter engagement, as reflected in voter attitude towards election participation and candidate qualities; and second, that uncontested state legislature elections increase negative attitudes towards government …

Are Cities Still Liberal? An Analysis Of Post-Pandemic Political Change In American Cities, Olivia Mundy

Honors Theses

This thesis investigates whether American cities are experiencing a political shift to the right in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as suggested by recent media narratives. Drawing on an original national survey of 2,385 respondents conducted in early 2025, the study examines attitudinal and demographic changes among urban residents, with a particular focus on ideology, trust in local government, economic perceptions, and views on race and immigration. Despite anecdotal evidence of conservative gains in urban elections, the findings show no significant trend toward conservatism among urban residents overall. In fact, urban respondents were slightly more likely than their non-urban …