Political Science Commons^™

The Value Of Education: School Policy Decisions During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Elika W. Somani

Individually Designed Interdepartmental Major Honors Project

During the COVID-19 pandemic, lacking national U.S. policies, wide variation and conflict over chosen public school policy decisions emerged. What factors and guidelines informed the decision-making process in K-12 public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and who were the key stakeholders? This study examines three school district types – a large city, medium city, and small-town – across Minnesota as case studies to unpack how policy decisions were made during the pandemic. Stakeholder interviews uncovered that the school decision-making process was a) connected to a district's political opinions, b) made by the superintendent and school board, c) primarily influenced by …

White Constituents And Congressional Voting, Eric Hansen

Political Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Why do some members of Congress vote more on the extremes of their party than others? I argue that lawmakers representing more homogeneously white districts have greater electoral incentive to moderate their voting records, since the two parties compete more for support of white voters than for the support of minority voters. I provide evidence using roll-call votes from the U.S. House and Senate. I find members representing more homogeneously white districts have more moderate voting records, a finding that holds for Democrats and Republicans. I explore two potential mechanisms: legislator responsiveness and electoral punishment. While legislators do not seem …

Economic Predictors Of Democratic Backsliding: A Comparison Of Populist And Non-Populist Leaders, Jacob Winter

Honors Theses

The initial motivation of this research was to develop a better understanding of the primary causes of democratic backsliding, and by extension, how pro-democratic governments, NGOs, and other institutions can most effectively combat democratic backsliding. Previous research has examined the effects of economic conditions (Waldner and Lust 2018) as well as populism (Kyle and Mounk 2018) on a country’s democracy, but to my knowledge, no study has examined whether the effect of economic conditions on a country’s democracy differs between populist and non-populist countries. My research attempts to provide an answer to this question by examining how personal wealth, price …

Into The Woods: Freedom And The Forest In The Hunger Games, Robert B. Hackey

Far West Popular Culture Association Annual Conference

Forests are contested terrains in literature. The woods are a bucolic setting far removed from the hectic, bustling world of the city or the grueling challenges of industrial life. At the same time, however, the forest challenges us – in the woods, we must take stock of ourselves, overcome unfamiliar obstacles, and face our fears. The forested settings of the Hunger Games – both natural and manmade – force tributes to wrestle with the nature of human freedom. Drawing upon political theorists from Thomas Hobbes to Isaiah Berlin, my paper also explores how tributes face a choice between positive and …

Sticks And Stones: A Case Study In Attempted Electoral Subversion, Ian Klenk

The Review: A Journal of Undergraduate Student Research

On January 6^th, 2021, a mob of rioters stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. to disrupt the ceremonial certification of electors and install former President Donald Trump as the winner of the 2020 election; the citadel of democracy was vandalized, the lives of members of Congress were put in immediate danger, and multiple Capitol police officers died from injuries sustained in defending the American republic from her own citizens.

This paper uses this dramatic and unusual event to examine the role of political leaders in fomenting violence to keep or regain power. More specifically, I examine whether …

Peer Reviewing The World: Increasing Civil Society Participation In The United Nations Universal Periodic Review, Lucien F. O'Brien

Political Science Honors Projects

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is an exceptional mechanism within the framework of international human rights. The fact that it evaluates all UN member states’ human rights records on a universal basis sets it apart from other enforcement mechanisms that do not give equal time to all countries or do not seek to cover all human rights. Following the introduction of hybrid modalities in the third cycle, the UPR faces a turning point in terms of who is included in the process and how. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with UN officials, diplomatic mission members, civil society representatives, and academics, as …

National Model United Nations Ny 2022 Conference, Gabriel Capella, Margaret Price, Declan Kavanagh, Angie Pierre, Dante Garcia, Daniel Cantera, Christopher Capozzi, Jolade Oshinkanlu, Jade Mikalauskis, Wesley Stephens

Political Science Student Scholarship

Gabriel Capella ’25, Major: Political Science
Margaret Price ’25, Majors: Global Studies and Political Science
Declan Kavanagh ’25, Majors: Political Science and Marketing
Angie Pierre ’25, Major: Global Studies
Dante Garcia ’25, Major: Political Science
Daniel Cantera ’25, Major: History/Secondary Education
Christopher Capozzi ’25, Major: Marketing
Jolade Oshinkanlu ’25, Majors: Psychology and Global Studies
Jade Mikalauskis ’25, Majors: Humanities and Mathematics
Wesley Stephens ’25, Major: Political Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jason McSparron, Political Science

A team of 10 PC students traveled to New York City to represent a country (Rwanda) in a realistically-simulated committee of the United Nations. Preparation for …

Inspiring Active Citizenship In The Community From Within The Classroom, Nathan A. Halm

Honors Projects

This project presents an alternative to contemporary civic education courses and methods in an attempt to inspire students to become Active Citizens. Fighting against common sentiments surrounding contemporary politics such as divisiveness, polarization, apathy, and disenfranchisement, this project provides a framework for students to engage at the local level in an effective and genuine way.

The Effects Of The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine On Exports To Italy, Stephen Johnson, Ryder Hankins, Nathan Carter

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Italy imported 122,000 tons of soft wheat from Ukraine and 72,000 from Russia. During the current events international food and feed prices have increased by 8 to 22% causing mass shortages around the world. On top of the ethical and moral dilemmas of continuing business with Russia, insurance premiums have jumped 400% for doing business with the invading country.

What Role Do Women In Politics Play For Democratic Erosion?, Emelyn Rodriguez

Politics Honors Papers

Research has found that women in politics are important for representation and women’s rights, but can women’s increasing involvement in politics also stabilize fragile democracies? This research analyzes the relationship between women in politics and democratic consolidation, asking whether and how women help consolidate democracies and prevent the erosion of democratic institutions. I show initial quantitative evidence suggesting that under some conditions, women in politics reduce the probability of democratic erosion. In the main part of the project, using a case study of the Dominican Republic, I take a closer look at the work women have done for a newly …

Lesson Plan: Forms Of Government From A Comparative Perspective, Prosper Bernard Jr

Open Educational Resources

This lesson plan is designed to introduce students to three forms of government: presidentialism, parliamentarism, and semi-presidentialism. After briefly covering the key characteristics of each form, the lesson plan examines the process of government formation in parliamentary systems. The scenario covers different possible cabinet types and is designed to help students to distinguish between governments with a majority vs. minority status and to differentiate among different coalition arrangements—from minority to minimal winning to surplus to grand coalitions. The lesson plan concludes with an assignment that asks students to identify the current cabinet types in four countries that have parliamentary systems—Canada, …

U.S./Russia Export Relationship, Adam Nishino, Mohammad Saad Bin Shahzad, Yonathan Assefa, Trel Lakindanum

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Russia and the United States have a long history of trading as early as 1913. Over the years, Russia has become a notable player in US imports. By using the United States Census database and the Office of the United States Trade Representative database. In short, our research will discuss the trade relationship between Russia and the United States over the last century, through history and data analytics, and its effects on trade and politics to the rest of the world.

Exporting U.S. Cosmetics To China's Lower-Tier Cities, Kaitlynn Quach, Audrey Stephanie

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

What is the cosmetics market like in China's lower-tier cities for U.S. brands? In order to create market entry strategies, China has city-tier classifications that are commonly used in business. Classifications are based on GDP, political administration, and population. In 2020, Chinese consumers spent more than ¥340.0 Billion RMB ($53.46 Billion) on cosmetic products. This number increases from year to year and is especially affected by globalization. The United States is one of the top exporters of cosmetics brands.

Although popular, United States cosmetics brands face strong competition in China's first-tier cities. First-tier cities are considered the largest and wealthiest …

Perilaku Memilih Dalam Masyarakat Multikultur: Studi Kasus Pemilihan Walikota Medan 2020, Ahmad Hasan Ubaid, H.B. Habibi Subandi

Jurnal Wacana Politik

Artikel ini menjelaskan tentang bagaimana perilaku memilih masyarakat dalam Pemilihan Wali Kota Medan Tahun 2020. Studi ini mengunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus, sumber data utama dari hasil survei perilaku memilih dan wawancara mendalam. Artikel ini menunjukkan bahwa perilaku memilih yang paling dominan pada masyarakat Medan ialah model sosiologis, yakni perilaku pemilih yang didasarkan pada preferensi sosiologis masyarakat. Faktor utamanya ialah disumbang oleh preferensi agama, etnis, maupun gender. Pemilih sosiologis tercatat dalam angka survey adalah sebesar 43,1%. Sedangkan pemilih rasional juga muncul, namun tidak sebesar pemilih sosiologis, yaitu pada persentase sebesar 36,8%. Demikian juga dengan pemilih psikologis yang jumlahnya …

The Political Pandemic: The Relationship Between Political Leanings, Covid-19, And The Economy In 2020, Garrett Clark

Honors College Theses

The effect of political leanings on the pandemic outcomes, both in terms of the COVID-19 cases and death totals and the extent that the pandemic affected the economy, is the analysis of interest. The literature indicates a relationship between political leanings and the COVID-19 response. Data is gathered from a variety of sources, and a series of regressions are performed to analyze several control variables and determine their significance. The results indicate a relationship between political leanings and COVID-19 outcomes. However, results regarding the effects of politics on the economy are less clear. Possible explanations are provided for the results.

After Transnistria, The Suwalki Gap, Matthew Becker

Faculty and Student Publications

This Guest Editorial appeared in multiple venues:

1. The Commercial Dispatch, 26 April 2022
2. Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 28 April 2022
3. The Palm Beach Post, 28 April 2022
4. Magnolia Tribune, 29 April 2022
5. The Sun Sentinel, 7 May 2022

Polarization Et Al. Factors That Impact Voter Turnout In Developed Democracies, Artem Smith

[Archive] Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

There are well-researched institutional and societal factors that affect voter turnout. However, are there other factors that affect voter turnout in developed democracies? I review several prominent studies to gauge the depth and breadth of the literature regarding voter turnout. This paper seeks to examine in particular whether there is a relationship between polarization and voter turnout. I theorize that polarization is a significant factor that affects voter turnout. I also hold that other factors such as education, income, and electoral system impact voter turnout in developed democracies. I identify a few gaps in the literature and propose a couple …

Pursuit Of The Vote: Factors Utilized In Resisting Discrimination In Democratic Elections, Matthew Nicholson

Honors Scholars Collaborative Projects

Suffrage movements make use of various social and political factors to pressure their governments to expand the scope of voting rights. Using McAdam’s political process model, I will analyze how disenfranchised groups’ use of nonviolent demonstration, appeals to international pressure, and appeals to religion, affects their success. This will also highlight patterns that emerge when groups are willing to instigate violence in pursuit of their goals. Most studies examine these variables in the context of the pursuit of independence or revolution, whereas this study focuses on groups wishing to remain within a system given their desired reforms. I will analyze …

Keeping One's Friends Close: The Maintenance Of Cooperation In Supposedly Fragmenting Alliances, Ethan M. Ingram

[Archive] Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

From the perspective of an outside observer, interactions between sovereign states within the international arena seem to mirror the often paradoxical interpersonal complexities of their populace and those who govern them. Why did the Russian Empire and Poland-Lithuania choose to maintain a cooperative relationship in the early 1700s despite a shared desire to take control of the Baltic for themselves (Masse 1980)? How can one decipher the simultaneous desire of Turkey to stay in good graces with its NATO partners while also foraging ahead in its siding with the authoritarians of the world (Bekdil 2018)? All of these questions play …

Securing The Future Of Democracy Through The Continued Education Of "Divisive" Concepts, Rachel Larsen

Honors Projects

Research shows that social studies education should be about more than just teaching standards to a test. The curriculum should be integrated with student life, to prepare them for a future of participating in our democracy. House Bills 322 and 327 would directly prevent these efforts and further alienate students of color and LGBTQ+ students. Students should be included and feel welcome in the school building, considering they will spend the majority of their childhood learning there. A preferred policy alternative to the two House Bills would be to draft legislation that protects divisive concepts, provides training for teachers and …