Answer to Question 1
An ideal response will:
1, Note that African Americans are only slightly less likely to participate than are whites, in part because a legacy of racism and discrimination has left a relatively high proportion of African Americans economically disadvantaged.
2, Explain that when blacks and whites with equal levels of education are compared, the former actually participate more in politics.
3, Explain that minorities have a group consciousness that gives them an extra incentive to vote.
Answer to Question 2
An ideal response will:
1, Outline the major steps of the lawmaking process: bill introduction, subcommittee hearing and markup, full committee, Rules Committee (House only), debate scheduled by leaders of both parties (Senate only), full House or full Senate debate, Conference Committee and bill reconciliation, presidential approval or disapproval.