[Disclaimer: This journal summation represents an example for the term paper. Students
may not use this particular journal article as their journal article.]
Dr. Millie D. Black
GOVT 2306.2W1
July 2, 2018
[Disclaimer: This journal summation represents an example for the term paper. Students
may not use this particular journal article as their journal article nor use any information
written by Dr. Black in this journal summation.]
Author: Julie Novkov
Title of article: Rethinking Race in American Politics; Political Research Quarterly
Journal citation in APA format:
Novkov, Julie. 2008. Rethinking Race in American Politics. Political Research Quarterly, 61
(44): 649-659.
Paper subject: To a large degree, this article surrounds the subject matter of civil rights.
Specifically, Novkov (2008) is writing on the subject of political participation within the context
of civil rights.
Relating to the subject of American Government: This article makes direct connections with
American Government in several ways: (1) The journal article surrounds the subject matter of
political participation, which is an integral part of democracy and American Government, (2)
Novkov (2008) uses the 2008 presidential election as an exemplar in order to understand the
contemporary role of race and voting. Presidential elections, race, and voting are conventional
methods to participant in American Government. Additionally, in this course we examine issues
surrounding racial participation. Understanding participation through the racial lens is very
important given the long legacy of discrimination within the United States, (3) The author
considers the historical record (e.g. civil war, civil rights movement, Proposition 187, etc.) in
order to gain greater insights into some of the reasons Barack Obama secured the 2008
presidential election to become the 44th president of the United States. Within these subjects,
one can understand democracy in action. Democracy in action is an underlining principle within
American Government. Additionally, democracy in action is considered a basic right within
American Government.
Journal question: Novkov (2008) is asking whether America has truly moved beyond it legacy
of racialized discrimination with the election of its first African American president.
Journal’s thesis: Novkov (2008) states that throughout the most important historical moments in
America, one can find race playing a critical role. It is through these crucial racialized historical
times that Novkov (2008) believes (at least for now) race continues to play a significant role in
American politics in general and political participation (i.e. voting) in particular.
Why is the author writing the article? The author is at a symposium and recognized a common
theme among several papers. The common theme deals with the role of race in contemporary
American politics. Many individuals, commentators, and scholars continue to reject the thought
that race plays a salient/important role in determining vote behavior (outside the consensus that
most of the time African Americans vote for other African Americans). With that said, Novkov
(2008) wants to review the historical record through the lens of some popular theories in order to
help explain the role of race in voting. Most importantly, Novkov (2008) extends her study
beyond the usual black-white comparison to include Mexican Americans. Moreover, to answer
the “who cares” question, this article’s subject matter is important for “We the People’s”
thinking and understanding about whose goals will win out and how and at what cost will office-
seekers try to gain as many votes possible.
[Disclaimer: This journal summation represents an example for the term paper. Students
may not use this particular journal article as their journal article.]
Dr. Millie D. Black
GOVT 2306.2W1
July 2, 2018
[Disclaimer: This journal summation represents an example for the term paper. Students
may not use this particular journal article as their journal article nor use any information
written by Dr. Black in this journal summation.]
Author: Julie Novkov
Title of article: Rethinking Race in American Politics; Political Research Quarterly
Journal citation in APA format:
Novkov, Julie. 2008. Rethinking Race in American Politics. Political Research Quarterly, 61
(44): 649-659.
Paper subject: To a large degree, this article surrounds the subject matter of civil rights.
Specifically, Novkov (2008) is writing on the subject of political participation within the context
of civil rights.
Relating to the subject of American Government: This article makes direct connections with
American Government in several ways: (1) The journal article surrounds the subject matter of
political participation, which is an integral part of democracy and American Government, (2)
Novkov (2008) uses the 2008 presidential election as an exemplar in order to understand the
contemporary role of race and voting. Presidential elections, race, and voting are conventional
methods to participant in American Government. Additionally, in this course we examine issues
surrounding racial participation. Understanding participation through the racial lens is very
important given the long legacy of discrimination within the United States, (3) The author
considers the historical record (e.g. civil war, civil rights movement, Proposition 187, etc.) in
order to gain greater insights into some of the reasons Barack Obama secured the 2008
presidential election to become the 44th president of the United States. Within these subjects,
one can understand democracy in action. Democracy in action is an underlining principle within
American Government. Additionally, democracy in action is considered a basic right within
American Government.
Journal question: Novkov (2008) is asking whether America has truly moved beyond it legacy
of racialized discrimination with the election of its first African American president.
Journal’s thesis: Novkov (2008) states that throughout the most important historical moments in
America, one can find race playing a critical role. It is through these crucial racialized historical
times that Novkov (2008) believes (at least for now) race continues to play a significant role in
American politics in general and political participation (i.e. voting) in particular.
Why is the author writing the article? The author is at a symposium and recognized a common
theme among several papers. The common theme deals with the role of race in contemporary
American politics. Many individuals, commentators, and scholars continue to reject the thought
that race plays a salient/important role in determining vote behavior (outside the consensus that
most of the time African Americans vote for other African Americans). With that said, Novkov
(2008) wants to review the historical record through the lens of some popular theories in order to
help explain the role of race in voting. Most importantly, Novkov (2008) extends her study
beyond the usual black-white comparison to include Mexican Americans. Moreover, to answer
the “who cares” question, this article’s subject matter is important for “We the People’s”
thinking and understanding about whose goals will win out and how and at what cost will office-
seekers try to gain as many votes possible.
