1. Divided government is one in which the many different sects maintain a good system of checks and balances on each other, preventing one level of government from gaining too much power. However, under this system it is much more difficult to get each sect of the government to agree on an issue in order to pass a law than it would be if the government were not divided.2. Mayhem's thesis of divided government asserts that an administration functions optimally when the presidency, House, and Senate are controlled by separate political parties. This defines conventional wisdom, because one would think that if the government was divided on ideas and policies, nothing would get done. Alas, this theory is disproven as it has been shown that more laws are passed whenever there are periods of divided government.3. Discuss and analyze Mayhew's five arguments (claims) that support his divided government thesis. Mayhew states here that the previously cited authors, Randall B. Ripley and V. O. Key, Jr., were not claiming that a unified government still creates many notable laws, but that they are more likely to produce notable legislation than divided control Mayhew also considers the argument that Congress from the party opposite the president will often review the president's performance, but claims it also adds a "check" to keep the president and bureaucrats in line He also notes that WoodrowWilson would call this an antagonistic... middle of paper ... than if everyone had the same facts. on a specific situation, they would all want the same thing However, Truman states that the different experiences we all have encourage individuality and also result in different attitudes towards certain subjects. Truman supports his statement by asserting that even in times of war, when we should be united in our goals, we "...always find pacifists, conscientious objectors, spies, and subversives, who reflect interests opposed to those of the nation as a whole.” .'4.The status/prestige of the group in their country. Are they rich or poor? Are they young or old? Are they vegan? The internal structure of the group. Are they organized? Is their base broad? Are they vocal? The government itself Will the government allow freedom of speech? Have they recently experienced a scandal? Will the establishment actively work against them ?.