Compare and contrast the priorities of the Federalists and Antifederalists for the design of the new Constitution. Although the Federalists argued for a stronger central government (and in many ways, they got one), the Antifederalists won important battles, such as the adoption of the Bill of Rights and the retention of power in the states. What does the debate between Federalists and Antifederalists tell us about American politics in the late eighteenth century? In what ways are the values and concerns of these two groups similar to or different from today’s political debates?
Combating terrorism has entailed restrictions on civil liberties. How can we reconcile civil liberty and national security? Are we better off opting for more liberty or more security? Are the two goals mutually exclusive? Have Americans become less supportive of the limitations on liberty put into place after the terror attacks in 2001, or do they still perceive that it makes sense to give up some liberties in order to feel more secure?
Category: political science
High reelection rates for incumbent members of Congress
Some observers express concern about high reelection rates for incumbent members of Congress and have advocated for term limits as a way to formally remove longtime members of Congress. Why do you think these proposals for term limits are being advanced? Are there advantages to having long-serving members of Congress in office (e.g., when dealing with an entrenched bureaucracy)? What do recent election cycles say about the need for term limits? Are there other ideas for systemic reform such that challengers are placed on a more equal footing with incumbents?
High reelection rates for incumbent members of Congress
Some observers express concern about high reelection rates for incumbent members of Congress and have advocated for term limits as a way to formally remove longtime members of Congress. Why do you think these proposals for term limits are being advanced? Are there advantages to having long-serving members of Congress in office (e.g., when dealing with an entrenched bureaucracy)? What do recent election cycles say about the need for term limits? Are there other ideas for systemic reform such that challengers are placed on a more equal footing with incumbents?
Effects of profit in the context of several different areas of public bureaucracy.
Consider the positive and negative effects of profit in the context of several different areas of public bureaucracy. What is gained and what is lost by privatizing functions such as education policy, trash removal, criminal incarceration, and national defense? How might privatization affect the constitutional rights of citizens who deal with the private companies?
The process of Presidential selection of U.S. Supreme Court appointments
Discuss the process of Presidential selection of U.S. Supreme Court appointments. List factors typically considered by Presidents. The current U.S. Supreme Court (Roberts Court) is divided along ideological lines.
Keeping the bureaucracy accountable to the people
In terms of keeping the bureaucracy accountable to the people, define and discuss the primary functions of congressional oversight discussed in lecture. List at least one example of a committee in Congress and an agency it oversees.
Policy-making power among the various branches
One of the overarching themes of PSCI 2306 is the division of policy-making power among the various branches and levels of government. Another is the importance of representation and having a government that reflects the will of the people. This assignment requires you effectively demonstrate core competencies of critical thinking, communication, social responsibility, and personal responsibility within the context of civic engagement in the U.S. political process.
In this assignment, you will
Identify a current political issue that affects you and your community.
Educate yourself about the issue by reading at least three articles from reputable news sources about the issue.
Determine which policy-maker is in the best position to represent your interests with respect to that issue. That could be your representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, your representative in a state legislature, or some member of the executive branch. The key is that you identify a person who has some policy-making authority with respect to the issue you have chosen and a person who might listen to your position (for example, choosing your own representative to the U.S. House rather than some other representative).
Draft a letter to your legislative or executive-branch policymaker in which you
identify yourself as one of the politician’s constituents;
identify the political issue about which you are concerned;
clearly state a position on that issue (what should the policymaker do or not do); and
provide an explanation for your position that will persuade the policymaker to agree with you.
Government regulations
Research government regulations on a particular area of your choice, such as food, drugs, product safety, fracking, environment, etc. Do you think the government regulations go too far? Do you think the government needs to add more regulations? How are lobbyists involved concerning regulations on food and drug safety, and our environment concerning fracking? Explain your answers.
Comparing the federal and state systems
The United States has a dual court system which is comprised of federal and state courts. In your focus paper (10 points), compare the federal and state systems in terms of structure, selection of judges, and types of cases heard.
Focus paper should contain 1250 – 1500 words, excluding references, cover page, and appendices. They must include a
minimum of 5 scholarly references/sources, in-text citations, double-spaced, and be written in APA 7th edition format.
Focus papers should use the following outlines:
1. Research paper on a focused topic area
a. Introduction – what is the theory or thesis and what is the importance of this topic?
b. Review of the relevant literature of the topic (most relevant and recent)
c. Based upon the secondary research, what are the relevant issues and what is/are the logical, evidence-based conclusions you can draw?
d. Any recommendations for change?
Political science
Foucault makes the case that the disciplinary economy of power focuses more on the soul/mind than the body. Give an example of a disciplinary method that demonstrates this focus.
Is criminality necessary under a sovereign economy of power? Why?
What is a panopticon? Give an example from your daily life and explain how it conditions your behavior.