1. Give another example of checks and balances. Be sure to explain which branches are involved and why this example is important in making sure neither branch involved abuses its powers.
2. Because of the overlapping nature of the powers in a federal system, there are often conflicts between the various levels of government. This issue of education, mentioned in section 3, is one example of this. What is another example of an issue that has become a problem because of differing ideas/laws from the state to the federal level? What is the current status of this issue today - is it still a problem?
3. Why was gerrymandering made illegal? What problems could result if this practice were used? Why does it make elections unfair and inaccurate?
4. Why were the founders so specific about which powers Congress would and would not have? Choose any two of the expressed powers from Article I, Section 8 and explain why the founders saw a need for Congress to have those specific powers
5. Why were the founders so specific about which powers Congress would and would not have? Choose any two of the expressed powers from Article I, Section 8 and explain why the founders saw a need for Congress to have those specific powers
6. How useful is a filibuster? Why do you think filibusters have been used more often in recent years than they were in the past?
7. Which of the roles filled by the president do you think is the most important? Explain your reasoning behind making this decision.
8. After completing your essay assignment above, write a 2-3 paragraph summary of your essay and post it in the discussion area. Be sure to read comments posted by other students and reply as you feel appropriate. Be sure that your summary states your opinion on our president's performance and why you feel as you do.
9. Now that you've read about each of the presidents, decide which president you think did the best job in office and which you felt did the worst job. Write a paragraph response for each, explaining why you feel as you do.
10. Of the cases discussed in this section, which one do you feel has the biggest impact on American society? Thoroughly explain your reasoning behind your decision.
11. Which political party do you agree with most? Check out the Politics1 site, or other sites about the different parties. Also, if you're still unsure, there are many political quizzes available online that you can find by doing a simple search. Which party do you agree with most and why? Be sure to include a discussion of at least two issues that you agree on with the party and explain why those issues were important deciding factors in your choice of party.
12. Why would someone argue that the Electoral College system should remain the same? What arguments could be used to support changing the system? Which side of this argument are you on? Be sure to fully explain your point of view.
13. Why is voting an essential part of a democracy? Why are voter turnout numbers so low? Why do younger people tend to vote less often than older people? What do you think can be done to increase voter turnout, especially among younger voters?
14. Many people view outsourcing as a major problem in America today. Do a little research, and give a specific example of a company that outsources its production and how it impacts the business. Is outsourcing good for American companies? Is it good for American workers? Explain your answer. Also, feel free to include any examples if outsourcing has directly impacted your life
15. Should a balanced budget amendment be added to the Constitution requiring that Congress pass a balanced budget each year? Explain your answer.