For your first essay, choose from one of the following prompts below as it relates to Chapters 1-3:
1. To what extent should the government be involved in social issues? Choose a specific example to support your opinion.
2. Were the British justified in taxing the colonists before the rebellion? Is taxation the most reliable form of funding government activities? Why or why not?
3. What specific provisions in the Constitution govern the federalist relationship in the United States? How instrumental was the Supreme Court in developing federalism? Would the current court still uphold federalism in the same way?
Present your argument on the political issue. Think critically about the position you choose and defend and clearly express your thoughts about it in writing.
Consider eight standards for critical thinking (Paul and Elder, 2103): clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, and fairness.
Ask questions, such as
How can I validate the accuracy of my statement?
How is this information relevant?
How does my conclusion address the complexities of the issue?
What is another interpretation or viewpoint of the issue?
Does my conclusion follow from the data and/or statements I have provided?