PAPER ASSIGNMENT

In lieu of a final exam, students will prepare and submit via Moodle a 5-7 page essay (Times New Roman, font 12, double-space, 1-inch margins) from the following topics. Your response must be submitted via Moodle by 5pm on Monday, May 15th.

Your essay should answer all parts of the question and is supported with evidence from assigned readings and lectures. Your essay will be evaluated on the basis of your knowledge and understanding of the material and your ability to effectively communicate your knowledge and understanding of the material in writing (in other words, your essay will be graded based on both your knowledge and your writing ability).

This is a formal essay, so it must be well-organized, well-written, and well-thought out. It should begin with an introduction that includes your thesis statement, follow with a well-organized body, and end with a conclusion. Your essay must draw on concepts and examples from the readings and lectures.

Essay Prompts (Please Select ONE)

1. In creating the U.S. Constitution, the Founders relied on four political principles. Begin by describing in detail the four principles and what the intentions of the Founders' were when they included each one in the Constitution. Next, explain which branch of government the Founders originally intended to be the most powerful and why. Finally, explain how and why the balance of power among the three branches has shifted over time. In other words, which branch is the most powerful today and what happened to allow for the shift in the balance of power? What are the consequences for democratic representation of this shift in the balance of power?

2. You are a Congressional staff member working for a newly-elected member of the House of Representatives. Your first task is to thoroughly explain to your Representative the process by which a bill becomes a law. Be sure to address in detail the role that public opinion, political parties, interest groups, and the president play in the policymaking process.

3. How does the media influence the president, Congress, public opinion and the policymaking process.

In what way is the media having a profound impact in politics and in what areas does the media matter little. Be sure to draw on examples from course materials to support your answer.

4. Political parties have always had a large impact on politics in the United States, however today we witness both nationally and in California, a decline of the party's power and authority over political outcomes. Discuss the areas in which the major political parties in the United States have a tremendous amount of control and power. And those areas in which the authority and power of the party has become limited. Be sure to draw on examples from the course materials to support your answer,