Reference no: EM132566759

Test II (Take-Home)

Choose at least four from Ch. 4

Ch. 4

1. Explain the rights of the accused using court cases and the United States Constitution. Do you feel that the accused in 2018 have too many rights, adequate rights, or inadequate rights?

2. Briefly, discuss the cases in the chapter that deal with the second amendment. Do you believe that the recent rulings are faithful to the original intent of the Second Amendment? In what ways do you think the government should regulate the use of guns in 2018?

3. Briefly, discuss the cases associated with the "right to privacy." What does this mean and what is the constitutional justification for this interpretation. How do you feel about the hot button issues associated with these cases?

4. Briefly, discuss the first amendment using court cases from the text. Should there be limits on expression? Should the government have the right to regulate television and radio for content? Should there be limits on religious expression in public schools and government?

5. Contrast the arguments for and against affirmative action using court cases and examples from the text. What do you think is the best solution to overcome racial, gender, and cultural bias in American society?

6. Briefly describe the role that political movements (women's rights, civil rights, etc.) have played in securing the legal rights of the disadvantaged. Discuss the role of past legislation (Civil Rights Act of 1964, etc.) and give your perspective on what (if any) new pieces of legislation are necessary to ensure more equality in American society.

7. Think of a disadvantaged group that you would like to assist. It could be one of the federal government's designated groups (such as Native Americans), one of the other groups in the chapter (such as the disabled, gays and lesbians, disabled veterans, Asian Americans, etc.). Why did you choose this group? What are some ideas (legislative, charity work, etc.) that you have to assist this group?

Political Socialization

8. Briefly, describe the process of political socialization. What role do you think this process plays in American politics? Briefly, explain the role of political socialization in your political views.

Political Parties

9. Describe how the party system in the United States has changed over time and its main features today. Be sure to discuss the modern day party coalitions and platforms. How do you feel about our two party system?

10. Describe African American voting patterns from the years following the Civil War until the present day. What factors have led to 90%+ of African Americans support for the Democratic Party? What do you think about this phenomenon?

11. Does online political participation lead to more or less participation offline? What reasons are there to believe that online participation will result in more engagement? What reasons are there to believe that online participation will result in less participation? Explain.