Reference no: EM133557092

Homework: Government

Essay I

Instructions:

You must write an essay (1000 words minimum) in which you address the following two questions or topics:

The fundamental values that inform how our democratic government is legitimated and organized are enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and in the Constitution of the United States.

A. Identify and discuss the basic ideals and principles of American democracy (e.g., individualism) AND how they are applied in our republican form of government (e.g., federalism).

Those ideals and principles are discussed in the first and second chapters of your textbook. You can also visit the following websites to read the original document in which these fundamental values were first stated and how they were later incorporated in the American Constitution:

1. The Declaration of IndependenceLinks to an external site.
2. The Constitution of the United StatesLinks to an external site.:

B. Identify the most important Supreme Court cases (e.g., Brown v Board of Education) AND executive actions (e.g., Emancipation Proclamation) then discuss their impact on law and on our society. Please discuss at least three of each.

The history of the United States has been marked by the progressive expansion of voting rights and the protection of its citizens through legislation and Supreme Court decisions. At the same time, executive orders, particularly in periods of crisis led to the violation of individual rights. Throughout this module, these issues are covered. In chapters 3 and 4 you will find the information you need to answer this question. You are also encouraged to visit the following websites for further details.

1. Supreme Court Landmarks.

2. 15 Supreme Court Cases that Changed America.

3. Executive Orders - The American Presidency Project.

4. NAACP was instrumental in the landmark case of Brown v Board of Education. Visit the website to find information on the case that led to desegregation. NAACP Website (Brown v Board of Education).

Essay II

Instructions:

This essay is comprised of two components. The essay must be at least 1000 words overall. Please include a works cited page in APA format as well.

Part A:

1. Begin by completing the following political ideology quizzes:

a. Advocates for Self Government a libertarian website.

b. Pew Research Center for People & the Press.

2. Next, analyze AND share YOUR results. Do you believe that these quizzes accurately measured your ideological leanings to the right or the left? Why or why not?

Part B:

1. Some people argue that there are no significant differences between the two major parties. Backing up your perspective with appropriate sources, what are the major differences and similarities in the views of the Democratic and Republican parties (e.g., this review of party platforms, 1856-2016)? What are the primary areas of difference between contemporary Democrats and Republicans? (i.e. gun control, abortion, taxes, regulation, LGBT rights, etc?) How are the two parties similar? What are the consequences of these patterns for voters and election outcomes? For policy outcomes?

Essay III

Instructions:

This essay must be at least 1000 words. Please include a works cited page as well

What constitutes an appropriate role for the judiciary? Some people argue that courts have become too powerful and that judges legislate from the bench. What does it mean for a court to be activist? What does it mean for a court to show judicial restraint? Although conservatives have long complained about the activism of liberal justices and judges, in recent years liberals have pointed out that conservative judges and justices are now more likely to overturn precedents and question the power of elected institutions of government. Conservatives counter by saying they are simply returning to an older precedent that had been ignored by liberals. If both liberals and conservatives engage in judicial activism, what is the role of the concept of "activism" (perhaps judicial activism is just a term used to describe a court decision you disagree with)?