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Week 1 Objectives

In Week 1, we are learning about the philosophical background of the US Constitution and how the American system of government was designed as a federal republic based on the principles of representative democracy. Prior to the start of the American Revolution, the Founders agreed on some core principles that necessitated the independence of the colonies from the British Monarchy.  

We are also learning about the representative democracy and the US system of representation, including what constitutes citizen engagement, and theories about how representation works.

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Classroom Discussion

Post a total of three substantive responses over two separate days for full participation.

· You must address at least three of the posted discussion questions. Therefore, your reply posts should be to different topics than your main post.

· Your posts should have APA formatted references.

What is a Substantive Post? A substantive post is 150 to 200 words and is Your Insight + Example From Your Experience/Current Event + Facts/Supporting Evidence/Sources + Reference = Substantive  

The grading rubric found in the side bar explains the grading standard for participation points.

DUE BY THURSDAY

Respond to one of the following question options in a minimum of 175 words:

1.    American Principles: List at least four core principles of the American Revolution. How do these core principles apply in our modern federal republic? As you further reflect on the nature of a federal republic, what is federalism and how is a republic different from direct democracy? What is the purpose of a federal republic?

2.    Citizen Engagement: A democracy is a government by the people. If you do not engage in the political process, are you a good citizen? Why or why not? If the majority of citizens do not participate in the political process, is it still a democracy? Is citizen engagement necessary for a democracy to function? Why or why not? Are all Americans equally able to become engaged in government? What factors make it more possible for some people to become engaged than others? What could be done to change this?

3.    Who Governs?: Describe the pluralism-elitism debate, and the tradeoff perspective of government. Are there any redeeming qualities to elitism and any downsides to pluralism? Are there benefits to having elites rule? Are there any problems with allowing interest groups to exercise influence over government? Do interest groups represent elite opinion or a pluralist opinion? Explain.

DUE BY MONDAY

· Reply to your instructor and your classmates with at least two more substantive messages. 

· Address a different discussion question in your reply posts than the topic of your initial post.

· Be constructive and professional in your responses.