An answer

American Government Paper Assignment

Due Date: at the beginning of the midterm,

10/12/15

The purpose of this assignment is to get you writing and thinking critically about American government. Please answer any question below. The format should be 3-4 typed pages per question, double spaced, size 12 font, with 1 inch margins.

You should begin with an introductory paragraph that sets up your argument and highlights what you are going to talk about. Then in the body of your paper, you should address each of the arguments and ideas that you highlighted in your introductory paragraph. Finally, you should have a conclusion that wraps ups your arguments, restates what you have done, and emphasizes any important points you wish to make.

Choose any question:

1) What is the Bill of Rights and what does it provide? Please provide specific examples. Moreover, how has the interpretation of the Bill of Rights changed over time (please mention any important cases or amendments to defend your answer).

2) What is Political Socialization? Discuss and explain what you think are the 3 most important factors that contribute to Political Socialization. Why are these 3 the most important (vigorously defend your answer)? How do your race and/or gender affect your own political socialization?

3) What is federalism? What are the different types of federalism in our country over time? Why has federalism changed over time in our country? Which model of federalism do you think is the most important and why? How does Federalism affect your relationship with your state and national governments?

4) Explain the difference between liberals and conservatives (in your answer, please include a definition of each)? Also give examples of governmental policies that each would support/oppose and explain why? Please identify a liberal and a conservative politician, explain why you think they are liberal, or conservative, and why you think they are interesting?

5) What kind of democracy do we have? In defending and explaining your answer, please explain the 3 models, or explanations of the American system, as discussed in your text (incidentally, we also discussed these 3 models of democracy in class and in fact, one of them is NOT democratic at all). In addition, explain why you think 1 model is better than the other 2.