Discussion topic 1.

Unitary Government in the United States?

– As explained in the presentation, unitary systems of government are the most common worldwide. Could a unitary system work in the United States, or is would this create more political conflict?

For your post, I would like you to identify and explain one example of a political issue or public service that might be more effectively dealt with if the United States operated under a unitary system.

Similarly, I want you to identify and explain one example of a political issue or public service that might be less effectively dealt with if the United States operated under a unitary system.

Discussion Post 2

Sanctions on States

– As discussed in this module, the federal government has various means of imposing economic ‘sanctions’ on states. These are most often used to influence state policies within issue areas (e.g. traffic laws) where Congress does not have the Constitutional power to pass actual regulations.

One way of thinking about such sanctions is that they are an inherent feature of federal systems; sanctions represent a means of bringing states into alignment on significant public safety issues without eroding the legal powers of states.

An alternative argument is that this represents an unfair form of coercion or manipulation of state policies; sanctions allow the federal government to work around the limits on its power that are established in the Constitution.

In your post, explain your view of federal sanctions – preferably with examples.

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Each discussion post needs to be about 3 paragraphs in length, thoroughly answering the questions asked.

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For the students response part i just need a paragraph to two different students post replying to what they stated.

(i will copy/paste and give you each students response)

This is a class discussion post that needs to be approximately 2-4 paragraphs in length.

***Discussion Post should be followed accordingly each question asked needs to be answered.

********I will post the students response below. With the Student response it should be 1-2 paragraphs in length reply to the students disccusion.

********************Discussion Post*****************

In this week’s materials, we briefly discussed the issue of descriptive representation. How important is it that a legislature is as demographically diverse as it’s constituents? How might this effect the overall functioning and responsiveness of the legislature? If descriptive representation is important, what are some ways that statehouses might become more diverse?

************************ Student Response***************************

In Country like we have here in the United States, descriptive representation should be extremely important. I want to point out a key word, “should.” Yes, there should be very diverse representation, but I do not think the diversity should be the main factor in a candidate winning over another. The best candidate should win regardless of race, occupation, ethnicity ect. To make this clear, I am not in any way saying electing diversity assumes electing inferior candidates. Luckily for the the United States we have vast populations of capable candidates from all areas, races, and ethnicities to represent local populations in a productive and meaningful fashion. The United States is a melting pot with extremely diverse views and cultures. It is nearly impossible for someone to properly represent a population that they 1) are not immersed in, and 2) probably do not even interact with. With out descriptive representation the legislature will most likely cater to few populations wants and needs. Although having diverse representatives might cause the functioning a little more rough, due to contradicting opinions, it would be overall good for the citizens they govern. The extra arguments and tension between members views would benefit a larger portion of the population. There is only one way for State houses to become more diverse. People need to get out of their comfort zones and run, and people need to get out and vote when election time comes. That is the beauty in our government system. Everyone has a voice, especially in local politics. If descriptive representation is a true problem, then society needs to go out and make the changes they want to see.

************ With the Student response it should be 1-2 paragraphs in length replying to the students work.

Assignment 2: Federalism

The system of federalism was instituted with the writing and authorization of the Constitution in 1787. In dividing power between states and the national government, federalism has undergone challenges to the placement of power. Should power reside primarily in national or in state government? The Civil War was the most dramatic challenge to the placement of power. Southern states argued, under the leadership of John C. Calhoun, that states’ power superseded national power, while northern states, under the leadership of President Abraham Lincoln, stressed the need for union under the leadership and direction of the national government.

In the more than two hundred years since the Constitution’s adoption, there have been many changes to the meaning of federalism, with power shifting between state and national governments. In the twentieth century, the shifts of power became largely associated with the national government’s ability to provide increased funding sources. With more funding available, the national government has expanded its impact on all areas of state governments. This increased power has had many advocates and many detractors, each with strong justifications.

Research federalism using your textbook, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet. Write a paper on federalism. Structure your paper as follows:

Define federalism.

Explain three advantages of federalism.

Explain three disadvantages of federalism.

Identify and describe at least two ways in which American federalism has changed since the ratification of the Constitution.

Discuss one advantage or disadvantage of federalism most relevant to you.

Describe the relationship between contemporary politics and trends in the size and power of the federal government.

Write a 2–3-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards for writing style to your work. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M2_A2.doc.

By the due date assigned, deliver your assignment to the Submissions Area.

Assignment 2 Grading CriteriaMaximum PointsSignificant advantages and disadvantages of federalism are identified and explained.20Significant changes in American federalism are identified and explained.16Impact of federalism to your life is identified and discussed objectively.12Impact of size and power of the federal government of contemporary politics is accurately identified and explained.20Statements are supported by reasons and research information.12Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.20Total:100

Assignment 1: Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s

The 1960s civil rights movement in America was significant and eventful. The era was marked by protests against the Vietnam War and the passing of the most comprehensive civil rights laws. The 1960s were the age of youth as 70 million children from the postwar baby boom became teenagers and young adults.

Research the civil rights movement using your textbook and the Argosy University online library resources. Respond to the following:

The civil rights movement in the 1960s was volatile but fell apart in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Do you think the movement was a success? Why or why not?

Will there ever be another social movement in America of the same magnitude and impact as the civil rights movement of the 1960s? If no, why not? If yes, what societal dynamics would have to be in place for such a movement to occur?

Write your response to each question in 150–200 words.

By the due date assigned, post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area.

Through the end of the module review and comment on at least two peers’ responses.

Grading CriteriaMaximum PointsQuality of initial posting, including fulfillment of assignment instructions16Quality of responses to classmates12Frequency of responses to classmates4Reference to supporting readings and other materials4Language and grammar4Total:40