The Constitution It has been said, "The Constitution reflects a basic distrust of direct popular government." Suppose you had a chance to design a government. What sort would you design? Which would you rather have? 1. A political system with the greatest possible political democracy-that is, one that translates popular demands into laws and policies as effectively as possible or A political system that gives elected officials considerable latitude to do what they want to or feel is best without having to worry too much about public opinion. 2. A political system that can make major changes quickly or A political system where major changes in policy are very hard to effect and happen. Add at least two other designs that you would include in your government. ****Remember, you are to answer this blog and then come back to blog and respond to one of your classmates.

Political Theories

The Framers of the Constitution established a representative democracy. Political scientist have developed elite theories of American Democracy; Traditional, Pluralist, Elite and Hyperpluralism. Watch video at link: http://www.hippocampus.org/hippocampus.php/course_locator.php?course=American%20Government&lesson=1&topic=2&width=800&height=684&topicTitle=Theories%20of%20Democracy&skinPath=http://www.hippocampus.org/hippocampus.skins/default Which theory do believe most closely relates to the role that the average citizen plays in politics. In your answer, you must include a description of the theory and why you believe that this is the case. Remember, you need to check back and respond to one of your classmates responses.

Review for Test - Chapters 4, 7 and 8

Review for Test on Wednesday, 11/18/10

1. What is the Motor Voter Law?
2. What are the characteristics of voters?
3. What was the Voting Rights Act?
4. What methods were used to keep blacks from voting?
5. How has the electorate changed over the years?
6. How does gender/education/religion affect politics?
7. Who votes Republican/Democrat?
8. Why are Public Opinion polls taken?
9. What are the different ways of political participation?
10. What are the beliefs of Republicans/Democrats?
11. What is the culture war?
12. What has been the trend of America’s trust of government?
13. % of people who vote?
14. Effects of the Australian ballot
15. Know the terms: political culture, political efficacy, political socialization, cynicism

Civil Liberties

About half of America feels that it should be illegal to destroy an American Flag in the US. Many people feel that if you do not like the American way of life, you should leave the country.

In your opinion, should destroying an American Flag be protected under the 1st Amendment. Why or why not?

Political Parties

What are three things that you feel that Political Parties should be dealing with today? What issue is the most important to you?

Media

Although the United States has one of the freest presses in the world, the
media are still subject to some constraints. If you were the head of the
FCC, what constraints would you want to add or remove to the constraints
already in place. Please explain

Political Participation

The text discusses the reasons for political participation and also gives reasons for the decline in voter turnout in the United States. With this information, formulate a strategy to increase voter participation. Consider target groups, electoral procedures and legal requirements.