Ch 3, 4 & 5 Discussion
Question #1: Federalism
The power of the national government has expanded a great deal in the last two centuries. There are legitimate arguments to be made that the national government has exceeded the power the Founders had in mind for it. On the other hand, there are also good arguments that social and economic changes make a stronger national government necessary. Come up with examples of why the changing social and economic environment makes a strong national government important and/or specific examples of where national authority has gone too far. In answering this question, go beyond stating a position and explain
why. It is also perfectly acceptable to cite examples from both sides of this debate.
Question #2: Civil Liberties
Imagine that you are approached on the street and asked to advise a new country that is drafting its constitution (Doesn’t this happen to you all of the time). The founders of this new nation are using the U.S. Constitution as a blueprint, but are open to making changes. You can suggest one or both of the following:
– A liberty that
is not granted by the U.S. Constitution that
should be included.
– A liberty that
is granted by the U.S. Constitution that
should not be included.
Whichever you choose, make sure to explain your reasoning. What types of problems would be avoided if this new country follows your advice? Be as specific as possible about how including or excluding the liberty that you have identified would change the way that politics works and the types of laws that can be passed.
Question #3: The new country
In 250 words, discuss the biological and cultural exchange between Europe and the Native Americans. Address how the arrival of Europeans impacted the ecological change in the Americas. Topics could include changes among animal species, ecological damage caused by humans, and introducing new flora and fauna into the Americas.
