Essay Questions

Question 1:

Using proper MLA bibliographic formatting, cite the film text in the box to the right

Question 2:

Develop a thesis statement pertaining to the assigned film text and whether or not it, the film, in your view has the power to transform one’s political sensibilities. Your argument should express your point of view regarding the politics of difference, political sensibilities, and political transformation(s) as related to the film. Remember, you’re writing (developing) an analytical essay. Submit your thesis statement in the box located to the right. Be sure to proofread your work.

Question 3:

Develop three (3) topic sentences that articulate the major ideas that will comprise the body of your essay. Remember that your topic sentences should clearly state the argument or point to be made in the respective paragraphs and must map back to your thesis statement. Submit your topic sentences in the box located to the right. Be sure to proofread your work.

Question 4:

Identify three (3) scenes from the film that support your thesis statement. Briefly explain your choices of scenes and how the scenes specifically support your thesis statement. Also, provide the exact time the scenes begin and end within the film text. Submit your reply in the box located to the right. Be sure to proofread your work.

Question 5:

Lastly, fully develop your introductory paragraph. Remember that the best possible thesis will answer some specific question about the text. In this case a question related to the film’s power to transform political sensibilities regarding difference. Your thesis statement should appear parenthetically within the paragraph you present. Submit your answer in the box located to the right. Be sure to proofread your work.

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After watching the PBS documentary Cheney’s Law in class today, please answer the following questions in a three (3) page typewritten paper.

1. What events during the Ford, Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations shaped Dick Cheney’s views of executive branch powers?
2. David Addington and Dick Cheney have worked together for two decades  and share similar views on executive power. Explain these views.
3. What did Vice President Cheney hope to accomplish by expanding presidential power after the Sept. 11 attacks?
4. What role did the Justice Department under Attorney General John  Ashcroft play in deterring the Bush administration’s policies on  interrogation and intelligence gathering?
5. What is a signing statement? How does a signing statement affect a  congressional law? What effect does a signing statement have on the  checks and balances between Congress and the executive branch?
6. In which areas discussed in the program (torture, domestic  wiretapping, redefining presidential authority and the use of signing  statements) do you feel the president and vice president are justified  in their actions? Why or why not?