The Present-Day Constitutions Of The U.S

Write an argumentative essay (maximum of 1,250 words) in which you respond to one of the questions below. Be sure to use evidence from the course materials: the texts, lectures and discussions.

Do not use outside materials!

Compare and contrast the U.S. and California with respect to one of the following. Is the U.S. or California better at achieving the goals of democracy? Could either of them be improved to be more democratic?

1.  The present-day constitutions of the U.S. and California (you may include federalism as well)

2. Congress and the state legislature

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1. Once you have read Raskin and Baker’s debate “Has the Electoral College Outlived its Usefulness?” post your 250 word minimum initial response to the following: 

• What are the main arguments to keep the Electoral College? What are the main arguments to abolish/alter the Electoral College?
• What are your thoughts? Would you keep or abolish the Electoral College? Why?

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You need to see Hollywood: Boy’s Don’t Cry. Doc: The Brandon Teena Story.

In this class we have identified as one of our objectives the ability to fully engage, in critical ways, popular culture and its influence upon our political selves, our political sensibilities.  With our focus on “deep differences” we find ourselves examining both documentary and feature-length film texts.

In 300-500 words share whether or not you believe the assigned documentary film text has the potential to transform one’s political sensibilities and how the documentary film text compares to the feature-length non-documentary film text that examines the same historical political movement and/or figure.   And, if you believe that your personal political sensibilities have been (re)shaped or transformed by a particular film and/or style of film, say so.   Again, the objective here is to share your thoughts pertaining to the major thesis presented in Democracy and Difference.