ForumModule 1: Discussion Forum
Review the reading materials and engage in the discussion topics below:
Read Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
After completing the background reading, engage in a discussion that provides your informed opinion on the topic. Make sure to include citations in APA format to your questions/responses to help your classmates develop a deeper understanding of the topic.
ENV.current_user_fullname, you must cover two questions from “American Political Culture” and “US Constitution and Bill of Rights” topics, plus all the questions from the “Civil Rights” in your original post.
American Political Culture
Why do only 45% of Americans take part in the political process OR VOTE?
If we are the leading figure on Democracy in the world, why do so many Americans distrust our Political Process?
Compare and contrast the priorities of the Federalists and Antifederalists for the design of the new Constitution. Although the Federalists argued for a stronger central government (and in many ways, they got one), the Antifederalists won important battles, such as the adoption of the Bill of Rights and the retention of power in the states. What does the debate between Federalists and Antifederalists tell us about American politics in the late eighteenth century? In what ways are the values and concerns of these two groups similar to or different from today’s political debates?
Combating terrorism has entailed restrictions on civil liberties. How can we reconcile civil liberty and national security? Are we better off opting for more liberty or more security? Are the two goals mutually exclusive? Have Americans become less supportive of the limitations on liberty put into place after the terror attacks in 2001, or do they still perceive that it makes sense to give up some liberties in order to feel more secure?
US Constitution and Bill of Rights
Did the Constitution provide us with a Strong Central Government in DC? or did it provide us with a Dictatorship style. E.g., D.C. now controlling Education (No Child Left Behind)
Are we still a free country under the Constitution (Bill of Rights) or has our government taken away our rights? e.g. Patriot Act.
READ: NASA Internet Mining Article Links to an external site.
Would the Foundering Fathers be happy with the way the Constitution is interpreted today?
In light of the recent NSA spying on Americans. Do you believe that government has a right to do so or is Security more important than our constitutional right?
Civil Rights – Answer all questions for this topic.
Listen to the two-minute NPR segment about Dion Diamond Links to an external site., take notes and answer following questions.
What is the purpose of sit-ins?
Do you think student activism was important to the civil rights movement?
What are some examples of contemporary student activism?
How dangerous is it to stage a civil rights protest today in comparison to the 1960s?
You must post three responses (200+ words minimum for each post) for this discussion board. In the discussions students create a single post on the selected topics (200+ words) and respond to two classmates (200+ words each) for a total of three posts. Please see the syllabus for additional information on the requirements for discussion forums.
