This week’s lecture and readings examine the basic processes of how laws are made, passed, implemented and interpreted in the United States. Serving as the bedrock, or a “how to” for the government, the Constitution also elucidates certain rights to the states and to individuals. During the Covid-19 pandemic, both the federal government and state governments have expanded their powers to protect public health. However, some have argued that this expansion of governmental power violates an individual’s rights, and advocates wonder if and when this “over reach” will recede.
What do you think about this conflict between protecting public health and the ability to exercise individual rights? I am interested in a well thought out argument that is supported with specific examples and not just general statements.
DUE: Friday 6/18 @ 2pm. Suppose you were a health policy advisor to Governor Murphy of New Jersey during the past year with the responsibility of suggesting how to manage the pandemic within the boundries of respecting people’s individual rights. From a health policy perspective, what action would you recommend the governor take regarding trying to keep New Jerseyans healthy during Covid-19 but yet still allowing individuals to exercise their rights.
DUE: Monday, 6/21 @ 2 pm. Then, respond in 1 paragraph to a classmate’s submission.
To guide you in this assignment, consider the following:
Suggest a brief action plan to the Governor, citing ideas that you argue make sense (and why) or don’t work (and why).
Based on your experiences, the lecture notes, readings and other sources, create an inventive action plan that acknowledges the challenges of making health policy.
In grading these assignments, I am looking for APPROPRIATE use of class terms, original ideas, critical thinking and SPECIFIC examples. Generalities and vague comments are discouraged. If you make an assertion, I expect that you will support it with a specific example.
To this end, include at least 4 specific class terms, in bold, and reference at least 1 concept from the readings/ lecture notes.
Make sure you use paragraphs and proper grammar.
Please comment on a classmate’s post in one paragraph taking the following into account:
The same requirements apply as apply to the first section, namely,:
I am looking for APPROPRIATE use of class terms, original ideas, critical thinking and SPECIFIC examples. Generalities and vague comments are discouraged. If you make an assertion, I expect that you will support it with a specific example.
Make sure you use paragraphs and proper grammar.
In your commentary, make sure you use critical thinking. Simply saying “That is interesting” or “I agree with what you said” will result in point deductions.
