WRITING ASSIGNMENT 1

Select ONE of the following topics to discuss in Writing Assignment 1. The writing assignment should be a minimum of 750 words. You should use information from the textbook and outside sources to complete the assignment in the textbook. You must include a Works Cited page and in-text citations. See the Writing Assignment Instructions for more information.

1.  The textbook provides a definition of democracy and then points out that there are several different approaches to providing for democratic participation with the government.  Based on what you have read, do you feel that the United States should be considered a democracy?  Support your position using the elements of democracy found in the textbook and/or other materials you can find from legitimate sources.

2.  The U.S. Constitution is the result of a series of compromises, some of which seem to be contradictory to the whole.  Identify at least three compromises that were part of the final constitutional design.  Which of these agreements do you feel was the most important to the creation of the Constitution?

3.  One function of government in the United States is to provide access to transportation to businesses and citizens.  Consider how the construction of roads and bridges and the maintenance of canals or waterways might look different under each of the types of federalism provided in the textbook.  Which version of federalism do you feel would work the best?