Category: Government

Choose one scenario from the list below. If you want to choose an issue not listed, please contact your instructor for approval. Choose one:
Campus Safety—The parents of local high school students are concerned about student safety on campus. At the recent school board meeting, they proposed installing metal detectors at the entrance to each high school.

Smoking and Vaping—Local health officials warn there has been a sharp rise in minors with lung damage and disease related to smoking, vaping, or involuntary inhalation. At a council meeting, they proposed a ban on the sale of tobacco and vape products anywhere in the county.

Teen Curfew—Local arrest reports show that most violent crimes occur in the hours between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. The data also reveal that most suspects and victims are teenagers. The city council has proposed a 10 p.m. curfew for all minors (those under 18 years of age).

Based on your scenario, research the rationale for and against the proposed action. You will need at least four reputable sources total—two in support of and two against the proposed action. Sources could be government websites, interest groups, or even research organizations. You might find sources that detail both support and opposition—just be sure that you have balanced research. Cite your sources in MLA Citation Style. You may find this activity on how to Research helpful to get started.

Write your essay using the following structure:
Introduce your chosen scenario, discussing why it is an issue. Describe the limitation to individual rights or interests that is proposed in the scenario.

Discuss at least two reasons to support this limitation. Refer to your research sources to support these reasons.

Discuss at least two reasons to oppose this limitation. Refer to your research sources to support these reasons.

Take a stand. Conclude with which side has the strongest argument and the reasons why it is more robust, considering your research evidence.

Cite your sources using MLA format. List them at the bottom of your essay. Review your essay for spelling, grammar, and clarity.

This is a two-part essay; the first part analyzes the results of a political typology quiz we were asked to take. My results are attached. I agree that the quiz is accurate in describing my political views. Next, analyze the results. Do you believe these quizzes accurately measured your ideological leanings to the right or the left? Why or why not?
the second part should consist of answering the questions below: “Some people argue that there are no significant differences between the two major parties. Backing up your perspective with appropriate sources, what are the major differences and similarities in the views of the Democratic and Republican parties (e.g., this review of party platforms, 1856-2016 www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/2016-election/conventions/party-platform-evolution/ Links to an external site.)? What are the primary areas of difference between contemporary Democrats and Republicans? How are the two parties similar? What are the consequences of these patterns for voters and election outcomes? For policy outcomes?”

1. Go to https://www.isidewith.com/political-quiz and take the quiz over what political party you most likely align with. DO NOT just assume you are either Republican or Democrat you must take the quiz. At the end of the quiz it will tell you what political party you most likely align with. I am NOT looking for the information on what candidate for President you most align with so make sure you click on the political parties at the top to see which party you align with. Make sure you write down or take a screen shot of the top two results the quiz gives you and the percentages. You will need this information for your assignment. (Step one)
It should look something like this but with your individual results:
1. Democrat 56%
2. Republican 22%
3. Freedom Party 21%
4. Libertarian 22%
5. etc.
6. etc.
2. Once you learn what party you most align with you will need to find how your party feels about the following issues:
• Immigration
• Environment
• Education
• Health Care
Basically you will be researching the official stance or platform of the political party you most align with on the issues above. I have the links to each of the four major parties for you at the bottom and this should help you in finding this information out.
Paragraphs 1-4: Write a paragraph for each topic summarizing your party’s stance on the aforementioned topics. This should be written in your own words. Each paragraph should state whether you agree with your political party on each issue? Be specific. If not, in what ways do you disagree? Again, be specific. This is not an easy assignment; the essay requires you to do research outside of the book. Do not plagiarize.
If possible, please complete the assignment on one of the four major political parties listed below. The other parties in the isidewith quiz are minor parties and they may not have all the information that we are looking for.
The political party links are below for you to reference if you need help researching your answer:
https://www.arkansasgop.org – Republican Party of Arkansas
https://www.arkdems.org – Democratic Party of Arkansas
greenpartyofarkansas.org – Green Party of Arkansas
lpar.org – Libertarian Party of Arkansas

nstructions
[Module Learning Objectives Assessed: 3.3]
Federalism – Dividing Power between States and the United States
Read Chapter 3 textbook and review the links below:
Explaining Federalism: https://billmoyers.com/story/federalism-explained/
Explaining Unitary: https://vittana.org/12-unitary-system-pros-and-cons
Explaining Unitary: https://apecsec.org/pros-and-cons-of-unitary-government/
Explaining Confederate: https://vittana.org/11-pros-and-cons-of-articles-of-confederation
Explaining all 3: http://fhsboyd.weebly.com/uploads/5/5/6/2/5562296/__s1i_pdf_advantages_and_disadvantages_of_federal_confederate_and_unitary_systems_of.pdf
Explaining all 3: https://guides.skylinecollege.edu/c.php?g=279117
Academics Believe Unitary is Superior (specifically for non-large countries): http://www.bu.edu/sthacker/files/2012/01/Are-Federal-Systems-Better-than-Unitary-Systems.pdf
Interesting Mix
Decentralized Unitary states (Netherlands) https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01402388708424654?journalCode=fwep20
Essay Question: Review the links above and analyze the pros and cons of federalism, unitary and confederal systems. Please discuss all three systems of power organization. In the end, explain to me whether you believe that we should keep our federal system or whether we should abandon it in favor of a different one.
Your essay should be between 500 and 600 words, double-spaced and in APA format, with parenthetical citations and a Reference List. A cover page is not necessary.
View the Written Assignment Rubric to understand how you will will be evaluated.
All essays will be submitted in the assigned drop box, which will include a Turnitin originality report.
https://mycoursessupport.spcollege.edu/reviewing-a-turnitin-report
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. A failing grade for the assignment and/or the course will be awarded pursuant to the SPC Academic Integrity Policy. https://go.spcollege.edu/AcademicHonesty/
For definitive APA formatting, refer to one of the following:
Print Manual: American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association: The official guide to APA style.
APA Style Website: https://apastyle.apa.org/
SPC created APA Information Guide: https://spcollege.libguides.com/hecapa
Librarians can assist you: Ask A Librarian (online chat) or Schedule a Research Consultation with a Librarian.
Penalties for not providing in-text citations and/or references will range from 10 to 40 points.
See also the Written Assignment Grading Rubric for additional information on your assignment grade.

One of the more contentious issues facing the state of Texas and the nation at-large has been voting rights, with several conservative leaning states having passed legislation which some claim is racist and targeted at preventing minority residents from voting, while it hers claim that the legislation merely codifies pre-existing legislation which was already in place, albeit in different laws, but which were relaxed in order to allow voter participation in the midst of the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic and which were never meant to permanently alter the voting process. Republicans claim that it is all in the name of voting integrity that they have passed such laws, while Democrats have gone as far as claiming such legislation amounts to nothing more than Jim Crow in suit and tie. The issue of such legislation has led to fiery protests and speeches across the nation, including in Texas where state Democrats fled the state for weeks in order to attempt to prevent Republicans from passing voting rights legislation while lobbying for the US Congress to pass comprehensive national legislation aimed at thwarting state-level laws, though such federal attempts would certainly be challenged in court by Republicans and conservative states as federal overreach given that the US constitution provides for states to choose the timing and methods for administering elections (so long as doing so does not thwart or fly in the face of any federal laws on voting). Based upon the articles provided, as well as any others which you may choose to use, you are to analyze this issue and determine if Republican voting legislation is valid and legal, or if such laws violate the basic constitutional tenant of access to voting and amounts to nothing more than modern-day Jim Crow in suit.

Gov. Greg Abbott signs Texas voting bill into law, overcoming Democratic quorum breaks
SB 1 makes up Republicans’ third attempt to pass a far-reaching law that restricts how and when voters cast ballots. It takes particular aim at voting initiatives used in diverse, Democratic Harris County in the 2020 election.
Alexa Ura
The Texas Tribune

Most Texans support GOP elections bill despite months of Democratic outrage, poll finds
A new poll found that nearly 60 percent of Texans approve of new restrictions that target…
Jasper Scherer
Houston Chronicle

One of the more contentious issues facing the state of Texas and the nation at-large has been voting rights, with several conservative leaning states having passed legislation which some claim is racist and targeted at preventing minority residents from voting, while it hers claim that the legislation merely codifies pre-existing legislation which was already in place, albeit in different laws, but which were relaxed in order to allow voter participation in the midst of the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic and which were never meant to permanently alter the voting process. Republicans claim that it is all in the name of voting integrity that they have passed such laws, while Democrats have gone as far as claiming such legislation amounts to nothing more than Jim Crow in suit and tie. The issue of such legislation has led to fiery protests and speeches across the nation, including in Texas where state Democrats fled the state for weeks in order to attempt to prevent Republicans from passing voting rights legislation while lobbying for the US Congress to pass comprehensive national legislation aimed at thwarting state-level laws, though such federal attempts would certainly be challenged in court by Republicans and conservative states as federal overreach given that the US constitution provides for states to choose the timing and methods for administering elections (so long as doing so does not thwart or fly in the face of any federal laws on voting). Based upon the articles provided, as well as any others which you may choose to use, you are to analyze this issue and determine if Republican voting legislation is valid and legal, or if such laws violate the basic constitutional tenant of access to voting and amounts to nothing more than modern-day Jim Crow in suit.

Gov. Greg Abbott signs Texas voting bill into law, overcoming Democratic quorum breaks
SB 1 makes up Republicans’ third attempt to pass a far-reaching law that restricts how and when voters cast ballots. It takes particular aim at voting initiatives used in diverse, Democratic Harris County in the 2020 election.
Alexa Ura
The Texas Tribune

Most Texans support GOP elections bill despite months of Democratic outrage, poll finds
A new poll found that nearly 60 percent of Texans approve of new restrictions that target…
Jasper Scherer
Houston Chronicle

Objective: To develop critical thinking skills and media literacy by comparing news articles on the same topic from different sources, utilizing AI to identify marketing and emotional trigger words. Students will reflect on the articles and use AI to generate unbiased content. Students will choose two news aggregators and compare the same story from different viewpoints, such as Fox News vs. CNN, TikTok vs. X (Formerly Twitter).
Here are some questions to consider:
How does news selection amplify one’s political views?
How do digital platforms impact the choice and quality of news for consumers?
What choices might writers, editors, producers, and so on make that could lead to bias in news sources?
How can headlines be misleading, and how can editors express bias by choosing whether or not to use a specific news story?
What are some ways to detect bias in news media, and why is it important to compare news reports from a wide variety of sources?
AI News Generators
Here are just a few possible options you can use. Please note that some require a paid subscriiption but almost all offer a free version or a free trial. If you know of others that I did not list below, please share them with me so I can use them in future classes. ChatGPT
APP Sonic
Perplexity.ai
Bard
Texta
Write Sonic
Hour One
Step 1: Select a Topic
Choose a current event or topic related to American Government. Ensure it is covered by multiple news sources.
Step 2: Identify News Articles
Find two news articles from different sources covering the chosen topic. Make sure the articles present varying perspectives.
News websites (e.g., NYTimes.com, WashingtonPost.com, CNN.com)
News aggregators (e.g., Google News, Reddit, RealClearPolitics)
Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok)
Television (cable news channels such as Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, or broadcast channels like CBS, NBC, and ABC)
Radio and podcasts (terrestrial talk radio, SiriusXM, podcast industry)
Newspapers (physical newspaper subscriiptions or purchases)
Pick a story and examine the same news story from contrasting perspectives (e.g., Fox News vs. CNN).
Provide a link or citation for these sources. Step 3: AI News Generator Access one of the free AI news generator tools provided (e.g., APP Sonic).
Employ ChatGPT, or AI tool of you choice, to search for marketing and/or emotional trigger words in both articles.
Provide ChatGPT with the following prompt:
“Identify marketing and emotional trigger words in the selected news articles related to [chosen topic].”
Special note: you will need to copy and paste the text into ChatGPT as it cannot link to outside sources. Step 4: Reflect on Findings
After receiving the AI-generated analysis, reflect on how the use of these words may influence readers’ perceptions. Consider the potential biases introduced.
Step 5: AI-generated Rewrite
Provide a rewritten prompt to ChatGPT that emphasizes the importance of an unbiased analysis.
For example: “Generate a neutral summary of the news articles on [chosen topic], focusing on presenting facts without any emotional or promotional language.”
Use the revised prompt to obtain an unbiased summary of the news articles from ChatGPT. Compare the AI-generated unbiased content with the original articles.
Step 6: Conclusion
Post a summary of your findings on the online discussion forum. Include insights on marketing and emotional trigger words, the impact on reader perception, and a comparison of the unbiased summary with the original articles.

Everything is included in the file and the text below:
This assignment requires you to read “Moral Criticisms of the Market” by Ken S. Ewert (found in the Learn section, Read: Moral Criticisms of the Market). Note that in his article, Ewert is defending the free market from “Christian Socialists.” He states their position and then gives a rebuttal.
Do you agree with the critique of the market in Ewert’s article? Why or why not? Read carefully and offer cogent reasons.
Consider the context of the article; the Berlin Wall fell months after the article was published. The USSR followed shortly thereafter.

Everything is included in the file and the text below:
This assignment requires you to read “Moral Criticisms of the Market” by Ken S. Ewert (found in the Learn section, Read: Moral Criticisms of the Market). Note that in his article, Ewert is defending the free market from “Christian Socialists.” He states their position and then gives a rebuttal.
Do you agree with the critique of the market in Ewert’s article? Why or why not? Read carefully and offer cogent reasons.
Consider the context of the article; the Berlin Wall fell months after the article was published. The USSR followed shortly thereafter.

Write a 250-word essay explaining your informed opinion about immigration policy and immigration reform. Consider the information you have gathered and brainstormed about throughout this task. Review the arguments supporting and opposing increased immigration. Do some additional research on your own. Then, make a claim in support of one side, explain your reasoning, and support your reasons with evidence and arguments from your resources.