Week 1 discussions
Politics in Our Daily Lives (graded)
Politics in Our Daily Lives (graded)
As we read and discuss the definition of politics, let’s also consider the consequences of political decisions upon our daily routines.
Can you think of a time when a political act impacted your daily life? What made this experience political?
As we begin our discussions, let’s not forget to comment on each other’s posts. Can you see any similarities in your situations?
The Study of Political Science (graded)
Our text mentions that Political Science “seeks to study human behavior through the use of a scientific method that, at times, can prompt objections and debate.”
Our text mentions that Political Science “seeks to study human behavior through the use of a scientific method that, at times, can prompt objections and debate.”
If this is true, why do you think this is the case? Please be sure to provide a specific example from the text to support your response.
Week 2 discussion
Types of Power (graded)
If politics truly defines who gets what, when, where, and how, then those that succeed at this game must have some advantage in doing so. This advantage comes from power.
If politics truly defines who gets what, when, where, and how, then those that succeed at this game must have some advantage in doing so. This advantage comes from power.
So, what is the definition of power? And what types of power are utilized in the political realm?
Theories Regarding the State (graded)
Chapter 4 begins with a description of Plato’s allegory of the cave. As we focus upon the ethical questions concerning the role of the state this week, let’s take a closer look at this parable.
Chapter 4 begins with a description of Plato’s allegory of the cave. As we focus upon the ethical questions concerning the role of the state this week, let’s take a closer look at this parable.
What is the setting of the story? Who are the main characters? And what major events transpire?
Week 3 discussions
Ideologies Compared (graded)
This week your Critical Reflection Paper compares the concepts of liberalism and socialism. To best prepare you for this assignment, let’s take a deeper look at the variations found within liberalism. Classical liberalism is based upon the work of John Locke and Adam Smith whereas modern liberalism focuses upon the work of T.H. Green.
This week your Critical Reflection Paper compares the concepts of liberalism and socialism. To best prepare you for this assignment, let’s take a deeper look at the variations found within liberalism. Classical liberalism is based upon the work of John Locke and Adam Smith whereas modern liberalism focuses upon the work of T.H. Green.
So, what are the differences between these two forms of liberalism? And of the two, which do you agree with most?
Fascism Explored (graded)
Your text states that fascism is “an ideology that introduces totalitarianism as the objective of political decision making.” Its practice stands in opposition to both liberal and socialist ideals. So, what does fascism have against individualism, family, and pacifism?
Your text states that fascism is “an ideology that introduces totalitarianism as the objective of political decision making.” Its practice stands in opposition to both liberal and socialist ideals. So, what does fascism have against individualism, family, and pacifism?
Week 4 discussions
The Supreme Court (graded)
The lecture this week suggests that the Supreme Court is the least democratic branch of government, and yet it serves an important function in our democracy. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a branch of government that is not democratically elected? Would you change the way the court is appointed?
The lecture this week suggests that the Supreme Court is the least democratic branch of government, and yet it serves an important function in our democracy. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a branch of government that is not democratically elected? Would you change the way the court is appointed?
Democracies Compared (graded)
Over the past few weeks, we have had the opportunity to explore the roots of political philosophy. Let’s take a moment to focus in upon the idea of democracy. So, what is the true definition of democracy.
Over the past few weeks, we have had the opportunity to explore the roots of political philosophy. Let’s take a moment to focus in upon the idea of democracy. So, what is the true definition of democracy.
Week 5 discussion
Parliamentary versus Presidential Systems (graded)
As we turn our focus to the international realm, let’s take a moment to compare the governmental systems of the UK and the U.S.
Parliamentary versus Presidential Systems (graded)
As we turn our focus to the international realm, let’s take a moment to compare the governmental systems of the UK and the U.S.
Identify a few key differences between a parliamentary and a presidential system. How is the top leader selected differently? How do you think this difference impacts the kind of people who are chosen?
This section lists options that can be used to view responses.
THE ROLE OF THIRD PARTIES (GRADED)
Third parties in the U.S. are notorious for their lack of success.
Third parties in the U.S. are notorious for their lack of success.
So, can anyone explain why this is?
week 6 discussion
week 6 discussion
CHALLENGES TO WESTERN DEMOCRATIC IDEAS (GRADED)
People in democratic societies would like to think the process would/could/should work everywhere. But sometimes when democracy is exported, it's rejected in the most emphatic and sometimes violent ways. What is it about the idea that people in non-Western societies don't like?>
People in democratic societies would like to think the process would/could/should work everywhere. But sometimes when democracy is exported, it's rejected in the most emphatic and sometimes violent ways. What is it about the idea that people in non-Western societies don't like?>
ETHNIC VIOLENCE (GRADED)
In discussing the concept of violence this week, let’s take a moment to consider the following situation.
In discussing the concept of violence this week, let’s take a moment to consider the following situation.
Imagine a country where religious factions inside a nation want to have their own separate homeland. The government refuses, claiming the territory in question, which commands the nation’s only source of clean water, is vital to security. Is violence inevitable?
Week 7 Discussion
The European Union (graded)
In considering the international realm, let’s consider the concept of economic treaties. Specifically, let's think about an organization like the European Union (EU). Why was it formed? In addition, what are some of the objectives of the nations that are joining the EU?
In considering the international realm, let’s consider the concept of economic treaties. Specifically, let's think about an organization like the European Union (EU). Why was it formed? In addition, what are some of the objectives of the nations that are joining the EU?
Global Markets (graded)
Several countries around the world are transitioning to a market economy; the most significant of these are China and Russia. What do you think the impact will be on other countries around the world as these two countries become even more significant in the global economy? What are some examples of this impact?
Several countries around the world are transitioning to a market economy; the most significant of these are China and Russia. What do you think the impact will be on other countries around the world as these two countries become even more significant in the global economy? What are some examples of this impact?
Match the correct vocabulary to the definition.
Student Answer: :Behavioralism 1 :Investigations in which the effect of a variable is studied by comparing different groups.
:Case study 2 :Investigates a hypothesis by using a test group and a control group.
:Experiment 3 :A statement proposing a specific relationship between phenomena.
:Hypothesis 4 :Applies mathematical approaches to the examination of political phenomena.
:Post-behavioralism 5 :A set of procedures for gathering information that rests on certain epistemological assumptions.
:Quantitative analysis 6 :Political scientists who describe how institutions operate by formal rules and publicly sanctioned procedures.
:Quasi-experiments 7 :Approach to political science that concentrates on the behavior of politically involved individuals and groups.
:Scientific method 8 :An investigation of a specific phenomenon or entity.
:Survey research 9 :Approach to political science that believes it should be relevant, as well as empirically reliable.
:Traditionalists 10 :A method of gathering data with questionnaires and/or interviews.
Student Answer: :Behavioralism 1 :Investigations in which the effect of a variable is studied by comparing different groups.
:Case study 2 :Investigates a hypothesis by using a test group and a control group.
:Experiment 3 :A statement proposing a specific relationship between phenomena.
:Hypothesis 4 :Applies mathematical approaches to the examination of political phenomena.
:Post-behavioralism 5 :A set of procedures for gathering information that rests on certain epistemological assumptions.
:Quantitative analysis 6 :Political scientists who describe how institutions operate by formal rules and publicly sanctioned procedures.
:Quasi-experiments 7 :Approach to political science that concentrates on the behavior of politically involved individuals and groups.
:Scientific method 8 :An investigation of a specific phenomenon or entity.
:Survey research 9 :Approach to political science that believes it should be relevant, as well as empirically reliable.
:Traditionalists 10 :A method of gathering data with questionnaires and/or interviews.
Match the correct vocabulary to the definition.
Student Answer: :Confederal 1 :A group of people with a sense of unity based on the importance the group attributes to a shared trait, attribute, or custom.
:Exchange 2 :A type of power involving incentives, in which one agent gives another agent an item in return for another item.
:Federal states 3 :A type of organization with power decentralized and held primarily or exclusively by local offices.
:Force 4 :The ability of a state to provide security, extract, and make rules.
:Legitimacy 5 :A physical exercise of power.
:Manipulation 6 :States that create different divisions and levels of government and divide power among those divisions and levels.
:Nation 7 :The attribute states possess when their citizens view their sovereignty as appropriate, proper, or acceptable.
:Persuasion 8 :A nonphysical type of power in which the agent using power makes its intentions and desires known to the agent over whom power is exercised.
:Sovereignty 9 :States that concentrate power at the central or national level.
:Unitary states 10 :A nonphysical use of power in which the agent exercising power over a second agent conceals the aims and intentions
motivating
the exercise of power.
Student Answer: :Confederal 1 :A group of people with a sense of unity based on the importance the group attributes to a shared trait, attribute, or custom.
:Exchange 2 :A type of power involving incentives, in which one agent gives another agent an item in return for another item.
:Federal states 3 :A type of organization with power decentralized and held primarily or exclusively by local offices.
:Force 4 :The ability of a state to provide security, extract, and make rules.
:Legitimacy 5 :A physical exercise of power.
:Manipulation 6 :States that create different divisions and levels of government and divide power among those divisions and levels.
:Nation 7 :The attribute states possess when their citizens view their sovereignty as appropriate, proper, or acceptable.
:Persuasion 8 :A nonphysical type of power in which the agent using power makes its intentions and desires known to the agent over whom power is exercised.
:Sovereignty 9 :States that concentrate power at the central or national level.
:Unitary states 10 :A nonphysical use of power in which the agent exercising power over a second agent conceals the aims and intentions
motivating
the exercise of power.
Match the correct vocabulary to the definition.
Student Answer: :Classic liberals 1 :A modified form of liberalism that emphasizes interventionist government and expansive liberty.
:Conservative 2 :Ideology that argues that socialists should organize their struggle against capitalism by creating a vanguard party to lead the revolution against capitalism.
:Interventionist government 3 :Those who favor traditional morality over individual liberty.
:Libertarians 4 :An ideology that believes government is at its best when government is totalitarian.
:Marxist-Leninist 5 :A mix of classical liberalism and traditional conservatism that favors small government and thriving capitalism.
:Modern liberalism 6 :Government that takes a role in regulating economic and social interactions.
:Social democrats 7 :Those who support peaceful, legal efforts to work toward socialism, and believe in multiparty competition and civil liberties.
:Socialism 8 :An ideology arguing that citizens are best served by policies focused on meeting the basic needs of the entire society rather than on serving the needs of individuals as individuals.
:Traditional conservatives 9 :Those who favor strict limits on state action.
:Fascism 10 :Those who ideologies are based on the works of John Locke and Adam Smith.
Match the correct vocabulary to the definition.
Student Answer: :Electorate 1 :A system in which executive-legislative relations operate as follows: (1) executives and legislatures are elected in distinct, separate elections for fixed terms of office; (2) executives cannot be removed by votes of no confidence; and (3) executive power is separated from legislative power.
:Interest groups 2 :Under this rule, parties receive a percentage of offices based on the percentage of votes received in an election.
:Political parties 3 :A system in which (1) legislatures select executive leadership; (2) executives can be removed by votes of no confidence, and new elections may be necessitated; and (3) executive and legislative powers are combined in order to forge a working partnership between the two branches of government.
:Proportional representation 4 :The pool of eligible voters.
:Single-member plurality (SMP) 5 :Political parties other than the two major (Republican and Democrat) parties.
:Single-transferable vote (STV) 6 :Groups of individuals and/or institutions united by shared opinions or interests and organized together in an effort to influence political outcomes.
:Third parties 7 :Under this rule, voters can rank candidates on the ballot as first, second, third, and so on choices and when all votes are counted, second, third, and so on choices are taken into account to reward candidates other than first-place winners.
:Constructive vote of no confidence 8 :A vote of no confidence from a country's legislature that must also be accompanied by agreement on a replacement for the head of state.
:Parliamentary system 9 :Under these rules, the winner of an election is the candidate who receives more votes than anyone else.
:Presidential system 10 :Organizations that put forward proposed leaders whom they support for official positions in government.
Comments:
Student Answer: :Classic liberals 1 :A modified form of liberalism that emphasizes interventionist government and expansive liberty.
:Conservative 2 :Ideology that argues that socialists should organize their struggle against capitalism by creating a vanguard party to lead the revolution against capitalism.
:Interventionist government 3 :Those who favor traditional morality over individual liberty.
:Libertarians 4 :An ideology that believes government is at its best when government is totalitarian.
:Marxist-Leninist 5 :A mix of classical liberalism and traditional conservatism that favors small government and thriving capitalism.
:Modern liberalism 6 :Government that takes a role in regulating economic and social interactions.
:Social democrats 7 :Those who support peaceful, legal efforts to work toward socialism, and believe in multiparty competition and civil liberties.
:Socialism 8 :An ideology arguing that citizens are best served by policies focused on meeting the basic needs of the entire society rather than on serving the needs of individuals as individuals.
:Traditional conservatives 9 :Those who favor strict limits on state action.
:Fascism 10 :Those who ideologies are based on the works of John Locke and Adam Smith.
Match the correct vocabulary to the definition.
Student Answer: :Electorate 1 :A system in which executive-legislative relations operate as follows: (1) executives and legislatures are elected in distinct, separate elections for fixed terms of office; (2) executives cannot be removed by votes of no confidence; and (3) executive power is separated from legislative power.
:Interest groups 2 :Under this rule, parties receive a percentage of offices based on the percentage of votes received in an election.
:Political parties 3 :A system in which (1) legislatures select executive leadership; (2) executives can be removed by votes of no confidence, and new elections may be necessitated; and (3) executive and legislative powers are combined in order to forge a working partnership between the two branches of government.
:Proportional representation 4 :The pool of eligible voters.
:Single-member plurality (SMP) 5 :Political parties other than the two major (Republican and Democrat) parties.
:Single-transferable vote (STV) 6 :Groups of individuals and/or institutions united by shared opinions or interests and organized together in an effort to influence political outcomes.
:Third parties 7 :Under this rule, voters can rank candidates on the ballot as first, second, third, and so on choices and when all votes are counted, second, third, and so on choices are taken into account to reward candidates other than first-place winners.
:Constructive vote of no confidence 8 :A vote of no confidence from a country's legislature that must also be accompanied by agreement on a replacement for the head of state.
:Parliamentary system 9 :Under these rules, the winner of an election is the candidate who receives more votes than anyone else.
:Presidential system 10 :Organizations that put forward proposed leaders whom they support for official positions in government.
Comments:
Match the correct vocabulary to the definition.
Student Answer: :Anarchy 1 :The absence of any overarching world government that enforces rules of peace on existing governments.
:Bipolar system 2 :The name given to U.S. foreign policy objectives in the years immediately after World War II.
:Containment 3 :Stated that the United States would aid countries in resisting what Truman called the "totalitarian" threat posed by the USSR and opened up the possibly of aid to a number of countries.
:Liberalism 4 :An approach to international relations that emphasizes power consideration and their own interests in policy-making.
:Marshall Plan 5 :A system in which two superpower governments, the United States and the USSR, emerged.
:Models of analysis 6 :Provided U.S. economic aid to Europe, consistent with the containment philosophy.
:North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 7 :The multiplicity, diversity, or plurality of opinions and groups free to express themselves within a political system.
:Realism 8 :An organization, founded in 1949, to provide for the common defense of the member countries.
:Truman Doctrine 9 :Influence the processes by which governments make international decisions and the means by which those decisions are analyzed by political scientists and citizens.
:Pluralism 10 :An approach to international relations that emphasizes morality in policy-making and the importance of international interdependence.
Comments:
Match the correct vocabulary to the definition.
Student Answer: :Structural adjustment programs (SAPs) 1 :Economies that remain most closely tied to the free market.
:The European Union 2 :The World Trade Organization
:International Treaties 3 :An economic and political treaty between many Western and Eastern European countries.
:NATO 4 :Governments in which the people and the government are connected in terms of both the input and output of government.
:NAFTA 5 :The European Union, another example of an economic trade agreement.
:WTO 6 :Policies enacted by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) for loaning money to developing countries.
:EU 7 :North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a security agreement that unites member states for the purpose of mutual security.
:Laissez-Faire Economy 8 :Economies where the government owns many social services and heavily regulates private industry.
:Corporatist Economy 9 :North American Free Trade Agreement, which united Canada, the U.S. and Mexico for economic security.
:Social-democratic Economy 10 :Economies that have strong centralized governments attempting to balance income distribution and market concerns between the democratic population and the private sector.
In a one-to-two page (double spaced) paper, describe the difference between liberalism and socialism. Your paper should address the following questions:
Student Answer: :Anarchy 1 :The absence of any overarching world government that enforces rules of peace on existing governments.
:Bipolar system 2 :The name given to U.S. foreign policy objectives in the years immediately after World War II.
:Containment 3 :Stated that the United States would aid countries in resisting what Truman called the "totalitarian" threat posed by the USSR and opened up the possibly of aid to a number of countries.
:Liberalism 4 :An approach to international relations that emphasizes power consideration and their own interests in policy-making.
:Marshall Plan 5 :A system in which two superpower governments, the United States and the USSR, emerged.
:Models of analysis 6 :Provided U.S. economic aid to Europe, consistent with the containment philosophy.
:North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 7 :The multiplicity, diversity, or plurality of opinions and groups free to express themselves within a political system.
:Realism 8 :An organization, founded in 1949, to provide for the common defense of the member countries.
:Truman Doctrine 9 :Influence the processes by which governments make international decisions and the means by which those decisions are analyzed by political scientists and citizens.
:Pluralism 10 :An approach to international relations that emphasizes morality in policy-making and the importance of international interdependence.
Comments:
Match the correct vocabulary to the definition.
Student Answer: :Structural adjustment programs (SAPs) 1 :Economies that remain most closely tied to the free market.
:The European Union 2 :The World Trade Organization
:International Treaties 3 :An economic and political treaty between many Western and Eastern European countries.
:NATO 4 :Governments in which the people and the government are connected in terms of both the input and output of government.
:NAFTA 5 :The European Union, another example of an economic trade agreement.
:WTO 6 :Policies enacted by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) for loaning money to developing countries.
:EU 7 :North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a security agreement that unites member states for the purpose of mutual security.
:Laissez-Faire Economy 8 :Economies where the government owns many social services and heavily regulates private industry.
:Corporatist Economy 9 :North American Free Trade Agreement, which united Canada, the U.S. and Mexico for economic security.
:Social-democratic Economy 10 :Economies that have strong centralized governments attempting to balance income distribution and market concerns between the democratic population and the private sector.
In a one-to-two page (double spaced) paper, describe the difference between liberalism and socialism. Your paper should address the following questions:
What are the basic components and goals of a liberalist government?
What are the basic components and goals of a socialist government?
How do these two ideologies differ from one another?
During your discussion be sure to provide an example of a government that has utilized each form of these political ideologies. In doing so, please also address the question:
What are the basic components and goals of a socialist government?
How do these two ideologies differ from one another?
During your discussion be sure to provide an example of a government that has utilized each form of these political ideologies. In doing so, please also address the question:
Were they effective at meeting the goals of the ideology?
The primary purpose of this assignment is for you to respond to the questions. You may use secondary sources (properly cited), but your grade will depend on your ability to respond to the questions in your own words.
Complete the Critical Response Paper
In a one-to-two page (double-spaced) paper, propose a system for organizing a new government in a country with several religious factions. In your paper be sure to address the following questions.
In a one-to-two page (double-spaced) paper, propose a system for organizing a new government in a country with several religious factions. In your paper be sure to address the following questions.
How should the institutions be set up?
What will be the role of parties?
Would it utilize federalism, or some other type of structure?
Will the people be allowed to vote?
The primary purpose of this assignment is for you to respond to the questions. You may use secondary sources (properly cited), but your grade will depend on your ability to respond to the questions in your own words.
What will be the role of parties?
Would it utilize federalism, or some other type of structure?
Will the people be allowed to vote?
The primary purpose of this assignment is for you to respond to the questions. You may use secondary sources (properly cited), but your grade will depend on your ability to respond to the questions in your own words.
Submit your assignment to the Dropbox located on the silver tab at the top of this page.
See Syllabus/"Due Dates for Assignments & Exams" for due date information.
POLI 330 COMPLETE CLASS SOLUTIONS
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.