Government

Assignment 1 

VIDEO 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_zTN4BXvYI 1

VIDEO 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_95I_1rZiIs

VIDEO 3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok_VQ8I7g6I

Watch the videos, and respond to the following questions:

1. (Video 1) Why do politicians use negative campaigning? When did they start using it?

2. (Video 2) Explain the difference between a primary and a caucus.

3. (Video 3) Explain how the Electoral College works.

Answer each question with between 100 and 150 words. Type answers in a single Word document 

ASSIGNMENT 2

VIDEO 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-7aRJdFiNE

VIDEO 2 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDeBuhIQdYk

Watch the videos, and respond to the following questions:

1. Describe and explain the various functions of interest groups.

2. Distinguish between interest groups and political parties.

Answer each question with between 100 and 150 words. Type answers in a single Word document

ASSIGNMENT  3 

VIDEO 1 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B0f301JJ00

Watch the video, and respond to the following questions:

1. Discuss the concept of bicameralism.

2. Compare and contrast the various responsibilities and functions of the House and Senate.

3. Discuss the significance of the filibuster.

Answer each question with between 100 and 150 words. Type answers in a single Word document

ASSIGNMENT 4 $10 FOR THIS PAGE 

VIDEO 1 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHnmriyXYeg

VIDEO 2 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sYLQ1ne3Ts

Directions: In a paragraph or two per question, respond to the following questions:

1. Which leadership hat of the president do you consider most important?  Why?

2. Which "hat" gives the president the power to negotiate treaties?

3. Do you think the president has too many or too few responsibilities?  If too many, then how should they be reduced?  If too few, then how should they be expanded?

4. Explain the president's role as chief executive and how the president controls and directs federal bureaucratic agencies of government.

5. Discuss the Watergate Scandal of the Nixon Administration within the political and ethical context of the separation of powers.  Did the system of checks and balances operate according to constitutional design to limit presidential power?

ASSIGNMENT 5

VIDEO 1 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWt8hTayupE

VIDEO 2 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ugDU2qNcyg

1. Discuss the difference between the U.S. federal deficits and the federal debt. 

2. Explain the nature of federal expenditures and why so much of the budget is "uncontrollable."

3. What is the primary source of government revenues?

Answer each question with between 100 and 150 words. Type answers in a single Word document 

ASSIGNMENT 6 

VIDEO 1 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi1iyROgOAY

Watch the video, and respond to the following questions:

1. What is the bureaucracy and how does it function in American society?

2. Why do Americans often have a negative view of "bureaucrats?"  Are the criticisms fair? Why or why not?

Answer each question with between 100 and 150 words. Type answers in a single Word document 

ASSIGNMENT 7

 Watch the videos, and respond to the following questions:

VIDEO 1 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZnW_ffOmH8

VIDEO 2 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6Noye3MKkg

1. Discuss the role of the United States Supreme Court in our constitutional system.

2. The Supreme Court often makes controversial decisions, such as legalizing abortion and striking down segregation in schools. Do you think it is the role of the Supreme Court to make decisions regarding public policy? Why or why not?

Answer each question with between 100 and 150 words. Type answers in a single Word document 

ASSIGNMENT 8 

VIDEO 1 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqtE-f0yZoA

Answer each question with between 100 and 150 words. Type answers in a separate Word document 

1. What is the difference between a progressive tax and a regressive tax?

2. Discuss Star Parker's view of our "entitlement" culture? Do you agree with her? Explain why or why not?

ASSIGNMENT 9

VIDEO 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw3yoyIw3oM

Watch the video, and respond to the following questions:

1. Discuss some of the issues with the American health care system and both Presidents Clinton and Obama's attempt to address those problems.

2. Discuss some of the difficulties encountered with President Obama's Affordable Health Care Act, AKA Obamacare.

Answer each question with between 100 and 150 words. Type answers in a single Word document

ASSIGNMENT 10

Watch the video, and respond to the following questions:

VIDEO 1 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kf6CjcJBeM

1. Discuss America's transition from historical isolationism to a more interventionist foreign policy after WWII.

2. What is the point of Rep. Ron Paul's discussion in the video? Do you agree with him?

Answer each question with between 100 and 150 words. Type answers in a single Word document