POLITICAL PENGUINS - Home



A.P. U.S. Government and PoliticsSample Concept Application Essay Questions “Our politicians have aggressively pursued a policy of globalization – moving our jobs, our wealth, and our factories to Mexico and overseas. Globalization has made . . . politicians very wealthy. But it has left millions of our workers with nothing but poverty and heartache.”Donald Trump, excerpts from a campaign speech in Monessen, PA, 6-28-2016Three models of representative democracy – participatory, pluralist, and elite – have been used to describe American democracy. After reading the quotation, respond to parts A, B, and C.Describe the model of democracy that is best represented in the quotation.Describe a different model of democracy from the model you described in part A.Explain one reason why civil society is a cornerstone of the participatory and pluralist models of democracy.In a letter to James Madison in November 1786, George Washington wrote,What stronger evidence can be given of the want of energy in our government than these disorders? If there exists not a power to check them, what security has a man of life, liberty, and property? To you, I am sure I need not add aught on this subject, the consequences of a lax, or inefficient government, are too obvious to be dwelt on. Thirteen sovereignties pulling against each other, and all tugging at the federal head will soon bring ruin to the whole; whereas a liberal, and energetic Constitution, well guarded and closely watched, to prevent encroachments, might restore us to that degree of respectability and consequence, to which we had fair claim, and the brightest prospect of attaining.After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.In the context of the passage, describe George Washington’s main concern regarding the Articles of Confederation.Describe one way in which the Articles of Confederation distributed power between the states and the national government.Explain one reason why the drafters of the Articles of Confederation were worried about creating too much power in a central government.In 2017, President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Among other things, this law requires Americans to purchase health insurance or pay a fine. Although President Trump is a member of the Republican Party, and the Republicans controlled both houses of Congress, they were unable to repeal the Affordable Care Act.After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C. Describe an expressed constitutional power Congress could use to address the situation described above.Describe an expressed constitutional power of the president.Explain how the division of powers between Congress and the president influences the situation described above.In Myers v. United States (1926), the U.S. Supreme Court analyzed the constitutionality of an 1876 congressional statute requiring the president to obtain the Senate’s consent before removing a postmaster whose nomination had been confirmed by the Senate. In analyzing that issue, Justice Louis Brandeis wrote in his dissent:“The doctrine of separation of powers was adopted by the convention of 1787 not to promote efficiency, but to preclude the exercise of arbitrary power. The purpose was not to avoid friction but, by means of the inevitable friction incident to the distribution of the governmental powers among three departments, to save the people from autocracy.”Us the quote and your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Describe the doctrine of separation of powers.Describe one way in which the Supreme Court’s decision in Myers v. United States illustrates the doctrine of separation of powers.Explain how the doctrine of separation of powers is designed “to save the people from autocracy.”Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia currently have laws broadly legalizing marijuana in some form. Nine states and the District of Columbia have adopted the most expansive laws legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Recently, California, Massachusetts, Maine, and Nevada legalized recreational marijuana. California’s recently passed Proposition 64 measure allows adults aged 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants in their homes. Other tax and licensing provisions of the law did not take effect until 2018. After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C. Define federalism.Describe one way in which the federal law called the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, which makes the growing, transporting, and selling of marijuana illegal, impacts the situation described on the scenario.In he context of the scenario above, explain how federalism causes tension between the national and state governments.In Texas v. Johnson (1989), the Supreme Court overturned a Texas state law banning flag burning as a violation of the First Amendment’s protection of free speech. According to an article in the Washington Post:Polls show that most Americans want flag desecration outlawed . . . They said that burning a U.S. flag in public – while rare these days – is a reprehensible insult to the nation’s founders and a dishonor to the Americans who died fighting tyranny.After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C. In the context of the scenario, explain why federalism makes it difficult for states to address an issue like flag burning, even though most Americans want flag desecration outlawed.Explain how the process for amending the Constitution reflects federalism.Explain why it was difficult to pass constitutional amendment banning flag burning, even though most Americans wanted to outlaw flag desecration.“Everything that can be run more effectively by state and local government we shall turn over to state and local government, along with funding sources to pay for it. We are going to put an end to the money merry-go-round where our money becomes Washington’s money, to be spent by the states and cities exactly the way the federal bureaucrats tell them to.”-Ronald Reagan, Presidential Nomination Acceptance Speech, 1980After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C. Describe the argument about federalism given in the quote.Explain one way in which block grants devolve power from the national government to the states.Explain one way in which the national government uses grants-in-aid to control state policies. On September 3, 2015, the New York Times reported the following in an article entitled “Clerk in Kentucky Chooses Jail Over Deal on Same-Sex Marriage”: “A Kentucky county clerk who has become a symbol of religious opposition to same-sex marriage was jailed Thursday after defying a federal court order to issue licenses to gay couples. The clerk, Kim Davis of Rowan County, Ky., was jailed for contempt of court.”After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C. Describe the constitutional provision that empowers the federal judge to jail Ms. Davis under this scenario for her failure to follow the Supreme Court’s ruling.Explain how the constitutional provision you identified in part A relates to the concept of federalism.Explain how the federal and state governments both play a role in policy-making regarding marriage.In 2017, Congress considered several proposals to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Although President Donald Trump is a Republican and the Republican Party controlled both houses of Congress, the proposals to repeal Obamacare failed. After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C. Describe one difference between members of the House of Representatives and members of the Senate.Explain one reason why the structure of Congress made it difficult to repeal the Affordable Care Act.Describe one power, other than the power to make laws, that Congress could use to influence healthcare policy.Congressional leadership and the committee system play a large role in how Congress functions.Use the scenario and your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to answer parts A, B, and C.Describe one way in which the committee system impacts legislation.Describe one difference between the role played by party leaders in the House and the role played by party leaders in the Senate.Explain one reason why it is difficult for party leaders to control the way the members of their party vote on legislation.“One of the most cherished safeguards of liberty in our government is – the right of a political minority to have a voice. Until now, this has always been the defining characteristic of the Senate. That’s why all senators have traditionally defended the Senate as an institution, because they knew that the Senate was the last legislative check for political minorities and small states against the kind of raw exercise of power large states and majority parties have always been tempted to wield.”-Senator Mitch McConnellUse the quote and your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Describe the viewpoint expressed in the quote.Describe one advantage of the filibuster in the lawmaking process.Explain two reasons why the filibuster has been criticized.John Adams wrote that Congress “should be a portrait, in miniature, of the people at large, as it should think, feel, reason, and act like them.”Use the scenario and your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to answer parts A, B, and C.a. Describe the view of representation conveyed in the quote.b. Explain one reason why it is difficult for members of Congress to carry out the view of representation conveyed in the quote.Describe a view of representation that differs from the view conveyed in the quote.In 2008, $147,660 was proposed by Rep. Peter King (D-NY) for the plush de Seversky Center Mansion in Old Westbury , New York, which “brings together Gatsby-era opulence, modern convenience, and highly personalized service” for corporate events and weddings. calls the facility “one of the premier event and wedding venues in the New York area: and cites the average wedding cost “at between $73,015 and $86,737 for a ceremony and reception for 150 guests.”-Citizens Against Government WasteAfter reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C. Describe the type of legislation described in the quote.Explain one reason why the type of legislation described on the quote has been criticized.Describe two benefits of the type of legislation described in the quote.“Al-Awlaki was a radical advocate for terrorism. . . . But the summary execution of a citizen, based on evidence that is being withheld from the public, because of security implications, has been described by a commentator . . . as “abandoning our own values” in the pursuit of the war against terror.”-Azeem IbrahimUse the quote and your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Describe the viewpoint expressed in the quote.Describe one power that enables the president to conduct drone strikes.Explain two reasons why some people believe that the power to conduct drone strikes gives the president too much power.Though the president, during the sitting of the legislature, is the assisted by the Senate, yet he is without a constitutional council in their recess – he will therefore be unsupported by proper information and advice, and will generally be directed by minions and favorites, or a council of state will grow out of the principal officers of the great departments, the most dangerous council in a free country.-Antifederalist PapersUse the quote and your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Describe the viewpoint expressed in the quote.Describe two arguments in Federalist #70 that address the concerns expressed in the quote.Explain how two different provisions in the Constitution were designed to prevent the concerns expressed in the quote.In April 2016, U.S. spy agencies recorded each step of a chemical weapons attack against Syrian civilians, from the extensive preparations to the launching of rockets to the after-action assessments by Syrian officials. On April 6, 2017, President Donald Trump ordered a series of missile strikes on Syria in response to the use of chemical weapons against Syrian civilians.After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C. Describe the Constitutional power used by President Trump in ordering the airstrike against Syria.Describe two ways in which Congress can check the president’s actions in foreign affairs.Explain one reason why it is difficult for Congress to check the president’s power over foreign affairs. “Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature, and we responded with the best of America – with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could. Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government’s emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it’s prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C., to help with local rescue efforts.”-President George W. Bush, September 11, 2001 After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Describe one constitutional power used by President Bush on September 11, 2001.Explain one reason why the founding fathers gave the president substantial powers over national defense.Explain two reasons why issues involving national defense have led to the expansion of presidential powers since 1947.“Nor does this conclusion by any means suppose a superiority of the judicial to the legislative power. It only supposes that the power of the people is superior to both; and that where the will of the legislature, declared in its statutes, stands in opposition to that of the people, declared in the Constitution, the judges ought to be governed by the latter rather than the former. They ought to regulate their decisions by the fundamental laws, rather than by those which are not fundamental.”-Alexander Hamilton, Federalist #78After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Describe the power Hamilton references in the passage above.Describe one way in which the Constitution protects judicial independence from other branches of government.Explain one reason why federal court judges are appointed, rather than elected.“It is easy to see, that in the common course of things, these courts will eclipse the dignity, and take away from the respectability, of the state courts. These courts will be, in themselves, totally independent of the states, deriving their authority from the United States, and receiving from them fixed salaries; and in the course of human events it is to be expected, that they will swallow up all the powers of the courts in the respective states.”-Brutus #1After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Describe the argument made about the judiciary in Brutus #1.Describe two arguments made in Federalist #78 in response to the concerns raise in the quote above.Explain two reasons why the Supreme Court is Insulated.“Popularity makes no law invulnerable to invalidation. American accept judicial supervision of their democracy – judicial review of popular but possibly unconstitutional statutes – because they know that if the Constitution is truly to constitute the nation, it must trump some majority preferences.”-George WillAfter reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Define judicial review.Describe the viewpoint expressed in the quote above.Explain how the decision in Marbury v. Madison applies to the quote above.“The worst case of judicial activism was a case concerning the Voting Rights Act. The Voting Rights Act passed Congress overwhelmingly and I think it was unanimous in the Senate. . . . If anyone knows about voting right, how it affects the system, I think the elected representatives, have an appreciation of that, that the unelected judges don’t have. Yet, despite the overwhelming majority in Congress that passed the Voting Rights Act, the Court said, that won’t do.”-Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Define judicial activism.Describe the viewpoint expressed in the quote above.Explain two ways in which judicial activism could be used to protect civil liberties.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an agency in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. Under the regulations of the FDA, the agency may seize chocolate under the following conditions:Insect FilthThe chocolate in six (6) 100 gram subsamples contains an average of sixty or more insect fragments per 100 grams orAny one sample contains ninety or more insect fragments, even if the overall average of all the subsamples is less than sixty.Rodent FilthThe chocolate in six (6) 100 gram subsamples contains an average of more than one rodent hair per 100 grams, regardless of the size of the hairs or hair fragments orAny one subsample contains more than three rodent hairs even if the overall average is less than one rodent hair.After reading the regulation, and using your knowledge of U.S. government and politics, respond to parts A, B, and C.Describe the purpose of the regulation.Explain how the regulation represents the rulemaking function of the executive bureaucracy.Describe one criticism of allowing an agency to impose penalties for violations of the regulations it creates.Academic institutions and individual investigators often receive research funding from multiple federal agencies, but approaches to similar requirements – such as grant proposals, disclosure Regulations, reporting requirements, and congressional mandates frequently overlap, resulting in duplication of effort, multiple reporting of the same information in different formats, and multiple submissions of information on different schedules. Conflicting guidance on compliance requirements has created uncertainty and confusion.-Inconsistent, Duplicative Regulations Undercut Productivity of U.S. Research Enterprise; Actions Needed to Streamline and Harmonize Regulations, Reinvigorate Government-University PartnershipAfter reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Describe the problem addressed in the passage.Describe an oversight power Congress could use to address the complaints mentioned in the passage.Describe a legislative action Congress could take to address the complaints mentioned in the passage.The following quote in The Economist, a U.K.-based periodical, is about the Dodd-Frank Banking Law, which was passed to increase the regulation of banks following the recession of 2007.“But Dodd-Frank is far too complex, and becoming more so. At 848 pages, it is 23 times longer than Glass-Steagall, the reform that followed the Wall Street crash of 1929. Worse, every other page demands that regulators fill in further detail. Some of these clarifications are hundreds of pages long. Just one bit, the “Volker Rule,” which aims to curb risky proprietary trading by banks, includes 383 questions that break down into 1,420 sub-questions.”After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Describe an action Congress could take to address the complaint expressed above.Describe an action the president could take to address the complaint expressed above.Explain two reasons why it is difficult for the president and Congress to control the bureaucracy.“The powers, rights, and authority, granted to the general government by this Constitution, are as complete, with respect to every object to which they extend, as that of any State government – it reaches to every thing which concerns human happiness – life, liberty, and property are under its control. There is the sane reason, therefore, that the exercise of power, in this case, should be restrained within proper limits, as in that of the State governments.-Brutus #2After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Describe the argument made in the quote.Describe two arguments made by proponents of the Constitution in response to the concerns raised in the quote above.Describe one way in which the concerns raised in the quote were resolved during the ratification process.In West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), a group of Jehovah’s Witnesses, whose children attended public school, filed a lawsuit challenging the following resolution passed by the West Virginia School Board: “All teachers and pupils shall be required to participate in the salute honoring the Nation represented by the Flag; provided, however, that refusal to salute the Flag be regarded as an act of insubordination, and shall be dealt with accordingly.”After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Define selective incorporation.Explain how the doctrine of selective incorporation might apply in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette.Explain one reason why the Supreme Court might not apply the doctrine of selective incorporation in this case.In June 1989, Deborah Weisman graduated from Nathan Bishop Middle School, a public school in Providence, R.I., at a formal ceremony. For several years, the school board and superintendent followed a policy permitting principals to invite members of the clergy to give invocations and benedictions at middle and high school graduations. Some of the principals decided to include prayers as part of the graduation ceremonies.A rabbi was invited by Principal Robert Lee to deliver a prayer at Weisman’s graduation ceremony, and he was given guidelines recommending that public prayers at nonsectarian civic ceremonies be composed with “inclusiveness and sensitivity.” Deborah Weisman’s parents sued Principal Lee to prevent the rabbi from speaking at the graduation ceremony. In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that schools could not sponsor even non-denominational prayers.After reading the passage above, use your knowledge of U.S. government and politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.Describe the constitutional provision that applies in the case of Lee v. Weisman.Identify and describe the case that set the precedent for the Supreme Court’s decision in Lee v. Weisman.Explain one argument that a critic of the Supreme Court’s decision would make. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download