Political science

Why is our Constitution vague? What are the pros and cons of having a constitution that is written vaguely? Pick a “vague’ portion of the US Constitution. Has this vagueness in terminology been problematic or helpful? Provide historical examples. Use evidence (cite sources) to support your response from assigned readings or online lessons, and at least one outside scholarly source.

1: Is it generally easy or hard for Congress to check the president? 2: How has party polarization and the increased strength of parties affected the relationship between the president and congress? 3: What are “congressional appropriations”? How are these a way for Congress to check the president? Under what conditions are they not a useful tool? 4: Compare the incentives of members of Congress and those of the president

With Texas being touted as a possible swing state in the November General election, discuss details what would be required to switch Texas from Republican to Democratic. GUIDELINES for: Issue Reaction Essay Paper and the 15-Page Group Paper Write your abstract of 60-100 words. I. Introduction.   • Clearly defines the issue addressed in the statement  II. Background  • Present any necessary background information, including pertinent personal narrative  III. Writer’s Position  • Present your case accurately, coherently, logically, consistently, and clearly  IV. Consideration of Opposing Arguments; Make Recommendations. Make subheadings. V. Conclusion  VI. Recommendations  Students are encouraged to give your opinion with policy recommendations on the topic  • Gain the reader’s attention and interest  • Clearly state your position on the issue  • Defend your position  • Provide facts, statistics, testimony, and pertinent details when appropriate  • Examine opposing viewpoints and explain why you chose a different view.  • Use APA style. Go online and download a copy of the 6th edition. Keep it in front of you as you write.

nstructions: Be sure to answer all components of the question as completely as possible. Students should utilize class notes and required readings. Essays should have proper citations and a bibliography. Be sure to cite examples to illustrate your points. Students should use at least three scholarly sources (books and journal articles other than the required readings.) Essays should be 6-7 pages types double spaced. Margins should be no more than 1.5 on the left and 1 inch right, top, and bottom. Font size should be either 10 or 12 point..          Why was the electoral college created at the Constitutional Convention of 1787? What were the implications for the institution of the presidency? What could be the repercussions and benefits of a single term of six or seven years on the Presidency as opposed to two four year terms? Conclude by discussing which you prefer and why? (Be sure to relate how it would affect Presidential Power)

Science and Society Final Paper :  Here are the Final Paper directions: Due: Monday 21st of September  Word count:  900 (min) – 1,100 (max) words (not including Title & References Pages) Source analysis:  3 sources from your own research Proper APA-style formatting required  Your topic should be submitted by Sunday, September 6th and on Wednesday, September 9th,  you will submit your Outline & Thesis Statement. Topics:  Select one of the topics below to assess recent developments in scientific and technological areas of the world.  Option #1 Discuss the pros and cons of the avocado fruit, why it has become so popular and what makes it so healthy.  Also discuss the environmental impact of growing avocados and, in particular, the social and political aspects of the region in Mexico that is the heart of the avocado business. OSU-School of History, Philosophy, and Religion. (March 11, 2014). Blood Avocados, Drug Cartels, and the Crisis of Democracy in Mexico. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INGW0PwNsFE SciShow. (March 31, 2016). Why Avocados Shouldn’t Exist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00KGL-HKPhU TRT World. (June 20, 2017). Insight: The Avocado Trade. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDmIJgeVd34 Option #2 Discuss how science and technology are working to make human beings live forever.  Includes critical considerations of what it would mean if we were all immortal.  How would it affect our families, our jobs, or how we structure our lives.  Consider as well that capitalism needs a growth factor and offering people the belief that they could live forever is big business.  Should society or government intervene if companies want to make money by selling the hope of eternal life? Suggested book for this topic: https://www.academia.edu/11691990/Biological_Transformations_Controlled_by_the_Mind_vol_1 Alltime10s. (Nov. 11, 2016). 10 Ways We Can Achieve Immortality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVvYjuPdWLs&t=39s Cristian Muresanu Stiinta si Cunoastere. (Jan. 20, 2013). Biological Transformations I (Biology of transformation). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFlyITPk0Kc&t=6s Cristian Muresanu Stiinta si Cunoastere. (Dec. 7, 2014). Biological Transformations II (Biology of Transformation). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtAr6xS4n10 Option #3 Discuss the ethical considerations of using HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) as an ingredient in processed foods and should these considerations stop the use of HFCS in processed and fast foods.  Scientists have shown that HFCS creates obesity, diabetes and dependence. TEDx Talks. (Dec. 17, 2013). Sugar — the elephant in the kitchen: Robert Lustig at TEDxBermuda 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmC4Rm5cpOI Requirements The Topic must be chosen by Sunday September 6th Due: Monday 21st of September  Word count:  900 (min) – 1,100 (max) words (not including Title & References Pages) Source analysis:  3 sources from your own research Proper APA-style formatting required  Your topic should be submitted by Sunday, September 6th and on Wednesday, September 9th,  you will submit your Outline & Thesis Statement. Title Page Page #’s Title restated at top of p. 2 (in bold letters) Identify your topic; double-spaced For each topic briefly discuss why this particular topic interests you Notes Topics submission must be uploaded and submitted as a Word document I will submit a proper example of APA format to help you with your APA formatting Please omit: References Page, Running Header, source analysis This topics submission to be submitted by Sunday, September 6th  , and the Outline & Thesis Statement to be submitted by Wednesday, September 9th, will give you the opportunity to perfect your APA-style formatting before you submit your research paper. I am looking for the following technical components in your written assignments: Title Page: First, center the title page to your paper in bold letters. Then, skip a few spaces. Then list the following (No large fonts, colors, graphics, bold letters, lines, shades, etc.; use simple text only; centered, in middle of page, with double-space) Your Name Name of University Class Number and Name Instructor’s Name Date of Submission 12-point type size Standard margins Page Numbers (see below) Title is restated at top of p. 2 in bold letters No extra spacing between paragraphs Paper is double-spaced Paragraphs are indented Use of headings in your paper; headings to be in bold letters & no extra spacing before or after headings References in proper APA format and on separate page; references listed in alphabetical order Hanging Indent for your references (see below) Your similarity score will be also considered in the technical component of this paper.

Discuss the differences and similarities between the presidential and parliamentary systems, including the executive and legislative branches.  Which system do you feel serves its citizen better?  Why?  Use evidence (cite sources) to support your response from outside scholarly source.  This is a short discussion paper for students to respond and discuss.

The assignment is to write a 300-500 (1.5-2 pages double spaced) assignment discussing the following 2 things: 1. a summary of what the article says and 2. What does the the event you read about say about the current state of the international regime on weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) (or that specific type of WMD, depending on the article)? This is you making an argument or inference based on what the event you read about is on.

Imagine you have been hired as a consultant for a client of your choice, and tasked with preparing a strategy report on a current legislative initiative with important ramifications for your client’s interests. Identify a bill that has been introduced in the current session of the U.S. Congress (or your home state legislature), but not yet passed into law, concerning a policy issue about which you would like to learn more. Identify a client—such as a government official, a nonprofit organization, or a business—that you think has a stake in whether or not this bill becomes law. Research the proposed legislation on your client’s behalf. Prepare a report for your client that details how the bill would change current government policy, explains how it would affect your client’s interests, and recommends whether your client should support or oppose its passage. Your report should be 5-7 pages in length, using standard fonts and margins, including any charts or figures, but excluding your bibliography. Your pages may be formatted in whatever manner you think will most effectively convey your findings to your client. No cover page is required, but you should address your report to your client. Include a one-paragraph “executive summary” outlining your findings and recommendations at the beginning of the report. The remainder of the report may be divided into subsections as you deem appropriate. All sources referenced should be carefully cited in the text of your report and with full bibliographic entries in end notes, using a citation style of your choosing. You should include a minimum of (5) outside sources in your bibliography, but use as many sources as are necessary to present your analysis and detail your strategy. In building the case for your recommendations, your report should address the following topics: (A) Provide relevant background on the issue under consideration, including the history and current state of the issue in the United States. Give special attention to the current or potential social and political impacts of this issue. What is the importance of this issue for Americans? Why is policy action needed on this issue? (B) Summarize the main components of the proposed legislation and how, if passed, it will change current law. Be sure to mention the title and number of the bill, the bill’s sponsors, and the current status of the legislation. (C) Make a specific recommendation (or recommendations) with respect to the proposed legislation. Should your client support the bill’s passage, or oppose it? Why or why not? Should the bill be amended before your client supports it? If you are recommending amendments to the bill, be sure to specify precisely how you think the legislation should be changed, and explain why you think the amendments are necessary, and how they will improve the bill. (D) Discuss the significance of this issue for your client—which of your client’s interests may be affected, and how this issue relates to your client’s mission, goals, and/or responsibilities. How does this policy proposal advance or endanger your client’s interests? Discuss at least one action your client can take to impact the bill’s chances of passing. (E) Defend your recommendations with evidence-based reasoning, citing relevant facts from reliable sources. Your analysis of the legislation and its likely consequences should build a thorough and persuasive argument for your recommendations. (F) Evaluate at least one alternative to this legislation. If this bill does not become law, what are some other means of dealing with the underlying problem the bill is intended to address? Who is opposed to the bill’s passage? What are the most serious criticisms of this legislation? What alternative solutions do the bill’s opponents prefer? Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each policy option for the American public, as well as with respect to your client’s interests. (G) Explain how your recommended course of action will strengthen American democracy, and how it is consistent with other core American values. You should reference at least one course reading in your discussion of this subject.

Directions: Write an essay of five (maximum 6) double-spaced typed pages on one of the following topics. Your essay will be evaluated with an eye towards thoughtfulness, grasp of the material, logic of argument, and clarity of prose. The topics are designed to elicit your thoughts on the issues in question, so please avoid excessive paraphrase of the texts. Please also avoid an over-reliance upon the lecture notes I distribute. Anything more than one or two citations from the lecture notes constitutes such an over-reliance. Discussion of the topics with others in the class is encouraged, but A collaborative essays are strictly prohibited. Be sure to supply page references for citations of the primary texts. Full bibliographic information should be supplied for any secondary sources or materials you use.  Please note: any words which are not your own must be indicated and referenced by a foot- or end-note. Using the words of others without clearly indicating whose words they are constitutes plagiarism. Any essay containing plagiarized material will automatically receive a failing grade.  Please submit your essays (via email) to your respective discussion section leaders on Wednesday, September 2 by 5 pm. Please note that late papers will be penalized 2 of a letter grade per day, no exceptions.  1. Do you think that the quieting of Eichmann’s conscience (at the Wannsee Conference) and its subsequent realignment with the duties (and legal obligations) imposed by the Final Solution could have happened without some prior hatred of the Jews or a predisposition to do evil? Or do you find Arendt’s contention that “an average, ‘normal’ person, neither feeble-minded nor indoctrinated nor cynical, could be perfectly incapable of telling right from wrong” (p. 26) plausible, even in as extreme a case as the Nazi destruction of European Jewry? Provide reasons and textual evidence to back up your position on these questions.

The U.S. Congress has yet to pass additional stimulus funding that may benefit state and city budgets. Texas currently is in a budget deficit and is required by the state constitution to have a balanced budget. Who is financially responsible for global pandemics cities, states, or the federal government? How should the state budget be balanced? Which state agency budget should be reduced or reallocated? What is the basis for your judgment? How will the budget reduction impact marginalized communities? What stipulations should states abide by to receive federal aid? Does federalism enhance or undermine the ability of states to maintain a balanced budget? Lobosco, K., Libby, T., Hickey, C., & Boschma, J. (2020). Here are the differences between the Democratic and Republican stimulus bills. Retrieved on July 28, 2020 from https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/28/politics/stimulus-bill-republican-democrats/index.html  (Links to an external site.) Ramsey, R. (2020). Analysis: Texas in a state of financial uncertainty. Retrieved on July 7, 2020 from https://www.texastribune.org/2020/07/24/texas-comptroller-economy-budget/  (Links to an external site.) I will add information and questions to this discussion to keep the conversation going. You may select 3-4 questions or topics to include in your writing prompt. You may also pose questions to others. Tips for Completing Discussion Prompts -Please see the discussion grading rubric below and my clarification notes. -For the first discussion, you will not need to cite a source because you are only introducing yourself to the class. However, be sure to use 6-8 complete sentences and proper grammar. -A student must have 1 clear response to each discussion prompt. Submitting several responses to a post will not suffice for a grade. Students will be graded on the quality of a discussion post, not on how many students they reply to. Please see the syllabus for questions regarding bonus points. -When you reference an article you should cite the article as a source. For each discussion, I will always provide a cited article and questions to prompt your dialogue.  When you complete a discussion you should copy and paste the cited article that I provide into your answer. All work must be cited using MLA or APA format. -To receive a 15/15 on a discussion grade, you will need to demonstrate that you have researched relevant articles outside of the course to support your opinion. Your post must demonstrate that your opinion is backed by facts. Discussion Grading Rubric 15 Points: Student responded to the discussion prompt in 6-8 complete sentences and articulated a clear viewpoint on the topic. Student incorporated relevant research, correctly cited at least 2 sources in MLA or APA format, and used proper grammar. 10 Points: Student responded to the discussion prompt in 6-8 complete sentences and answered the prompt in a thoughtful manner. Student correctly cited work in MLA or APA format and used proper grammar. 7 Points: Student responded to the discussion prompt in 6-8 complete sentences and articulated a clear viewpoint on the topic. Student used proper grammar. 3 Points: Student responded to the discussion prompt in 4-5 sentences and answered the prompt in a generic manner. Student used proper grammar. 0 Points: Student did not submit a discussion post. Student plagiarized portions of the submission. Student did not cite work and/or use proper grammar. Citing Sources Purdue Writing Lab is a great website to use when citing sources. Every cited source should have the following: authors name, title of article, name of source, date, and link to article. There are exceptions when citing sources and as long as the link is attached, I can verify if the source was cited correctly.