Topic Two Assignment: The Constitutional System

Introduction to the Second Assignment:

Welcome to the second assignment.  Here is what we are seeking to focus on:  (1) identify the central principles of the U.S. Constitution, and (2) express your opinions about direct democracy after examining current propositions on the California ballot.

Questions:

1Q: Set out the major principles that underlie our Constitution, often characterized as the Madisonian system. (see PowerPoint for key ideas).  Illustrate one of these principles with an example from a current issue in the news.  (a few paragraphs, fifty points)
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2Q: Another important debate about politics is about whether direct or representative democracy is better. Review the discussion in the California government about direct democracy as well as the PowerPoint about CA politics. First, briefly define and summarize the differences between initiatives, referendums (initiative and referendums on our ballot are commonly called propositions), and recalls. Then go to the Secretary of State of CA election website  (Links to an external site.)and review current propositions that are in circulation or one of the propositions from a recent election. Choose a few of the issues.  Discuss whether you believe that the people ought to be deciding these issues or should they be left to the representatives? (two pages, or approximately 500 words, fifty points)

Note:  When citing research, state the author or title of the website as part of your discussion (or put in a parenthetical reference and then have a separate works-cited page with a full correct citation).  A good guide for MLA is the Owl at Purdue website.