Difference between revisions of "American Government Homework One 2007"
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**This is done by inserting a new term in the "Find" box in the upper left of the screen, such as "Jones v. Brown" to describe a court decision by that name, or "United States Post Office" to describe that entity, then click "Go". If it does not exist, then click the link for "create this page" and enter your new description in your own words. If it does already exist, then you can click "edit" to improve it with your own words. An example of a court decision is [[Pierce v. Soc'y of Sisters]]. | **This is done by inserting a new term in the "Find" box in the upper left of the screen, such as "Jones v. Brown" to describe a court decision by that name, or "United States Post Office" to describe that entity, then click "Go". If it does not exist, then click the link for "create this page" and enter your new description in your own words. If it does already exist, then you can click "edit" to improve it with your own words. An example of a court decision is [[Pierce v. Soc'y of Sisters]]. | ||
**Examples include terms found in lectures or textbook, court decisions referenced in the textbook, government agencies or departments found on the internet, clauses in the [[U.S. Constitution]] and special laws. | **Examples include terms found in lectures or textbook, court decisions referenced in the textbook, government agencies or departments found on the internet, clauses in the [[U.S. Constitution]] and special laws. | ||
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| + | *'''Points awarded''': | ||
**Quality new entry: '''10 points''' | **Quality new entry: '''10 points''' | ||
***A "quality new entry" includes at least two full-length paragraphs, three relevant citations, several links to other entries, some in-depth content and designations of category. Partial credit is awarded. | ***A "quality new entry" includes at least two full-length paragraphs, three relevant citations, several links to other entries, some in-depth content and designations of category. Partial credit is awarded. | ||
Revision as of 02:23, September 12, 2007
American Government.
First Homework
Read the chapter on the “Constitution”, pp. 31-40 in the textbook “U.S. Government and Politics,” by Paul Soifer. Study it. Once you know it well, then take the 15 multiple choice questions at the end. Grade your answers yourself, and keep a record of how you did. Study what you missed.
There are two ways to do homework in this class. One way ("Method One") is to create or improve entries and earn points for them. Another way ("Method Two") is to post your answers to the essay questions below under Homework One Student Answers. It is recommended that you use Method One.
Method One
Achieve a total score of at least 25 points using the following point system. Top-scoring students will be recognized each week.
- Add new entries for the Category:United States Government or Category:United States Supreme Court Cases
- This is done by inserting a new term in the "Find" box in the upper left of the screen, such as "Jones v. Brown" to describe a court decision by that name, or "United States Post Office" to describe that entity, then click "Go". If it does not exist, then click the link for "create this page" and enter your new description in your own words. If it does already exist, then you can click "edit" to improve it with your own words. An example of a court decision is Pierce v. Soc'y of Sisters.
- Examples include terms found in lectures or textbook, court decisions referenced in the textbook, government agencies or departments found on the internet, clauses in the U.S. Constitution and special laws.
- Points awarded:
- Quality new entry: 10 points
- A "quality new entry" includes at least two full-length paragraphs, three relevant citations, several links to other entries, some in-depth content and designations of category. Partial credit is awarded.
- Any new entry: 6 points
- An additional bonus of 3 points is awarded for adding a new entry on the "most-wanted" list, Special:Wantedpages
- Quality new entry: 10 points
- Improvements of existing entries in the Category:United States Government
- Quality edit of an existing entry: 4 points
- A "quality edit" to an existing article includes at least two extra sentences, an additional reference, and the inclusion of an important or relevant fact.
- Minor edit, such as a correction, of an existing entry: 2 points
- Quality edit of an existing entry: 4 points
- Adding a working link within American Government Lectures: 2 points
- Adding a working link within any entry in Category:United States Government: 1 point
- An additional bonus of 1 point is awarded for adding a link to an entry on the Special:Deadendpages, and thereby removing that entry from that list
Method Two
Answer these essay questions:
1. What do you hope to achieve by taking this course?
Refer to pages 317-28 (the Constitution) in the textbook to answer these questions 2-6:
2. Which sections of the Constitution (a) give powers to Congress and (b) restrict powers of Congress?
3. Which sections of the Constitution restrict the powers of the States?
4. Explain what you think is the single most important clause of the Constitution, and why.
5. What individual or civil liberties were established by the original Constitution, prior to the amendments (Hint: look somewhere near the end of Article III)?
6. Quote the section of the Constitution that gives Congress the power to remove authority from the federal courts (Hint: see the Article establishing the judiciary). Draft a simple law to take away an issue of your choice from the Courts.
7. The Founders thought Congress was the most important branch, but now some would say that the President or Supreme Court is more important. Your view, and why?
8. Give three examples of congressional power that affects your family every month. Cite the constitutional clauses creating each of those federal powers.
9. What clause allows Congress go beyond powers expressly given to it by the Constitution? What power, currently retained by the States, do you think Congress should never take from them?
Extra Credit Essay Question (worth 5 points):
10. What specific improvements would you make to the Constitution? If none, then explain why you think it is perfect. Give specific examples, including citations to specific article and section numbers.
