POL 115 Wk 2 Discussion – 3 Government Branches

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POL 115 Wk 2 Discussion - 3 Government Branches
POL 115 Wk 2 Discussion – 3 Government Branches
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POL 115 Wk 2 Discussion – 3 Government Branches

Week 2 Objectives

Last week, we learned about the philosophical principles that influenced the founding fathers and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. This week we will dig deeper into the roles and responsibilities of the president and Congress and how they are affected by the separation of powers and checks and balances.

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CLASSROOM DISCUSSION

For participation credit, you are required to contribute a total of three substantive discussion messages during the online week (Tuesday – Monday). These consist of two elements:

  1. Your formal response to one the discussion topics (due Thursday); and,

  2. Your two subsequent replies to your classmates or faculty member (due Monday).

 

The formal response due Thursday should strive to meet the following criteria:

  • Meet a minimum of 175 words

  • Addresses questions under one of the discussion topics;

  • Stays on topic and addresses the weekly course objectives;

  • Integrates theory, research, and/or personal observations;

  • Includes specific examples and/or substantiating evidence;

  • Includes in-text citations and references in APA format; and,

  • Demonstrates proper spelling and grammar.

  • Do not use Wikipedia, Quora, Yahoo Questions or other crowdsourced websites as references.

 

Your reply posts due Monday should be substantive in nature and be a minimum of 150 words, reflecting the qualities of REAL engagement.

  • Relevant comments are on topic and reflect course concepts and objectives.

  • Experiential in nature, reflecting real life observations, reflections and examples.

  • Ask questions of fellow classmates or instructors.

  • Link to course readings and apply these lessons to work, personal and/or educational life.

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 DUE BY THURSDAY: Respond to one of the following topic options in a minimum of 175 words:

 

Topic One: Separation of Powers: Review the readings/videos in the Learning Activities folder and then consider how the founding fathers divided our system of government into three distinct branches.

  • What are these branches and how did the founding fathers justify each branch of government as necessary for a healthy republic?

  • What is the purpose of separation of powers?

  • Do you think that the founding fathers reflected on the notion of partisan gridlock as they explored the checks and balances built into the three branches?

  • How does this relate to rules and norms that are designed to safeguard the minority-in-size/less popular opinion from the will of the majority?

 

Topic Two:  Powers of Congress: Review the readings/videos in the Learning Activities folder and then consider:

  • What are the roles and responsibilities of Congress?

  • What are the checks and balances on this branch?

  • Why did the framers of the Constitution provide the legislative branch with so much power?

  • How is the Congress different from the president or the courts?

  • The framers of the Constitution designed the Senate to filter the output of the sometimes hasty House. Do you think this was a wise idea? Why or why not?

 

Topic Three: Powers of the Presidency: Review the readings/videos in the Learning Activities folder and then consider:

  • What are the roles and responsibilities of the presidency?

  • What are the checks and balances on this office?

  • The framers of the Constitution intended that the president share power with the other branches of the government. Is that true today?

  • Does the president have more power today than the framers intended? Why or why not?

 

DUE BY MONDAY

  • Reply to your instructor and your classmates with at least two more substantive messages.

  • Address different discussion topics/questions in your reply posts than the topic of your initial post.

  • Be constructive and professional in your responses.