POL 115 Wk 3 Discussion – The Federal Judiciary and Civil Liberties

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POL 115 Wk 3 Discussion - The Federal Judiciary and Civil Liberties
POL 115 Wk 3 Discussion – The Federal Judiciary and Civil Liberties
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POL 115 Wk 3 Discussion – The Federal Judiciary and Civil Liberties

Week 3 Objectives

In week 3, we are learning about the Supreme Court of the United States and how it serves as the court of last resort regarding the laws set forth in the U.S. Constitution. Additionally, it ensures the balance of power for other branches of government and rules on the constitutionality of laws and other court rulings. Given this position, the Supreme Court is often called upon to make decisions on cases that can impact U.S. society and law. In particular, the Supreme Court greatly influences how the Bill of Rights that protects our civil liberties is interpreted, and how the 14th Amendment (that created our civil rights) is interpreted.

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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 the discussion prompt (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: The Powers of the Court: Review the readings/videos in the Learning Activities folder and play the interactive game, and then consider:

  • Explain the role the judiciary plays in the checks and balances of government. What are the requirements to be appointed to the Supreme Court?

  • Can the courts change a law and should judges make decisions that shape public policy?

  • How does this group of unelected officials affect the separation of powers?

  • Some people have argued that the Supreme Court is the most powerful branch of government. Do you agree or disagree?

 

Support your answer with:

  • Examples of Supreme Court decisions

  • The federal judiciary requirements specified in the U.S. Constitution

 

Topic Two: Civil Rights & the Court: Review the readings/videos in the Learning Activities folder and play the interactive game, and then consider:

  • How has the expansive view taken by the Supreme Court helped to curb government actions that might interfere with constitutional rights?

  • Do you think that this makes the courts too powerful?Why or why not?

  • What is an example of where the courts took an expansive view of our constitutional protections to overturn a state law or protect a person’s individual rights?

  • Do you agree with the court’s decision? Why or why not?

  • What did you learn from the iCivics interactive game found in the Learning Activities folder on how the Supreme Court makes a First Amendment ruling?

 

Topic Three: Civil Rights & Civil Liberties: Review the readings/videos in the Learning Activities folder and play the interactive game, and then consider:

  • How are civil rights different from civil liberties?

  • How might the United States be different today if the Fourteenth Amendment had not been ratified and added to the Constitution?

  • What did you learn about civil rights and civil liberties from the iCivics interactive game found in the Learning Activities folder on running your own law firm?

 

Topic Four: The Bill of Rights: Review the readings/videos in the Learning Activities folder and play the interactive game, and then consider how the framers of the Constitution were originally reluctant to include protections of civil liberties.

  • Do you think this would be the case if the Constitution were written today? Why or why not?

  • Which rights and freedoms for citizens do you think our government does a good job of protecting? Why?

  • In which areas do you think people’s rights and liberties are at risk of government intrusion? Why? Which solutions would you propose?

 

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.