POS301 Arizona And Federal Government
Week 1 Discussion
In 1787, the Constitution was drafted with a Preamble to explicitly state that the origins of power in this new democracy resided not with a king, but with the people. “We the People” has generally evolved over the years to include more than it did in the late 18th Century. In your opinion, are there still groups who are disenfranchised and are not considered as an equal source of power in our democracy?
POS301 Arizona And Federal Government
Week 2 Discussion
In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down as unconstitutional the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which was passed by Congress. Would this be an example of checks and balances between the legislative and judicial branches? Should the U.S. Supreme Court, a nonelected body, have the power to make such decisions on acts passed by the legislative body, who are elected by the people?
POS301 Arizona And Federal Government
Week 3 Discussion
Federalism results from the interaction between the different layers of government. Many issues are discussed not in terms of right and wrong, but who is responsible for addressing the issue. Immigration has long been a federal issue. However, in 2010, the state of Arizona passed a controversial bill (Senate Bill 1070) that essentially gave power to the state to implement immigration law. Several sections of this bill were deemed unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court. This situation is a prime example of the conflict federalism can create. Please provide your opinion on immigration within the context of federalism.
POS301 Arizona And Federal Government
Week 4 Discussion
Should we keep the electoral college or go to straight popular vote? Why?
POS301 Arizona And Federal Government
Week 5 Discussion
How would you describe the purpose of the Bill of Rights at the time the U.S. Constitution was drafted and today?
POS301 Arizona And Federal Government
Week 6 Discussion
At the time of the drafting of the Arizona Constitution, the Progressive Party and Movement was very influential in American politics. As such, the framers of the Arizona Constitution added specific powers to the people, such as the recall of judges. What are the pros and cons of such democratic principles being embedded in a state constitution?
POS301 Arizona And Federal Government
Week 7 Discussion
Federal judges do not have a mandatory retirement age, yet Arizona and 32 other states require all state judges to vacate their positions upon turning age 70. Should Arizona’s judges be forced to retire at age 70? Might this be considered age discrimination or is it a necessary protection for the people?
POS301 Arizona And Federal Government
Week 8 Discussion
Arizona citizens retain several very progressive rights, namely the right to initiative, referendum, recall of elected officials, recall of judges, election of corporation commissioners and election of a state mine inspector. Please select three of these democratic rights and make an argument as to why giving power directly to the people in this manner is a benefit for all of society.
POS301 Arizona And Federal Government
Week 1 Assignment
We the People Worksheet
Complete the “We the People Worksheet.”
Utilize the required readings, academic websites, and the GCU Library as resources for this assignment.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.
POS-301: We the People Essay Questions
Respond to the following questions in 150-200 words each.
1. Analyze the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. Explain the significance of these founding documents and how they altered the concept of government that had prevailed in society before their creation.
2. What does it mean to be a part of “We the People”? What rights do “We the People” have and where do those rights come from?
3. How has the term “American” changed from the founding of the nation through today?
References:
POS301 Arizona And Federal Government
Week 2 Assignment
Principles and Articles of the United States Constitution Worksheet
Complete the “Principles and Articles of the United States Constitution Worksheet.”
Utilize the required readings, academic websites, and the GCU Library as resources for this assignment.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the GCU APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.
POS-301: Principles and Articles of the United States Constitution Worksheet
Part I: Principles of the Constitution
The constitution consists of some primary principles. Briefly explain the following principles and their significance in shaping American government.
• Self-Government:
• Separation of Powers:
• Checks and Balances:
Part II: Balance of Power
In the space below, write an analysis of approximately 250 words on how the system of checks and balances in the federal government helps to limit the concentration of power.
• Cite specific examples.
• Defend your rationale.
• Utilize the required readings, academic websites, and the GCU Library as resources for this assignment.
Part III: The Three Branches of the Federal Government
Answer the following questions. Each response should be 150-200 words.
1. What are the duties and responsibilities of each branch of the federal government?
Legislative:
Judicial:
Executive:
2. Describe how these three branches are supposed to interact.
3. How effectively do you feel the three branches interact with each other today?
POS301 Arizona And Federal Government
Week 4 Assignment
Electoral College Essay
Write an essay of 750-1,000 words in which you:
1. Describe the structure and function of the electoral college.
How and when was it created in the U.S.?
Why was it created, and by whom?
2. Compare the electoral college to a popular vote approach for elections.
How does the electoral college system operate/function?
What are consequences of using an electoral college system versus a popular vote? Use the 2000 and 2016 presidential elections as examples.
3. Assess the value of an individual citizen’s vote under the electoral college system.
Why does the U.S. still use the electoral college for presidential elections today?
Utilize the required readings, academic websites, and the GCU Library as resources for this assignment.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.
POS301 Arizona And Federal Government
Week 7 Assignment
Analyzing Tax Worksheet
Former Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall once stated, “The power to tax is the power to destroy.” The power to tax, the principle of taxation, and the effect taxes have on citizens has existed since the inception of America itself. However, much of it is misunderstood.
Use the sample property tax bill, pay stub, utility bill, and sales tax receipt provided below to complete the Analyzing Tax Worksheet.
Sample Pay Stub
Sample Sales Receipt
Sample Utility Bill
Sample Property Tax Statement
POS301.R_Topic7Worksheet-8-29-16.docx
POS-301: Analyzing Tax Worksheet
Complete all five parts of the worksheet.
Part One: Income Tax
Use the sample paystub providedto fill in the table below.
.
