1). A). How would you explain federalism and why do you think many countries have adopted variations of the American model of federalism?
B). What are the major advantages of federalism? Disadvantages?
C). In
Federalist 51, James Madison argued that the division of power between "two distinct governments" would allow state and federal governments to check each other, providing security to the "rights of the people." Has history proven him right? What evidence can you offer to support your answer?
2). A). The Bill of Rights has been called "the single greatest contribution of American constitutionalism to the world." Is it deserving of such high praise? What evidence can you offer to support your answer?
B). "A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth...and what no just government should refuse or rest on inferences." In what ways does this claim draw on the natural rights philosophy?
C). How and why has the Bill of Rights continued to serve as an inspiration to peoples across the world today?
3). A). "For one thing is certain: the greatest threat to constitutional government spring from the paucity (lack) of serious public discourse, and this from an uninformed public." Do you agree or disagree with the opinion expressed here? Why?
B). What rules did the Framers establish to ensure serious, fair discussion at the Philadelphia Convention, and are those rules still useful today?
C). What responsibility, in any, do schools have for teaching students how to engage in informed civil discourse? Why?
Due: Sunday by no later than 11:59pm
