Explain some aspect of US politics. Make sure to answer every part of the question

Part 1: Descriptive Essay

Pick 1 (out of 2); 25 points

Explain some aspect of US politics. Make sure to answer every part of the question

Part 2: Argumentative Essay

Pick 1 (out of 2); 25 points

Make an argument for or against some claim about US politics

Overarching Themes for the Exam

US Political Culture

Tocqueville: the innovations and pitfalls of the US social state

Innovations: local autonomy; self-interest properly understood

Pitfalls: tyranny of the majority; individualism; industrial aristocracy; new despotism

Civil liberties and civil rights

Selective incorporation and the balance of personal freedoms and public security

The history of the civil rights movement: litigation vs. mass movement

Contemporary problems: why do we see unequal outcomes in a “colorblind” society?

Political behaviors and institutions beyond the three branches of gov’t

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