Advanced Placement Government
Purpose: To familiarize yourself with the various elements of the United States Constitution by reporting on the "Challenges for Our Constitutional Democracy."
| Write out each challenge. There are ten of them They are listed below. |
| For each, note where in the Constitution that question is addressed. (Article, Section, or Amendment) While there may be more than one place in the Constitution to reference, please cite ONLY ONE place in the Constitution. Also include the key words from the document, but write no more than one or two sentences. |
| Then for each, write an explanation of what that part of the Constitution says that addresses that question. Include a brief idea about whether or not you believe this question is adequately answered in the Constitution. Note: You are NOT answering the questions given! |
| Include a current event or historical anecdote that demonstrates the significance of this constitutional challenge and brief one sentence explanation of that event or anecdote. |
Here are those challenges and questions (from page 19 of the textbook "Government by the People" by Burns):
1. "All men are created equal." What kinds of equality are -- and should be -- protected by the Constitution, and by what means?
2. "Government by the people." Does the evolving constitutional system, including political parties and interest groups, strengthen fair and effective representation of the people?
3. Federalism. Does the Constitution provide an efficient and realistic balance between national and political power?
4. Checks and balances: Does the constitutional separation of powers between the president and Congress lead to gridlock and delay?
5. The judicial branch. Is it too powerful? Are the federal courts exceeding their proper powers as interpreters of the Constitution?
6. Minority rights. Does the Constitution adequately protect the rights of women, African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, other ethnic groups, and recent immigrants?
7. Suspect's rights. Can representative government uphold the rights of the criminally accused and yet protect its citizens?
8. Individual liberties. Are individual liberties adequately protected in the Constitution? Do big government and big business diminish the freedom of the individual?
9. War and peace. What are the responsibilities of the United States as the only superpower?
10. Constitutional responsibilities. Are Americans participating adequately in our democratic system? Do citizens take civic responsibilities too lightly? Is our democracy in jeopardy?