Does the electoral college ensure or comprimise American democracy?

Consider the sources we reviewed in class and information from at least two of the links posted below. Evaluate the effectiveness of the electoral college and respond to this week's framing question in a response of no less than 250 words. Your response may be posted, typed, written or developed into a visual project (poster or powerpoint).

Sources:
www.realclearpolitics.com
www.270towin.com
www.cnn.com/election/2008

Note End of 1st MP deadlines: all work except for extra credit assignments must be submitted by Friday 10/3. Extra credits must be submitted by Tuesday, 10/6.

Both Optional Extra Credits must be 350 words and may be a typed document, poster, powerpoint or other approved assessment.

• Extra credit option 1:
  Summarize two issues discussed in last Friday's presidential debates. Evaluate McCain and Obama's positions and present your views on each topic. You may want to evaluate media bias in the presentation of the debate if you didn't view it in real time. Include citations of outside sources.
  


• Extra Credit option 2:
  Write a film review of one of the movies listed below. Include a plot synopsis, explanation of it's relevance to topics we've studied in class and an overall assessment of the film as both a piece of entertainment and an education tool.
  

Films:
All the President's Men (Watergate Scandal)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (commentary on political corruption)
Charlie Wilson's War (media, scandal, role of US in the Kabul War between USSR and Afghanistan)

IS the media the fourth branch of the US government?

This week we discussed the Clinton-Lewinski scandal, considered impeachment cases in US history, examined the limits of executive privilege and analyzed the role of media in American politics. We also debated the notion of the media being the "fourth branch of the US government." Consider our discussions, the film Wag the Dog and your knowledge of current events. Answer TWO of the following questions using specific examples from the film and modern politics: 

• Does media reflect or shape/inform politics in the modern world? 
• What role does the media play in shaping American political and cultural perspectives? 
• How is media affecting the current US presidential election?

Cite and/or link any outside sources you draw upon for your response. This assignment may be blogged, typed, written or turned into a poster or film project. It MUST be 250 words in length and reflect understandings from our current unit of study. 

Which branch of the US government is most powerful?

Answer the question above in a detailed response. Provide evidence such as historical examples and current events to support your answer. Cite any outside sources you use for this assignment. 

Minimum 250 words. Due Thursday, September 11.

Obama and McCain's views on the role of government in modern society

Actively read ONE of the following articles on the front running candidates for the 2008 Presidential race's views on the issue of your choice:

a) The role of government in the economy:
www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&refer=home&sid=a5019JeDatck

b) The role of government in regulating energy and resource use/ prices
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB1212966761810557-lMyQjAxMDI4MTAyODwNjg2Wj.html

c) The role of government in national defense and security:
www.worldpoliticsrview/blog/blog.aspx?id=2420

d) The role of government in regulating health care:
http://stpns.net/view_article.html?articleId=109510843610510810410

Respond to the following questions on the blog or on paper:

Summarize both candidates' views on the issue you selected. Evaluate the strengths and
weaknesses of each position. Did either candidates' views surprise you? Explain.

Who's views do you agree with more on this specific topic? Why?

Did either candidates' views surprise you? Explain.

Your response is due monday, 9/8 at the begining of class. 250 word minimum.

Political Compass Assigment

log onto www.stageleft.info/political-compass/ and take the quiz to find out where you are on this version of the political spectrum. E-mail or print me your results.