1) The “political spectrum” in the United States is normally described as a continuum of “liberal,” “moderate,” and “conservative.” Pew Research goes deeper and gives us a system of political typologies. Discuss the various typologies and what each of them represents on the traditional political spectrum. Why is this a more useful way for understanding our
political system? Where do you personally fit in the spectrum and give examples (6-7 issues) of why that is a good way to describe you politically.
***Make absolutely certain that you have visited pewresearch.org and understand their methodology for “political typologies” – I have provided the link in “helpful sources” in content. You MUST demonstrate the differences
between what the book says about our political culture and traditional classification and how Pew organizes their “typologies.”***
2) Compare and contrast the U.S. system of “Federalism” with “unitary” and “confederal” forms of government. What are the constitutional principles which set up federalism in the United States and give specific examples of where the Constitution gives specific powers to the states, to the federal government, and examples of concurrent powers? Also, discuss the “phases” of federalism we have experienced throughout our history. Be
CERTAIN in your discussion to include examples of Supreme Court rulings which either gave more or less power to the federal government and why.
