Please read Article and answer all questions.
Unit 2 Essay
Attached Files:
File John Dickerson Article.pdf John Dickerson Article.pdf – Alternative Formats
The following assignment is due on the day of the second exam. It should be typed and a hard copy submitted to me by the start of the exam:
1. Read the article by John Dickerson that is attached to this entry. It is long, so set aside a block of time to read it without interruption or read it in smaller sections. Either way, it is wise to take written notes on what you are reading so that you can refer back to your notes rather than having to search through the long article to find evidence for a point you want to make in your essay.
2. Then spend some time reflecting on the original design of the presidency, that is, what the Founders of the nation intended for this branch of government. Review your notes from Lesson 5 on the Presidency as well as Federalist Essay no. 70. Ask yourself, what did the founders of our nation intend the presidency to be like?
3. Compare the founders’ intention for the presidency with the modern presidency that Dickerson describes in his article. Take into consideration the way the presidency has changed over time and why it has changed.
4. Write an essay that answers this question: Do you think the modern president is too strong or too weak? As you are thinking and writing out your answer, keep in mind that there is a difference between power and responsibility. The president may have many, difficult responsibilities, but he may not have the power to meet those responsibilities. Does the Constitution give the president sufficient power to carry out those responsibilities? Have these responsibilities been taken on by the president over time through adoption of new traditions and demands by the public OR are those responsibilities required of the president by the Constitution? What powers has the Constitution given to the president? How do those powers allow him to satisfy his responsibilities?
5. Include in your answer evidence from the material we covered in class on the presidency and the material discussed in Dickerson’s article. Your grade on this essay will be based on:
(a) whether you actually answer the question asked in no. 4 above; and
(b) your understanding of the course material from Lesson 5 that you demonstrate through your essay; and
(c) your understanding of Dickerson’s article that you demonstrate through your essay.
If you struggle with writing, visit Lander’s Writing Center for assistance.
6. Please keep in mind that this essay does not require you to express your opinion of any specific president. Be objective and thoughtful, not partisan or mean. This assignment is asking you to reflect on the office of the president generally.
7. Your essay should have this format:
– Type your answer using Times New Roman, 12 point font
– Double spaced
– One inch for all margins (top, bottom, left, right)
– 500 words minimum / no maximum
– No cover page, header/footer or works cited.
– Write your name on the top of the first page.
