Hello,
You will write a reflective essay to assess the information learned throughout the term.
The purpose is for you to make sense of the course and course materials in the context
of the real world and our role in the political process. The main audience for the paper is
yourself, so you will be expected to explore your views, be open to new information,
analyze course resources, and demonstrate a full understanding of the topics covered.
Instructions:
You will explain the concepts of the American National Government, including:
Foundations of government (ie: federalism, separation of powers, civil liberties, and civil
rights)
o Culture of the political system (ie: public opinion, political socialization, political
participation, elections, political parties, the media, and interest groups)
o Institutions of government (ie: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches,
the bureaucracy, policymaking process).
The paper should include the following four parts:
Part 1: Exploration
o Discuss the preconceptions you brought to the class about the American
government and the political process. Explain how they have been
challenged or have been changed by having taken this course.
Part 2: Explanation
o Explain what government and politics are. Address what they “do”, who
and what is involved in the process, what purpose governments serve,
etc.
Part 3: Analysis
o Based on your own experiences and what was discussed in class, are
there things in the American government that you think can be improved
upon or changed? In other words, what works and what does not?
Part 4: Synthesis
o Based on what you discussed in Part 3, explain any recommendations for
improvement or change that you would make. In doing so, make sure you reevaluate your preconceptions. How have they changed because of this
course? How might these changes affect how you view government and
politics in the future?
