Discuss the following segments: (1)What does Dahl mean by “Ideal Democracy” in Part 1 of his book “On Democracy”? Define and summarize Dahl’s more significant points. (2)Using what you have learned in Part 1 of the Dahl book (through Chapter 7), discuss whether or not the founding of our United States (the Articles of Confederation, creation of the US Constitution)seems to have been “democratic”? If it was, to what extent was it democratic? How well do you think the early United States,duringour founding years,would measure up to Dahl’s framework of “ideal democracy”?
Discuss any arguable democratic deficiencies (or shortcomings) that you may perceive to have existed during those early years. Consider the creation and effects of the Constitution. Relate to Dahl. (3)In your view, how well did the United States measure up to Dahl’s “ideal democracy”after the founding(consider the 1800s, post-Civil War Amendments and their arguable impacts, etc. ) and through the more recent era of the 1950-1960’s push for civil rights? Again, discuss any democraticdeficiencies, or shortcomings (according to Dahl’s framework). Do you notice any improvements during these many years,from the founding to the 1960s?
Was there any development of our American “democracy”, any imperfections or flaws as of the 1964/1965 Civil Rights legislation that was passed? Relate to Dahl’s framework. 4) Are any of our civil rights and /or liberties at risk today? Consider Justice Scalia’s comments about voting and racial entitlements (end of February 2013). In addition, you may consider other important matters. Argue you points. Be sure to relate to Dahl’s framework. What should be done, and by who? Your letter to an official should focus on this segment of current matters, threats to our democracy.
KEEP IN MIND:As you work on this paper, consider Dahl’s concept of “ideal democracy” and aim to identify any democratic deficiencies (and any arguable tradeoffs) that you perceive to have existed during these times of our country’s development. Always argue for your points. Think about what is significant. Aim to learn something about our country’s political and social development since birth through the 1960’s civil rights era. Use and cite any evidence you wish. Cite everything used, even if from the text, even if paraphrased. Due to the fairly short length of this paper and the need to imit scope of your material and points, you will need to make an outline and hit the more significant or major points. You will decide and argue for your positions on what seems to be significant to the development of democracy in the United States. Think critically. Relate to the Dahl book. SPECIFIC HINTS on the topic: You may consider the founding of the United States, including the Articles of Confederation, the Philadelphia Convention, the resulting United States Constitution and any relevant issues or problems that became evident in society, and what we have covered in the course through civil rights and liberties.
Regarding issues and events related to civil rights and liberties, did the post-Civil War Amendments and legal decisions (you may consider this as a “first” civil rights movement) make any difference to our level or degree of “democracy”, as defined under Dahl’s framework? You may consider anypolitical-social-economic problems that led up to the more recent “civil rights movement” of the 1950s and 1960s. How close to Dahl’s “ideal democracy” did these civil rights movements bring our country?
Submit: —Brief OUTLINE (1page max, bullet point style is fine). What will you plan to discuss? PAPER and letter: 5 to 7 pages in length of paper. This includes a one-page LETTER TO AN OFFICIAL of your choice. What suggestions or demands would you like to make? Also, add title page and reference page at the back (no matter how few materials are utilized). Double-spaced, 1” margins, and some normal font style and size (such as 12). No Wikipedia. CITE EVERYTHING borrowed from other sources, even if paraphrased.
You may use parenthetical citations, footnotes or endnotes where applicable. You choose the style. Note: Preserve your academic integrity and do your own work, give others credit when due. You are responsible for reading and understanding the college’s policy on academic dishonesty / plagiarism (see our college website, and see me if you have any questions). Late “FIRST PAPERS” will be lowered one full letter grade for each day late. Save all parts of the paper All in ONE FILE and post online under the proper discussion for these papers.