Prepare: Prior to beginning work on this discussion question, read Chapters 3 and 4 in American Government. In addition, watch the videos provided on federalism: Quick Study of Federalism Part 1, Quick Study of Federalism Part 2, and Quick Study of Federalism Part 3, and the U.S. Constitution: Episode I – A More Perfect Union.
Reflect: The U.S. government’s expansive role in public policy is caught in a swirl of conflicting crosscurrents. On the one hand, popular expectations about government’s responsibility to solve problems often exceed the capacity of state and local authorities to respond effectively. On the other hand, policies developed at the national level may not sufficiently reflect the great diversity of interests across the U.S. to be effective at the local level. Moreover, the search for effective policy is further complicated by theoretical debates about the constitutional framework of federalism, that is, what limits on national power can be derived from the Tenth Amendment?
Write: Select a policy or piece of legislation that involves the program you are seeking a degree in (i.e., your major). In your initial post, discuss the federalism challenges that this policy is creating or facing. For example:
If you are an education major, how are local, state, and federal government policies affected by the No Child Left Behind legislation or some other piece of education-related legislation?
If you are a criminal justice major, how does recent legalization of marijuana in some states affect local, state, and federal control over this issue?
If you are a business major, how does the insurance mandate in the Affordable Care Actaffect local, state, and national businesses and their employees?
If you are a political science major how has the recent Citizen’s United ruling affected the amount of money available for campaigns at the local, state, or federal levels?
Fully respond to all parts of the prompt and write your response in your own words. Your initial must be 200 to 250 words. Support your position with APA citations from two or more of the assigned resources required for this discussion. Please be sure that you demonstrate understanding of these resources, integrate them into your argument, and cite them properly.
Discussion #2
Prepare: Prior to beginning your reflection this week, complete all course readings, your introduction, and the Discussion, “The U.S. Constitution.â€
Reflect: Once you have completed these assignments think about how American politics have and could affect your career aspirations. The Founding Fathers created an amazing governmental structure that affects almost every aspect of our lives even today. For instance, if you are a criminal justice major, what parts of the U.S. Constitution are applicable to what you are learning in your major? If you are a business major, which branch of government – executive, legislative, or judicial – has, or will have, the greatest influence on your business ambitions? If you are a political science major, how does separation of powers in the U.S. government affect the operations of most economic, social, and political processes throughout the United States?
Write: In your initial post, based on your current academic major (declared or not), completeone of the following:
Describe which actions of the Founding Fathers are continuing to affect your future career goals.
Discuss how separation of powers is influencing your current or future job.
Explain why checks and balances are important to know in your future employment positions.
Expound on how the Constitution is still relevant to the career you want to pursue.
Fully respond to all parts of the prompt and write your response in your own words. Support your position with APA citations from two or more of the assigned resources required for this discussion. Please be sure that you demonstrate understanding of these resources, integrate them into your argument, and cite them properly. Your initial post should be 200 to 250 words.