POS301 2019 January Full Course Latest

POS301 Arizona And Federal Government

Week 1 Discussion

In 1787, the Constitution was drafted with a Preamble to explicitly state that the origins of power in this new democracy resided not with a king, but with the people. “We the People” has generally evolved over the years to include more than it did in the late 18th Century. In your opinion, are there still groups who are disenfranchised and are not considered as an equal source of power in our democracy?

 

POS301 Arizona And Federal Government

Week 2 Discussion

In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down as unconstitutional the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which was passed by Congress. Would this be an example of checks and balances between the legislative and judicial branches? Should the U.S. Supreme Court, a nonelected body, have the power to make such decisions on acts passed by the legislative body, who are elected by the people?

 

POS301 Arizona And Federal Government

Week 3 Discussion

Federalism results from the interaction between the different layers of government. Many issues are discussed not in terms of right and wrong, but who is responsible for addressing the issue. Immigration has long been a federal issue. However, in 2010, the state of Arizona passed a controversial bill (Senate Bill 1070) that essentially gave power to the state to implement immigration law. Several sections of this bill were deemed unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court. This situation is a prime example of the conflict federalism can create. Please provide your opinion on immigration within the context of federalism.

 

POS301 Arizona And Federal Government

Week 4 Discussion

Should we keep the electoral college or go to straight popular vote? Why?

 

POS301 Arizona And Federal Government

Week 5 Discussion

How would you describe the purpose of the Bill of Rights at the time the U.S. Constitution was drafted and today?

 

 

POS301 Arizona And Federal Government

Week 6 Discussion

At the time of the drafting of the Arizona Constitution, the Progressive Party and Movement was very influential in American politics. As such, the framers of the Arizona Constitution added specific powers to the people, such as the recall of judges. What are the pros and cons of such democratic principles being embedded in a state constitution?

 

POS301 Arizona And Federal Government

Week 7 Discussion

Federal judges do not have a mandatory retirement age, yet Arizona and 32 other states require all state judges to vacate their positions upon turning age 70. Should Arizona’s judges be forced to retire at age 70? Might this be considered age discrimination or is it a necessary protection for the people?

 

POS301 Arizona And Federal Government

Week 8 Discussion

Arizona citizens retain several very progressive rights, namely the right to initiative, referendum, recall of elected officials, recall of judges, election of corporation commissioners and election of a state mine inspector. Please select three of these democratic rights and make an argument as to why giving power directly to the people in this manner is a benefit for all of society.

 

POS301 Arizona And Federal Government

Week 1 Assignment

We the People Worksheet

Complete the "We the People Worksheet."

Utilize the required readings, academic websites, and the GCU Library as resources for this assignment.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

POS-301: We the People Essay Questions

Respond to the following questions in 150-200 words each.

1. Analyze the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. Explain the significance of these founding documents and how they altered the concept of government that had prevailed in society before their creation.

2. What does it mean to be a part of “We the People”? What rights do “We the People” have and where do those rights come from?

3. How has the term “American” changed from the founding of the nation through today?

References:

 

POS301 Arizona And Federal Government

Week 2 Assignment  

Principles and Articles of the United States Constitution Worksheet

Complete the "Principles and Articles of the United States Constitution Worksheet."

Utilize the required readings, academic websites, and the GCU Library as resources for this assignment.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the GCU APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

POS-301: Principles and Articles of the United States Constitution Worksheet

Part I: Principles of the Constitution

The constitution consists of some primary principles. Briefly explain the following principles and their significance in shaping American government.

•             Self-Government:

•             Separation of Powers:

•             Checks and Balances:

Part II: Balance of Power

In the space below, write an analysis of approximately 250 words on how the system of checks and balances in the federal government helps to limit the concentration of power.

•             Cite specific examples.

•             Defend your rationale.

•             Utilize the required readings, academic websites, and the GCU Library as resources for this assignment.

Part III: The Three Branches of the Federal Government

Answer the following questions. Each response should be 150-200 words.

1. What are the duties and responsibilities of each branch of the federal government?

Legislative:

Judicial:

Executive:

2. Describe how these three branches are supposed to interact.

3. How effectively do you feel the three branches interact with each other today?

 

 

POS301 Arizona And Federal Government

Week 4 Assignment

Electoral College Essay

Write an essay of 750-1,000 words in which you:

1. Describe the structure and function of the electoral college.

How and when was it created in the U.S.?

Why was it created, and by whom?

2. Compare the electoral college to a popular vote approach for elections.

How does the electoral college system operate/function?

What are consequences of using an electoral college system versus a popular vote? Use the 2000 and 2016 presidential elections as examples.

3. Assess the value of an individual citizen’s vote under the electoral college system.

Why does the U.S. still use the electoral college for presidential elections today?

Utilize the required readings, academic websites, and the GCU Library as resources for this assignment.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

 

POS301 Arizona And Federal Government

Week 7 Assignment

Analyzing Tax Worksheet

Former Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall once stated, “The power to tax is the power to destroy.” The power to tax, the principle of taxation, and the effect taxes have on citizens has existed since the inception of America itself. However, much of it is misunderstood.

Use the sample property tax bill, pay stub, utility bill, and sales tax receipt provided below to complete the Analyzing Tax Worksheet.

Sample Pay Stub

Sample Sales Receipt

Sample Utility Bill

Sample Property Tax Statement

POS301.R_Topic7Worksheet-8-29-16.docx

POS-301: Analyzing Tax Worksheet

Complete all five parts of the worksheet.

Part One: Income Tax

Use the sample paystub providedto fill in the table below.

	Who Determines the Amount of Tax?	Services the Tax is Applied Towards
Federal Tax
State Tax
Social Security Tax
Medicare Tax
Other (Please specify)

 

Part Two: Sales Tax

Use the sample sales receipt provided to answer the questions below.

1. List all of the taxes (percent, amount, etc.) found on the receipt.

2. Who determines the amount of each tax?

3.Where does revenue from this tax go? What does it fund?

Part Three: Utility Tax

Use the sample utility bill provided to answer the questions below.

1. List all of the taxes (percent, amount, etc.) found on the bill.

2. Who determines the amount of each tax?

3.Where does revenue from this tax go? What does it fund?

Part Four: Property Tax

Use the sample property tax statement provided to answer the questions below.

1. List all of the taxes (percent, amount, etc.) found on the statement.

2. Who determines the amount of each tax?

3.Where does revenue from this tax go? What does it fund?

Part Five: Summary and Analysis

Write a 200-350-word summary below of your findings and what you have learned about how you are taxed.