Economic choices [due Friday December 18]

America has been referred to as the Land of Plenty and the Land of Opportunity which has led to untold millions of people immigrating here. In contrast, people in most other countries have to make life or death economic decisions because of the lack of economic opportunity. To what degree has American life effected the way we make economic choices?

Local government and its burdens [due by Friday 12/11]

Based on what you have learned about the often invasive nature of local government express your opinions, beliefs, feelings and concerns regarding the way it effects the lives of people.Consider the N.C. Education Lottery, Annexation, Taxes, User Fees, Charter Schools, Licenses, Permits, Fines, etc as one of your concerns. You may select a side that you are on for or against the necesssity of one of the items listed above.

and...

How does local government affect the lives of its citizens? Is it more effective than the federal government? Why/Why not? [Something to think about: If you had a problem with speeding on your street would you call the President?]

Crime, Deterrence and Punishment [Due by 12/4/09]

We have examined how government informs the public about new laws and regulations. Governments also expect certain behaviors from their citizens and address inappropriate conduct with certain types of punishments/consequences according to those behaviors. An alternate strategy has been to deter citizens from committing crimes with the threat of punishment. Based on what you have learned discuss your opinion regarding one of the above topics related to how the government deals with crime, punishment and deterrence. Make certain you support your assertions [opinionated statements] with facts and evidence.

Conflict Resolution [Due Friday 11/27]

Select one [1] of the following types of conflict resolution and describe which one is the most effective and preferable to settle disputes:

Negotiation
Mediation
Arbitration

Your response should include an explanation of how and why various disputes/conflicts would and could be resolved by one of the above strategies.

The Law [Due by Friday 11/20]

How does the criminal and civil law help insure justice for all citizens in the United States of America? [To prove your points use specific examples from what you have learned in class about the law]

Is the criminal justice system fair? [Why/Why not]

Political Parties and their messages [Due Friday November 13]

[A] Based on what you have learned about political parties such as the Republicans, Democrats and third parties such as the Libertarians what do think of their various planks and platforms?

[Select at least two and talk about their strengths and weaknesses]

[B] Explain your impressions of the different types of propaganda [stacked cards, emotional appeals, just plain folks, bandwagon, etc] candidates use and how and why they are effective or ineffective.

[Be as specific as possible using several examples to support your statements]

Federal Economic Policy [Due by Friday 11/6]

Based on the recent assignments about Federal Taxation [excise, estate, capital gains and tariffs] Federal Fiscal/Budget policy [taxes, revenue and expenditures] answer the following using examples and details from what you learned:

Why does the U.S. Federal government have to make wise budget decisions?