Introduction to American Government

FINAL EXAMINATION ESSAY QUESTION Dec. 6, 2004

(to be turned in at beginning of class Dec. 8)

INSTRUCTIONS: Please answer the following question in a well-structured and grammatically correct essay. The aim of this essay is to demonstrate your understanding of the material studied through the entire course. The essay question has three major parts.

There is no arbitrary minimum or maximum page requirement, but a sketchy, one-page set of superficial generalizations is likely to fail. You should be aware that this essay constitutes one-half of your final examination. Since the final examination as a whole counts for 25% of the course grade, your essay therefore represents roughly 12.5% of your cumulative course grade. The term “roughly” applies because (as indicated during several class meetings) if your performance started poorly but has improved during the term, later grades will be weighted more heavily than earlier work in determining your final course grade.

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This course has sought to understand American government and politics through what the textbook calls a “political development” approach. Please write an essay that analyzes the following issues:

(1). What was presupposed in the first “founding” of the American republic?

(2). While by definition “re-foundings” have represented substantial change, discuss the most important elements of the American political system that have remained the same during the nation’s four political refoundings.

(3). What do you consider the single most important political refounding of this nation? Explain why you come to this conclusion, using the 2004 election to illustrate at least some of your major points.