W. W. Norton & Company | We the People, 6th Edition

Chapter 1: American Political Culture

The textbook discusses liberty as a key component of U.S. democracy. What sort of liberty did the Founders have in mind in the Bill of Rights? Are there limits to how much liberty we can allow and still maintain a stable society? What sort of limits on personal freedom do you think are acceptable? What sorts of actions are not acceptable?

The term equality has several dimensions: political, social, economic. What sort of political equality exists in the United States? Where do we fail to provide political equality? How much social equality do we have? How much do you want? How much economic equality would you want?

The development of a public educational system is based on the idea that democracy requires an educated population trained in rational discussion and decision making. This text states that knowledge of how the political system works is the most important requirement for citizenship in a democracy. Countries such as Malawi and Honduras, with low literacy rates, are struggling to create democracies that include free elections and protections of basic freedoms. What are the practical requirements for democracy to exist? Can any country where few are formally educated really be a democracy? If you were the democratic leader of such a country, how would you go about trying to create democracy?

Is it possible for people in a democracy to choose poor leaders? What, in your opinion, would constitute a poor leader? Which is more important: choosing good leaders or letting the people decide, even if they choose poorly?

The military draft in the United States was abolished in 1973. Some people believe that everyone ought to perform at least one year of mandatory public service, either in the military or in community service. Do you agree? What beneﬁts do you see to mandatory public service? What problems? If there were mandatory service, should it be required of both men and women? Which would you choose: military service or community service?

Do you believe one person can make a difference in the U.S. political system today? Can you think of any examples of people who have made a difference? Are there any political causes that you believe in and that you would be willing to work for?

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