Notes

Topic Overview: In class we have discussed the ideas of Aristotle and the principles that founded American society, especially federalism, equality and the structure of of government as created by the US Constitution. However, as we have expanded voting rights and our political culture of classical liberalism has transformed into a battle of modern conservative and liberal ideologies, Americans continue to struggle with complex issues like income inequality, abortion, freedom of religion acts, immigration, national debt, etc. This makes one wonder, would Aristotle call America today a mobocracy or a democracy?


Objective: students will write a research paper that analyzes and evaluates America’s political culture today. This paper will attempt to determine if our ideals of federalism, democracy, equality of opportunity, expansion of suffrage and constitutional structure make America a better democracy as defined by the philosopher Aristotle or more of what he would have called a mobocracy. To accomplish this, students should research a variety of contemporary issues to use as support for their arguments. Students should also include a variety of salient topics and terms from class discussion in their arguments.


Directions…
This paper should be no less than 5 pages and no longer than 8 pages in length.
This paper should be double-spaced and in Times New Roman size 12 font.
This paper should follow all APA formatting rules.
This paper should use in-text citations in APA format.
This paper should include research from no less than five reputable sources.
This paper must include discussion on concepts addressed in the objective above.
This paper should be properly edited for college level English conventions.

http://nationalparalegal.edu/conLawCrimProc_Public/Federalism/WhatIsFederalism.asp
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-politics/
http://seop.illc.uva.nl/entries/equal-opportunity/