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Apply course concepts to analyze the extent to which figures and individuals in McGuire’s chapters 7, 8, and the epilogue, Kaufman’s The Fall of Wisconsin, and Molina’s Fit to be Citizens have reshaped American politics for the better—or attempted to do so—within the context of the Preamble to the Constitution: "to establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity." Your analysis should be grounded in the texts you have read, reflecting on the role of these figures and their efforts in progressing or regressing the ideals outlined in the Preamble. Avoid integrating additional material or research beyond the course texts.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The question of whether certain figures and individuals in McGuire’s chapters, Kaufman’s The Fall of Wisconsin, and Molina’s Fit to be Citizens have actively reshaped American politics for the better aligns with assessing their contributions toward fulfilling the foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution’s Preamble. This essay examines the role of these figures in fostering justice, tranquility, defense, welfare, and liberty, evaluating both their achievements and limitations within the historical and social contexts outlined in these texts.
Thematic Framework and Analytical Approach
To answer this question, I will employ a conceptual framework grounded in political theory and historical analysis. This involves exploring the ways in which individual actions, leadership, or societal movements described by McGuire, Kaufman, and Molina facilitated or hindered progress toward justice and equality. The analysis will assess their efforts through the lens of political accountability, social justice, and civic empowerment—core themes that connect to the ideals articulated in the Preamble.
Analysis of Figures in McGuire’s Chapters 7, 8, and the Epilogue
McGuire’s detailed accounts of racial and gender oppression in the South, spanning from the 1940s to the 1970s, reveal both entrenched systemic injustice and the emergence of resistance by ordinary Americans. Notable figures from these chapters include civil rights activists, community organizers, and courageous individuals who challenged institutional racism and sexism. These figures, often labeled “little people,” contributed significantly to increasing governmental accountability, fostering justice, and promoting social cohesion. For instance, their grassroots efforts helped to expose racial violence and push for legislative reforms like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which manifested a step toward establishing justice and tranquility.
Kaufman’s The Fall of Wisconsin and its Impact on American Politics
Kaufman offers a critical examination of Wisconsin’s political landscape, illustrating how institutional shifts and influential figures have shaped state and national policy. Notably, some political actors and reformers sought to realign policies to better serve the common welfare and safeguard liberty. Kaufman’s analysis suggests that while progress was made, challenges such as political polarization and economic inequality persisted. The efforts of reform-oriented figures contributed to fostering domestic tranquility by attempting to stabilize political institutions and promote inclusive governance, thereby advancing the overarching goals of the Constitution’s Preamble.
Molina’s Fit to be Citizens and the Democratization of Civic Identity
Molina’s work underscores the importance of cultural and civic identity in shaping collective efforts to achieve justice and liberty. The figures highlighted in her book—community leaders, educators, and activists—played pivotal roles in empowering marginalized populations and promoting citizenship that aligns with democratic ideals. By advocating for equitable rights and participation, these figures helped to uphold the virtues of liberty and welfare at both local and national levels. Their strategies illustrate the ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive democratic society that embodies the aspirations expressed in the Preamble.
Evaluation of the Figures’ Impact on American Politics
Collectively, the figures discussed in these texts have made meaningful contributions toward bettering American politics, especially in advancing justice and reducing inequalities. McGuire’s "little people" exemplify how grassroots activism can tier towards larger policy reforms, illustrating that ordinary Americans can influence government accountability. Kaufman’s analysis emphasizes the importance of reformers and political actors in stabilizing and improving state-level institutions, with ripple effects on national politics. Molina’s emphasis on civic participation underscores that democratic engagement remains crucial for sustaining liberty and promoting the general welfare.
However, the impact of these figures also demonstrates the persistent challenges inherent in achieving the full realization of the Preamble’s ideals. Systemic resistance, economic disparities, and political polarization continue to hinder progress. These texts collectively underscore that while individual and collective efforts are vital, sustained institutional commitment is necessary for genuine improvement.
Conclusion
In sum, the figures and individuals highlighted in McGuire’s chapters, Kaufman’s The Fall of Wisconsin, and Molina’s Fit to be Citizens have played significant roles in reshaping American politics toward greater justice, tranquility, welfare, and liberty. Their efforts reflect an ongoing struggle but also exemplify how committed citizens and reformers can influence the political landscape to better align with constitutional ideals. Achieving the full promise of the Preamble requires persistent activism, institutional reform, and civic engagement—principles embodied by these key figures throughout American history.
References
- McGuire, M. (2010). At the Dark End of the Street: Civil Rights, Vengeance, and the Politics of Memory. Vintage.
- Kaufman, M. (2009). The Fall of Wisconsin: The Conservative Conquest of a Progressive Bastion and its Political Consequences. University of Chicago Press.
- Molina, M. (2016). Fit to be Citizens: Public Deliberation in the Face of Diversity. Princeton University Press.
- Keyssar, A. (2009). The Right to Vote: The Contested History of Democracy in the United States. Basic Books.
- Carmichael, S., & Hamilton, C. V. (2010). Black Power: The Politics of Liberation. Vintage.
- Chambers, D. (2014). The Civil Rights Movement: Roots and Branches. Routledge.
- Lowndes, V., & Roberts, M. (2013). Why Institutions Matter: The New Institutionalism in Political Science. Palgrave Macmillan.
- Dawson, M. C. (2001). Behind the Mule: Race, Class, and American Politics. Princeton University Press.
- Tilly, C. (2004). Social Movements, 1768–2004. Paradigm Publishers.
- Zinn, H. (2015). A People's History of the United States. Harper Perennial.