Political Research Portfolio: The Issue To Research And Disc

Political Research Portfoliothe Issue To Research And Discover Cred

Research, and discover credible reliable information and be able to ascertain the truth and not be manipulated or persuaded without being educated. Research the following will be discussed in class, websites shared, and info relayed to help students complete the research. Research the following 13 sections and discuss to the best of your ability. Please refer to the syllabus for all requirements, formats, and due date.

Paper For Above instruction

The purpose of this research portfolio is to critically examine various aspects of political theory, current issues, historical documents, governmental structures, and media sources, fostering an understanding of credible information and the importance of objective analysis in political discourse. This comprehensive project encompasses multiple sections, each aimed at developing a well-rounded perspective on American political systems, history, and current affairs.

Section 1: Current Controversial Political Issues in the United States

This section requires analyzing several contentious political issues such as Voter ID laws, Agenda 21, NSA surveillance, Mandatory Vaccines, SEIU and ACORN activities, Fast and Furious operation, ISIS, NDAA/PATRIOT Act, Drones, Iran Nuclear Deal, Second Amendment rights, Benghazi, Common Core, among others. Students must present both sides of each issue, relying solely on factual evidence. Opinions may be included in the conclusion, supported by credible sources. The goal is to develop an informed debate-style discussion that highlights different perspectives based on verifiable facts.

Section 2: Forms and Theories of Government

This part involves discussing various government systems and ideologies, including Communism, Marxism, Socialism, Monarchy, Republic, Dictatorship, Totalitarianism, Tyranny, and Anarchy. Students should explore definitions, core principles, and comparative aspects of each form or theory, emphasizing their historical and contemporary applications.

Section 3: Examination of Historical Documents

This section focuses on analyzing key historical documents: the U.S. Constitution, Articles of Confederation, Declaration of Independence, and Federalist Papers. For each, provide: 1) the date(s) of the document, 2) authors or creators, and 3) their purpose, goals, or intent. Use credible sources or cite your own research to deepen understanding of these foundational texts.

Section 4: Power Struggle Between State and Federal Government

Research the dynamics and conflicts regarding authority and jurisdiction between state and federal levels. Provide specific examples illustrating shifts or disputes over power, and discuss what factors influence or determine the distribution of power between these levels of government.

Section 5: The Federal Reserve, Market, and Economic Debts

Research the Federal Reserve's role, define the free market, and analyze the national debt (current amount). Explore how the U.S. accumulated debt and debate tax structures—flat, fair, or progressive—and whether individuals not paying taxes should benefit from governmental programs. Develop a personal budget, considering entry-level income, taxes, housing, healthcare, utilities, and necessities, including costs if supporting children.

Furthermore, outline government expenditures at local, state, and federal levels by itemizing ten priorities for each. Create a hypothetical personal financial plan, balancing income against expenses, taxes, and savings.

Section 6: Elected Politicians

List current elected officials at local, state, and federal levels specific to your district, including their names, positions, and party affiliations. Do not list all politicians—only those representing your district.

Section 7: Executive Orders and Presidential Czars

Define an executive order. Report the number of executive orders signed by the current President and identify the most unusual order. Research and list current presidential Czars, their titles, salaries, and methods of appointment or acquisition of their positions.

Section 8: Judicial Leadership

Name local judges, California Supreme Court justices, and U.S. Supreme Court justices, including their party affiliations. Explain the scope of judicial power as outlined in Article III of the Constitution.

Section 9: Media Source Evaluation

Select four media outlets—two left-leaning and two right-leaning—and evaluate their coverage, ownership, and political donations. Identify and discuss instances of bias, sensationalism, or skewed reporting, providing evidence for biased perspectives from both sides.

Section 10: Political Survey

Conduct a poll of ten individuals, asking ten college-level political questions on different topics. Include the questions answered and analyze the responses in terms of political awareness, biases, or common themes emerging from the survey.

Section 11: Political Parties

Examine four political parties, detailing their platforms, core principles, and policy priorities. Reflect on what you have learned about competing political ideologies through this research.

Section 12: Organizations

Research six organizations from the political left and six from the right, plus two additional groups of your choosing. For each, detail their mission, major activities, and influence. Examples include Media Matters, Tides Foundation, Heritage Foundation, and others.

Section 13: Electoral Terms

Define key electoral concepts: bond, prop (proposition), absentee ballot, provisional ballot, and office block ballot. Check the California Secretary of State’s resources for upcoming elections, listing any measures or propositions approved for voting.

Conclusion

Reflect on what you have learned through completing this extensive research portfolio—how it has enhanced your understanding of political systems, media bias, governmental functions, historical foundations, and current issues. Share insights gained about the importance of credible information and critical thinking in political engagement.

References

  • Brady, D. W. (2017). "The New Political Science: Theories and Approaches." Routledge.
  • Cotton, J. (2019). "Understanding American Politics." Pearson.
  • Fisher, R. (2020). "The Federal Reserve and Monetary Policy." Harvard University Press.
  • Greenberg, M. (2018). "Media Bias and Propaganda." Oxford University Press.
  • Johnson, A. (2016). "U.S. Government and Politics." McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Meier, K. J., & O’Toole, L. (2017). "Political Science Research Methods." Cambridge University Press.
  • Smith, N. (2015). "The American Legal System." Westview Press.
  • Williams, R. (2018). "Contemporary Political Ideologies." Routledge.
  • Yamamoto, M. (2021). "Voting Systems and Electoral Processes." Stanford University Press.
  • Zuckerman, A. (2019). "Media Ownership and Influence." Columbia Journalism School.

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