Students Are Required To Submit One Written Assignment ✓ Solved

Students Are Required To Submit One Written Assignment In The Course O

Students are required to submit one written assignment in the course of the semester. The assignment must be a three-to-five page essay including a title page, discussion of three distinct subject areas studied in POLS 2302 (excluding topics from POLS 2301 and Module 4 topics), a contemporary political problem related to these subjects, and a supported solution. The essay must incorporate proper citations from course materials and scholarly sources, and all components must be combined into one Word document submitted through Safe Assign by the specified deadline. Late submissions are strictly prohibited, and plagiarism, including prior submissions and copied work, will result in severe academic penalties.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Throughout this semester in POLS 2302, I explored various dimensions of American government, including the federal system, civil rights issues, and the legislative process. Among these, three topics stood out due to their relevance and depth: the structure and functions of the three branches of government, civil rights legislation, and the electoral process. A pressing contemporary political problem linked to these topics is the polarization and gridlock within the legislative branch, which hampers effective governance. In this paper, I will examine these three areas and then analyze how legislative gridlock impacts policymakers and citizens, proposing potential solutions to mitigate this issue.

The Three Subjects

Firstly, the structure and powers of the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—are fundamental to understanding U.S. political systems (Davis & Nelson, 2017). The legislative branch, composed of Congress, creates laws but often faces partisan gridlock, which delays critical policy enactments (Davis, 2018). The judicial branch, through courts, interprets laws and safeguards constitutional rights, but its role can be constrained by political pressures (Davis & Nelson, 2017). The executive branch, headed by the President, enforces laws and influences policy through executive orders but is also subject to partisan conflicts (Davis, 2018).

Secondly, civil rights legislation addresses inequalities and ensures legal protections for marginalized groups. Civil rights laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, have historically advanced social justice but continue to face political opposition, influencing contemporary debates about equality and justice (Davis & Nelson, 2017). Additionally, court rulings, such as data privacy cases, have shaped civil rights protections in the digital age (Smith, 2019).

Lastly, the electoral process, including voting rights and campaign financing, profoundly impacts democratic representation. Current issues include voter suppression, gerrymandering, and the influence of money in politics, which distort electoral fairness and public trust (Brown, 2020). These issues directly affect the functioning of all government branches and the implementation of policies derived from electoral mandates.

Contemporary Political Problem

The major political problem discussed here is the increasing polarization leading to legislative gridlock. Politicians’ partisan loyalties often prevent bipartisan cooperation, resulting in government shutdowns and delayed policy responses to critical issues like health care, climate change, and economic reform (Johnson & Lee, 2021). This gridlock undermines public confidence, impairs policymaking, and hampers the government's ability to address urgent problems efficiently.

Proposed Solution

To address legislative gridlock, I propose a series of reforms aimed at encouraging bipartisanship and improving legislative efficiency. One approach involves implementing ranked-choice voting, which incentivizes politicians to appeal beyond their party bases, fostering a more moderate politics (Katz & Feld, 2018). Another solution is reforming Senate filibuster rules to prevent prolonged deadlock while maintaining minority rights (Smith & Lee, 2020). Additionally, establishing independent commissions to draw congressional districts can reduce gerrymandering, leading to fairer elections and more representative legislatures (Johnson, 2019).

Moreover, promoting transparency and accountability through public engagement initiatives can motivate politicians to prioritize consensus over polarization. Encouraging civic education programs about the importance of cooperation can foster a political culture that values compromise (Brown & Ramirez, 2022). Together, these reforms could mitigate legislative gridlock, enhance governmental responsiveness, and restore public trust in democratic institutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, examining the three key topics of U.S. government structure, civil rights, and electoral processes reveals the interconnectedness of these subjects and their influence on current political challenges. The prominent issue of legislative gridlock, fueled by polarization, remains a significant obstacle to effective governance. Implementing reform strategies such as ranked-choice voting, filibuster reforms, and electoral districting changes can serve as practical solutions to promote bipartisanship and enhance the functionality of government. Addressing these issues is vital for revitalizing American democracy and ensuring the nation's political system effectively serves its citizens.

References

• Brown, A. (2020). Voting rights and electoral reform in America. Journal of Political Science, 58(4), 543-560.
• Brown, S., & Ramirez, L. (2022). Civic education and political engagement: Strategies for fostering cooperation. Political Education Review, 24(1), 33-47.
• Davis, T., & Nelson, J. P. (2017). The Texas Constitution: The People, History, and Government of the Lone Star State. Lamar Literary Press.
• Davis, T. (2018). American government and politics. University Press.
• Johnson, M., & Lee, S. (2021). Partisan polarization and legislative gridlock. Journal of Politics, 83(2), 789-804.
• Johnson, R. (2019). Electoral reform and democratic legitimacy. Democracy and Governance Studies, 15(3), 205-219.
• Katz, E., & Feld, R. (2018). The rise of ranked-choice voting: Impact on bipartisanship. Electoral Studies Quarterly, 42, 115-130.
• Smith, E. (2019). Civil rights in the digital age. Journal of Civil Liberties, 55(2), 121-138.
• Smith, J., & Lee, R. (2020). Senate filibuster reforms. Legislative Studies Journal, 30(4), 342-359.
• U.S. Constitution. (n.d.). Constitution of the United States. http://www.usa.gov/US-Constitution