Discussion: The Real V. The Ideal

This final discussion has three interrelated parts. In a 300-400 word post address all 3 questions.

1) Are you more persuaded my Mitt Romney’s and other’s optimistic view of American Exceptionalism or Howard Zinn’s, and other’s, more pessimistic view? How close is the US to its ideals? Why?

2) What are two things you would change about the American Political System and what are two things you would keep the same?

3) Many of the political science perspectives (including the Our Own Worst Enemy book)  we’ve seen this semester discuss ways to better protect democracy in the US.  Pick two of these proposals. Which strike you as helpful and which don’t and be sure to support this answer with your reasons why.

Use any 2 resources below or attach

Is America the Greatest Country?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJh9t9h6Wn0&feature=emb_title

Equality and Inequality
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tCcoSRZqVY&feature=emb_title

Debating American Exceptionalism (see attachment below)

God Bless America or This Land is Your Land (see attachment below)

This Land is Your Land (see attachment below)

Mitt Romney: Prizing Freedom (see attachment below)

Howard Zinn: A Challenge to American Exceptionalism (see attachment below)

SAMPLE SOLUTION

1. Personally, I am more persuaded by Howard Zinn’s and others’ more pessimistic view of American exceptionalism. While the United States has certainly achieved many impressive feats and has a rich history, it is clear that the country has also been marked by significant inequalities and injustices. From its founding, the United States has been a deeply divided nation, with different groups experiencing vastly different levels of freedom and opportunity. This is evident in the country’s history of enslavement and segregation, as well as ongoing issues of racial and economic inequality. The United States is still far from achieving its ideals of equality, justice, …Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here
2. If I could change two things about the American political system, I would advocate for a more proportional representation system, such as a ranked choice voting system, to ensure that all voices and perspectives are fairly represented in the political process. I would also support campaign finance reform to reduce the influence of special interests and increase the power of individual voters. Two things I would keep the same are the system of checks and balances and the freedom of speech and the press, which are critical to maintaining a healthy democracy…Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here