Reading Questions for Packet Readings

Transcription

1 Reading Questions for Packet Readings A Promised Land Jeffrey R. Holland 1. According to Elder Holland, America may be seen as a sacred place. What determines whether a location is sacred or profane? What must be done in order to maintain a location s sacred nature? 2. Quoting Benjamin Franklin, Elder Holland remarks that America s cause is the cause of all mankind. How does America s experience illustrate this truth both spiritually and politically? 3. Throughout history, many people built up civilizations upon the American continent. Some succeeded others did not. According to Elder Holland why did some early societies fail? Why did the founders believe they succeeded? The Mayflower Compact 1. Though Pilgrims and Puritans sought to create a godly covenant community, they also cared deeply about politics. In what ways might Puritan religious beliefs influence political beliefs? How are both concerns evident within the Mayflower Compact? Does one concern predominate over the other, or do they reinforce one another? 2. Upon arriving in the New World, the Mayflower Compact records that Pilgrims sought to create a political covenant with each other. What does it mean to create a political covenant? Drawing on the document as well as previous reading within City Upon a Hill, how might such covenants help new societies escape the human predicament? A Christian at His Calling Cotton Mather 1. Cotton Mather records that men involved in all vocations may glorify God through their callings. How might this idea impact Puritans who were placed in positions of political leadership? Seen in this light, what are the similarities and differences between the Christian Calling and the Divine Right of Kings? 2. Like so many Puritan beliefs, Mather s view of the Christian Calling involves covenant making. What are men called to do within their calling, and what may they expect as their reward for so doing? 3. Parts of our Puritan past still influence the present. Do you think this is the case with the Christian Calling? Does society still look upon work the way Puritans did? What evidence of this idea of a Christian Calling can you still see today?

2 A Model of Christian Charity John Winthrop 1. Winthrop notes that God Almighty in His most holy and wise providence, hath so disposed of the condition of mankind, as in all times some must be rich, some poor, some high and eminent in power and dignity; others mean and in submission. The thought that God promotes economic inequality bothers many today. How does Winthrop justify this belief? Do you find his argument convincing? 2. Within his speech, Winthrop characterizes Puritan society as the body of Christ. What does this imagery tell us about how Puritans viewed their community? What responsibilities did each individual have to promote the community s good? 3. How might Winthrop s portrayal of America as a City Upon a Hill encourage Puritans to create a better society? Do you see any weaknesses within Winthrop s image? Is there room for those who hold diverse opinions within Winthrop s city? The Liberty of the Ancients Compared with That of Moderns Benjamin Constant 1. What are the major differences between ancient conceptions of liberty and those of modern societies according to Constant? What makes modern liberty possible? What are its strengths and weaknesses? 2. How might covenant communities and corporate communities differ in their approach to liberty? Do corporate communities believe in ancient liberty, modern liberty, or some other form of liberty? What about covenant communities? 3. Benjamin Constant notes that the liberty of the ancients often resulted in political exile as well as surveillance of the community. What are the strengths and weaknesses of ancient liberty? 4. What does Constant have in mind when he writes about political liberty? 5. Constant says that he wants to combine ancient and modern liberty. What does he mean by that? Is it possible to combine ancient and modern liberty? How would this be done? (How does Constant think it can be done?) The Rule of Law Michael Mullane 1. Mullane portrays the rule of law as the single greatest achievement of our society. How do you believe Mullane would define it? Does it differ from the textbook s definition? Why or why not? 2. Mullane argues that the rule of law protects against mob rule as well as excessive power of the state. In what ways does it protect against both? Where do you think the greater danger to the rule of law lies?

3 3. Mullane argues that the rule of law is like Tinkerbell it only works if we all believe. What does he mean by that? Is he right? 4. Some feel that bending the rule of law at times is a practical necessity. Mullane, however, believes Americans have often gone too far in this regard (interning Japanese Americans during WWII for example). Where should one draw the line, and how can society make such judgments responsibly? Little Speech on Liberty John Winthrop 1. How do natural and civil liberty differ? How do Winthrop s views on liberty compare to Benjamin Constant s? 2. According to Winthrop natural and civil liberty each view political authority in a different light. How do the two compare? How might Winthrop s position as a leader of a newly formed colony influence his choice to underscore the importance of civil liberty? 3. What are the advantages and the disadvantages of Winthrop s civil or moral liberty? The Wealth of Nations (Of the Division of Labor) Adam Smith 1. According to Adam Smith, how does the division of labor lead to a more efficient economy? How does it result in more goods sold within a free market? How does the example of pinmaking illustrate his ideas about the division of labor? 2. Adam Smith compares the quality of corn produced in Poland to that of crops grown within other developed countries. Which country should specialize in growing corn? Why? 3. According to Adam Smith, why does the division of labor encourage trade both nationally and internationally? How might such interdependence influence relations between countries? The American Crisis I Thomas Paine 1. What is the purpose of Paine s essay? 2. During one of the darkest moments of the revolution, Thomas Paine optimistically remarked that he saw no real cause for fear. How does Paine portray American military defeats as seeming victories for the American cause? 3. John Adams once remarked that getting individual colonies to band together during the revolution proved as difficult as getting 13 clocks to strike at the same instant. What arguments does Paine use to encourage diverse colonies to unite against Britain as one people?

4 4. According to Thomas Paine what role does Providence (God) play in the American Revolution? What are colonists duties towards their Maker if they wish to see him fight their battles? James Madison and the Creation of The American Republic, Chapters 5-6 Jack Rakove 1. What were the vices of the political system of the United States, according to Madison? 2. Madison, as the architect of the Constitution, held deep-rooted suspicions against the states. Why did he think the states threatened to ruin the national government? How did Madison seek to remedy this? Do you find his arguments convincing? 3. During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, heated debate broke out over the issue of representation in Congress. What were the two main arguments concerning the issue? Though both expressed a desire for equality how did their notions of the term differ from one another? 4. What were the various plans presented at the Constitutional Convention? What elements of the various plans can be found in our Constitution today? Relatedly, what were Madison s greatest victories and his greatest defeats during the Convention? 5. After being forced to compromise on issues of representation, to what branch did Madison turn to in order to stop legislative [and state] excess[es]? How did Madison attempt to separate this branch from the legislative branch s power? Federalist 10 James Madison 1. What is a faction and why are they a problem in government? 2. What are the two methods for curing the mischiefs of faction and the two methods for removing the causes of faction? 3. Why does Madison think that the causes of faction cannot be removed? 4. Why does pure democracy have no cure for the mischiefs of faction? Is Madison arguing against a system of majority rule? Why or why not? 5. Why does a republic do a better job of controlling the effects of faction than a pure democracy? Why does a large republic do a better job of controlling the effects of faction than a small republic?

5 Brutus I 1. What are Brutus s main concerns about the new Constitution? Given our experience since the ratification of the Constitution, have his fears been realized? 2. Why does Brutus take issue with the supremacy clause and the necessary and proper clause within the Constitution? What, according to him, will these clauses allow the national government to do? What are his concerns about the principle of federalism? 3. Brutus directly challenges Madison s large republic theory. What reasons does he give to prove Madison wrong? Which author do you find more convincing Brutus or Madison? Why? Federalist 51 James Madison 1. What does Madison mean by the statement, Ambition must be made to counteract ambition? 2. Is government merely the greatest of all reflections on human nature? How so or why not? 3. What checks are placed by the Constitution on the legislative branch? Is the legislative branch the most powerful branch of our national government today? 4. Is it true that Justice is the end (i.e., goal or purpose) of government [and] the end of civil society? Does government have other purposes? 5. Do you agree with the author that In the extended republic of the United States, and among the great variety of interests, parties, and sects which it embraces, a coalition of a majority of the whole society could seldom take place on any other principles than those of justice and the general good? How does this quote compare to King Mosiah s thought on government in Mosiah 29 in the Book of Mormon? 6. How does a federal principle enable the people inhabiting a republic to engage in selfgovernment? Letter to James Madison Thomas Jefferson 1. What does Jefferson approve of in the new Constitution? What are his concerns? 2. Thomas Jefferson remarks that, in questions of government, he considers all the ill established which may be established. What does Jefferson mean by this, and how does it relate to his view concerning the lack of a Bill of Rights within the Constitution? 3. What are Jefferson s concerns about the executive branch? How does he wish to change it? Do you believe Jefferson s fears are relevant today? Why or why not?

6 4. Though comrades throughout the early days of the revolution, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams would later part ways largely owing to political differences. One such difference dealt with the issue of how much to rely upon virtuous citizens within government. How do Adams s and Jefferson s views concerning this matter differ (hint: skim over Adams s Thoughts Concerning Government ). How might their views result in differing structural approaches to government? What the Framers Couldn t Know Robert Dahl 1. Dahl says there are some things the Framers could not know. What are the things they could not have known? What other limits might the Framers have faced? Do you agree with Dahl s argument? Why or why not? 2. Dahl lists several undemocratic elements of the Constitution. What are those elements? Are some of these undemocratic elements weaknesses of the Constitution? If so, which ones? Could some of the undemocratic elements be strengths? 3. Dahl traces several phases of a transition from a republic to a democratic republic. What are those phases? Do you agree with him that the country has experienced this transition? Why does Dahl assume the founders would be more open to democratic changes in the Constitution if they had lived to see subsequent American history? Given our experience since 1787, are there any events that may have confirmed their fears concerning democracy? 4. According to Dahl, how did Madison s views change over time? 5. On p. 34 Madison lists advantages of the party system. After studying his list, which points do you think hold true today? Are there any which do not? Federalist 84 Alexander Hamilton 1. In Federalist 84, Hamilton writes, We, the people of the United States, to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United states of America. Here is a better recognition of popular rights, than volumes of those aphorisms which make the principal figure in several of our State bills of rights What does Hamilton mean by this? In what sense does the section of the Preamble Hamilton quotes protect rights? 2. Hamilton says that a Bill of Rights is unnecessary and may even be dangerous. Why does he believe this? Today, many may see Hamilton s arguments against a Bill of Rights as profoundly un-american. Do you find any of his arguments convincing? Which ones? 3. Hamilton writes that The Constitution is itself, in every rational sense, and to every useful purpose, a Bill of Rights. What does Hamilton mean by this? In what way does the body of the Constitution (in other words, the Articles agreed to in Philadelphia)

7 protect our rights? What is Hamilton trying to teach about the best way constitutions can protect citizens rights? Brutus II 1. Brutus comes from a generation of political thinkers who understood the writings of John Locke. How does Brutus use Locke s ideas from the second treatise of government to bolster his argument? 2. Because the Constitution was ratified it could be said that Brutus lost in his fight against ratification. However, the Federalists who supported the Constitution still realized that many of the anti-federalist arguments were valid concerns for the American people. Compare Brutus II with the Bill of Rights in the Constitution and look for amendments that mirror rights that Brutus argued for. 3. The Bill of Rights was the greatest argument the anti-federalists had against the Constitution. Why, according to Brutus II, did the Federalists feel a Bill of Rights was unnecessary? Why do you think that many of the colonists, including the Anti-Federalists, thought it was important to include? Do you think it is a good thing that the Constitution has a Bill of Rights? 4. In Federalist 51, James Madison said that if men were angels no government would be necessary. Based on your reading of Brutus II, do you think that idea was exclusive to the Federalists? Federalist 78 Alexander Hamilton 1. In Federalist 78, Hamilton argues that the judicial branch has neither force nor will, but merely judgment. What does he mean by that? Do you agree with Hamilton that the judiciary is beyond comparison the weakest of the three departments? Why or why not? And what does Hamilton mean when he calls the judicial branch weak? 2. Hamilton argues that judges should be kept in office for life as long as they have good behavior. He says that this guards against oppressions of the legislative branch as well as assures an impartial administration of the law. How might lifetime service accomplish this? More generally, what are the advantages of a judiciary that is more distant or independent from the people? 3. Many scholars argue that the Founders, previous to John Marshall, had little understanding of the idea of judicial review. After reading Federalist 78, where do you think Hamilton would have stood on the issue? Back up your thoughts with quotes from the reading. Compare and contrast Hamilton s approach to law and the Constitution with that of John Marshall in the case of Marbury v. Madison.

8 4. Hamilton believes that separating the judicial from the legislative branch may serve to promote virtue throughout the republic. Why might this be the case? Why the Constitution Matters Mark Tushnet 1. According to Tushnet, why does the Constitution matter? Do you agree with his answer to that question? Why or why not? What are some alternative answers to his question? 2. What is the role of the Supreme Court, according to Tushnet? Do you agree with his assessment of the Court s role? Why or why not? 3. What does it mean that the Constitution provides a framework for our politics? What aspects of the Constitution provide this framework? Does Federalist 51 provide any further insight to this question? Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments 1. Why do you think Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton decided to use Jefferson s words of the Declaration to make their argument? Why might this prove effective? 2. Women were first given the right to vote within Western territories such as Wyoming and Utah. Why, according to Frederick Jackson Turner s frontier thesis, might these governments be the first to allow women this right? 3. Compare and contrast the way Frederick Douglass, Roger Taney, and the authors of the Seneca Falls Declaration use important founding documents as part of their arguments. What to the Slave Is the 4th of July? Frederick Douglass 1. According to Douglass, what does the 4th of July mean to slaves? 2. Throughout his speech, Frederick Douglass makes use of Biblical imagery. Why might he do this? What does this say about his view towards his audience? 3. What are Douglass s views of the founders and the Constitution? How can he have these opinions if the Constitution itself upholds slavery? The Gettysburg Address Abraham Lincoln 1. What event occurred four score and seven years ago? To which document does Lincoln allude when he says that the new nation was dedicated to the proposition that all men were created equal?

9 2. The terms brought forth and conceived imply birth. Why begin a speech dedicating a cemetery for the dead with an image of birth? Are there other images of birth in the speech? 3. How many times in the speech does Lincoln use a form of the verb to dedicate? What are the different meanings of those uses? 4. In the last paragraph of The Second Inaugural Lincoln refers to the need to finish the work we are in. In this speech he urges the living to be dedicated to the unfinished work of those who died. To what work does he refer? 5. In the last paragraph of the First Inaugural Lincoln appeals to the mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battle-field, and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearthstone in an effort to preserve the Union. In the Gettysburg Address what should the memory of those who are buried in the graves of this battlefield inspire the living to do? Second Inaugural Abraham Lincoln 1. Lincoln delivered this speech as the Civil War was coming to a close with an imminent Union victory. Lincoln could have placed all of the blame for the war on the South. Does he? 2. Lincoln finds common elements between the North and the South, even as they waged war with one another. What are they? 3. Why, according to Lincoln, did God give to both North and South, this terrible war? 4. What is the purpose of the last paragraph? Why did he say this to an audience that was mostly Republican northerners who had control of Congress? How does this paragraph compare to the treatment of the South found in the 14 th Amendment? American Democracy in a Rising Age of Inequality APSA Task Force 1. According to the report, why do many Americans not vote or otherwise take part in civic affairs (through donations, joining a political organization, etc.)? What effect does this have upon American democracy overall? 2. Why, according to the report, have democratic political parties not solved the problem of inequality within American society? 3. What are the political implications of economic inequality, according to the APSA task force? Given the evidence in the report, do you think economic inequality is a political problem? Why or why not?

10 4. What does the report have to say about interest groups in Washington, DC? Is this conclusion consistent with or different from Madison s expectations about factions? Who gets the policies they want in the United States today? 5. What has happened with patterns of political participation by racial minorities since World War II? Is this a story of success or failure? 6. How do you think William Graham Sumner would respond to this report? In what areas would he agree? In what areas would he disagree? America: God Mend Thine Every Flaw Neal A. Maxwell 1. How does Elder Maxwell define patriotism? How can individuals be patriotic? 2. Much of Elder Maxwell s speech details problems besetting America. What are the problems he outlines? Do you agree with his diagnosis? Even with these problems, Elder Maxwell believes America can be saved and is worth saving. Why is this? What in America is worth saving? 3. According to Elder Maxwell, how are individual morality and religion connected with the fate of America? What Social Classes Owe to Each Other William Graham Sumner 1. What do social classes owe to each other, according to Sumner? How would you evaluate his answer? In what ways is it consistent or inconsistent with LDS teachings about the poor? What are our responsibilities to each other, if any? 2. What does Sumner have to say about natural rights? 3. According to Sumner, governmental reforms which take from C to give to D compromise democracy. Why might Sumner argue this? What proofs does he give? Is Sumner against all forms of aid? 4. How does Sumner characterize both the Forgotten Man, as well as the poor man? How do these portrayals relate to social Darwinism? Address to the Jefferson Club of Los Angeles Woodrow Wilson 1. What part of the Declaration of Independence is most important to Wilson? How does one make the Declaration apply to modern day problems?

11 2. Wilson says that it is the business of every true Jeffersonian to translate the terms of those abstract portions of the Declaration of Independence into the language and the problems of his own day. What does that mean? 3. What, according to Wilson, are the main threats to democracy? How must such problems be addressed in a democracy? 4. What does it mean to reconceive our politics in the common interest? How is that goal a reflection of the larger concerns of the Progressives? 5. Assuming you did not know the author of this speech or the date on which it was given, what,features of the text might help you conclude that this is a Progressive document? The New Freedom Woodrow Wilson 1. According to Wilson, what is a progressive s duty to the past? How can one respect the past without allowing it to stifle the present? 2. What does Wilson mean when he says that the individual has been submerged? 3. Wilson, in many regards, portrays the Constitution as a machine. What does he mean by this? Why does Wilson think we should regard government as a living thing and not a machine? 4. What does Wilson mean when he says that the Constitution was made under the dominion of the Newtonian Theory? What would it mean to interpret the Constitution according to the Darwinian principle? In other words, what are the practical implications of the change from thinking of government as a machine to thinking of it as a living organism? First Inaugural Franklin D. Roosevelt 1. One of the most famous lines from Roosevelt s address is that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. What does Roosevelt mean by this? If you were living in America at this time, how might you have reacted to this passage? 2. What are the causes of the Great Depression, according to Roosevelt? 3. How does Roosevelt define happiness? 4. Roosevelt describes the need for action and action now. What does he think government should do? What is the primary task of government? How does this vision of government compare with that of the Founders? Or that of the Progressives? 5. Roosevelt says that he may need broad executive power to fight the Depression the same sort of power that the President would need if we were at war. Do you agree that the President s

12 power to fight economic emergencies should be similar to his power to fight military emergencies? Why or why not? 6. How does Roosevelt plan to change the emphasis and arrangement of the Constitution without loss of its essential form? Do you find Roosevelt s argument convincing? The Four Freedoms Franklin D. Roosevelt 1. What are Roosevelt s four freedoms? In what ways do Roosevelt s four freedoms build off the existing Bill of Rights? In what way do they surpass it? 2. Roosevelt references the good society within his speech. What makes up Roosevelt s good society? How does this compare to what the founders would have seen as a good society? A Second Bill of Rights Franklin D. Roosevelt 1. What does Roosevelt see as the main weakness of the founders original Bill of Rights? 2. Much of Roosevelt s second Bill of Rights heralds the beginning of economic reforms which we live with to this day. What elements of Roosevelt s Bill of Rights have we included in our current national policies? 3. Is the kind of economic security embodied in the second bill of rights possible? Why or why not? To what extent should one of the purposes of government be to assure these rights? 4. Does FDR go too far? Are all of these things rights? Which items on his list are not rights? How should we decide what counts as a right and what doesn t? Rugged Individualism Herbert Hoover 1. What does Hoover mean by rugged individualism? What is he arguing for? What is he arguing against? 2. What is the proper relationship of government and business, according to Hoover? 3. What is Hoover s definition of self-government? 4. What comparisons can be made between Hoover s and Roosevelt s vision of government? At what points do they overlap at what points do they diverge? 5. Hoover remarks that economic and political freedoms are intertwined. What, according to Hoover, is the connection between the two?

13 6. Hoover writes, The very essence of equality of opportunity and of American individualism is that there shall be no domination by any group or combination in this Republic, whether it be business or political. On the contrary, it demands economic justice as well as political and social justice. It is no system of laissez faire. What does he mean by this? Is this rejection of laissez faire at odds with his concerns about bureaucracy and centralization? 7. Note that Hoover writes this in 1928, one year prior to the beginning of the Great Depression. Does the fact of the Great Depression undermine his argument? The Fifth Freedom Herbert Hoover 1. This piece is a direct reaction to Roosevelt s Four Freedoms. What is the fifth freedom, according to Hoover? Why does he think that without the fifth freedom, none of the others are possible? Is he right about that? Why or why not? 2. What does Hoover see as the largest threat of big government? Why should this be a concern for Americans? 3. While Hoover is for less government involvement in the economy, does his speech still contain Progressive strains? If so, what? What does this tell you about progressivism s lasting impact on American society? The Gospel of Wealth Andrew Carnegie 1. How does Carnegie feel about economic inequality? Is it worrisome or beneficial? 2. What should the wealthy do with their riches, according to Carnegie? What are the different options? How does Carnegie evaluate each of these options? 3. Why does Carnegie support very high estate taxes? 4. According to Carnegie, what are the responsibilities of a man of wealth? 5. Both John Winthrop and Andrew Carnegie were concerned with questions of economic inequality (A Model of Christian Charity and The Gospel of Wealth). Comparing their ideas, in what ways are these men s thoughts similar in what ways do they differ? I Have A Dream Martin Luther King Jr. 1. This speech was given at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. What is the significance of the location and references to Abraham Lincoln in the speech? How does that make it more convincing?

14 2. What is the check that he and those participating in the march have come to the capital to cash? 3. How would your life be different if the Civil Rights Movement had never happened? 4. How is Dr. King s approach to civil equality different from that of Malcolm X? Plessy v. Ferguson 1. According to Justice Brown, does the Louisiana law contradict the post-civil War amendments? Why or why not? 2. Justice Brown makes draws a distinction between legal or political equality, on the one hand, and social equality on the other. What is the difference between these two forms of equality? 3. To what extent can laws promote social equality? Should they try to do so? Do founding documents like the Declaration of Independence promote social equality? If so, how? 4. When Justice Harlan argues in his famous dissent that the Constitution is color-blind, what does he mean? How does his argument relate to the rule of law? Statement on Civil Rights Hugh B. Brown 1. What is the LDS Church s view of civil rights, as expressed by Hugh B. Brown? 2. How does religion inform Hugh B. Brown s view on civil rights? What might this say about religion s larger role in securing civil rights across the nation? The Ballot or the Bullet Malcolm X 1. According to Malcolm X, what is the political and economic philosophy of Black Nationalism? How is this different from Martin Luther King, Jr. s approach? Is Malcolm X for separation or integration or some other alternative? 2. What is Malcolm X s criticism of those who engage in sit-ins or who took part in the March on Washington? 3. How does Malcolm X feel about the role of electoral politics, political parties, or political institutions in securing civil rights for blacks? Based on your understanding of the history of civil rights since 1964, was he right? 4. What does Malcolm X mean when he says that the choice is between the ballot and the bullet? Which does he prefer? Why?

15 5. Patrick Henry famously proclaimed, Give me liberty or give me death. Is Malcolm X a modern-day Patrick Henry? Why or why not? A Yippie Manifesto Jerry Rubin 1. What does Rubin mean when he says that the religion of the yippies is, Rise up and abandon the creeping meatball!!? 2. What do 1960s radicals like Rubin offer in place of traditional values and culture? Why does Rubin think traditional values and culture have failed? What about market economics? Rubin s Yippie Manifesto discusses market weakness at great length. What, to Rubin, is the root of such market weaknesses? 3. Why do hippies or Yippies wear long hair, according to Rubin? What is the purpose of their long hair? (Note that Rubin is writing about the same time that the Dress and Grooming Standards were emphasized on the BYU campus.) 4. How does Rubin feel about modern schools and universities? What action does he recommend for students? 5. What is Rubin s definition of liberty? How similar or different is it from other definitions of liberty we have discussed this semester? 6. How do Rubin s Yippies define democracy? Letter from a Birmingham Jail Martin Luther King Jr. 1. King writes, Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Is this true? What are our responsibilities when we see injustice? 2. What is the purpose of non-violent direct action? What are the steps of a non-violent campaign? Why does King think non-violent protest is a more excellent way? 3. According to King, why is action needed now? Why not wait? 4. What is the difference between just and unjust laws? (Be sure to explore the various definitions King gives.) What are our responsibilities with respect to just law? What about unjust laws? 5. What consequences should those who disobey the law in the name of nonviolent protest expect?

16 6. Does King believe he is an extremist? Why or why not? Why is King disappointed in white moderates those who say that the goals of the civil rights movement are right, but the means are wrong? 7. What is the relationship between the civil rights movement and American ideals, according to King? 1980 Acceptance Speech, Republican National Convention Ronald Reagan 1. How does Reagan refer to the Pilgrims and the idea of social compact, the Declaration of Independence, and the Gettysburg Address? What do you think Reagan hoped to accomplish by using these references in his speech? 2. Keynesian economics includes both monetary and fiscal policy. Look for ways that Reagan says he will utilize fiscal policy concepts. Of the two major ways that the government can use fiscal policy to put money in the hands of consumers, which do you think Republicans prefer based on Reagan s speech? 3. In American Heritage you learned that America s foreign policy position has changed over time. What was America s position on foreign policy when Reagan gave his speech? Do you think that position is what it ought to be? 4. Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama are both relatively recent presidents. Compare their party nomination acceptance speeches. How are they similar and how are they different? What do you think accounts for the differences in their speeches? 5. What is Ronald Reagan s vision for the role and purpose of government? Compare and contrast it with the vision of government articulated by Barack Obama Acceptance Speech, Democratic National Convention Barack Obama 1. It is interesting that both President Obama and President Reagan spoke extensively about the economy and what they would do to change it in their acceptance speeches. Why do these presidential candidates talk about the economy so much when it is Congress that has power to lay and collect taxes pay the Debts of the United States to borrow money on the credit of the United States to coin money...[and] to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers (Article I, Section 8)? 2. President Obama said it is our moral obligation to provide every child a world-class education. Who do you think he was referring to? The federal government? The Democratic Party? The American People? Do you think such a moral obligation exists? Why or why not? 3. In American Heritage you learned that America s foreign policy position has changed over time. What was America s position on foreign policy when Obama gave his speech? Do you think that position is what it ought to be?

17 4. Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama are both relatively recent presidents. Compare their party nomination acceptance speeches and what they demonstrate about modern American politics. How are they similar and how are they different? What do you think accounts for the differences in their speeches? 5. What is Barack Obama s vision for the purpose and role of government? Compare and contrast it with Ronald Reagan s view of government. The False Gods We Worship Spencer W. Kimball 1. Why do you think President Kimball gave this talk during the bicentennial anniversary of the formation of the United States? What does idolatry have to do with the progress of the United States? 2. How does President Kimball address the market weakness of economic inequality? What does he think should be done about it? What is the great obstacle to easing the problems associated with economic inequality? How is his answer different from those of politicians or economists? 3. President Kimball referenced the Old Testament story of Elisha and his servant who he comforted by saying Fear not. What gave Elisha such confidence that he had nothing to fear? How does this relate to Americans today? Would it be valid to say that America should fear not? Why or why not? 4. How does President Kimball s address compare to the speeches from both Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan? In what way does his talk diverge from the acceptance speeches? In what ways does it overlap with what the politicians are saying? 5. Do you think that President Kimball s warning against idols applies to ideologies or political dogmas? The Perils of Providential Thinking (The Religious Test) Damon Linker 1. According to Linker, the idea that God will watch out for and protect the nation and that He has special plans for the United States started with the Calvinist thinking in Puritan New England. What events made it a widespread belief throughout the country? How do Catholics and Mormons respectively fit into this viewpoint? 2. Linker said that seeing ourselves as special helps Americans have patriotism. Why then, does he think providential thinking is so problematic for America? What are the ways it makes America impatient? Do you agree that American overconfidence creates these problems? Why or why not?

18 3. If you were required to write a paper that responded to Linker s arguments with an opposite position, what would you say? How could you defend providential thinking as a positive in light of Linker s arguments? How would you address and counter his points about impatience? 4. How does Linker s argument against providential thinking about America compare with The Divinely Inspired Constitution by Elder Dallin H. Oaks? The Divinely Inspired Constitution Dallin H. Oaks 1. What miracle does Elder Oaks think should be added to the miracle of Philadelphia? Why was it so miraculous? 2. What elements of the Constitution are divinely inspired, according to Elder Oaks? Based on your study this semester, would you add anything to his list? If so, what? 3. How should the belief in a divinely inspired Constitution affect your attitude toward the political system? Toward your personal responsibilities in that system? What does it mean to you to believe in a divinely inspired Constitution? 3. How does the amendment process protect minorities? 4. Elder Oaks wrote that the rule of law is the basis of liberty. How does the rule of law fulfill that description? Do you agree with the statement? Why or why not? 5. Elder Oaks wrote that the personal righteousness of citizens will strengthen a nation more than the force of its arms. Do you agree with that statement? Why or why not? How does his comment relate to President Kimball s reading about idolatry?