Improve our notion of communication and citizenship

Should be four (4) to six (6) pages long.

-Essay will use Times New Roman font, 12 point font size, double-spacing, and will have page numbers on each page.

-Essay will be evaluated by the grading rubric attached to the assignment description on Canvas.

-Essay Exam #1 is due by 11:00 am Thursday, February 18, 2015 via Canvas.

3) The Exam Questions:

-There are two (2) essay questions.

-Answer both questions, using approximately two (2) to three (3) pages for each question.

-Answer the questions in a way that weaves the questions together into one coherent essay.

-Make sure your answers employ and reference the terms and ideas covered in our course readings and lectures.

-Give examples to support your ideas and be specific.

4) Question #1

-Our Lectures have discussed the “Pillars of Citizenship”

-The Declaration of Independence (1776)

-The U.S. Constitution (1787)

-And the Bill of Rights (1789)

Please Answer:

-What do these documents specifically argue for, what do these documents argue against, and how are these arguments in conflict and/or harmony with each other?

(Brainstorm key terms to get you started: “self evident,” why must congress publish its dealings?, does permanent rebellion clash with law and order?)

5) Question #2

In contrast to the three “pillars,” we have also discussed the fourth “pillar,” grassroots activism of African-American citizenship during American Revolutionary times.

Some of our readings and documents also exclude or marginalize other groups, such as women and “Indians,” as seen in the “cornerstone” documents.

Please answer:

-Why would Thomas Paine’s democracy be in favor of the above grassroots group movements, and absolutely love their ability to improve our notion of communication and citizenship?

(Brainstorm key terms to get your started: be “sober and orderly”, “walk worthy,” why is it important to “extend the sphere” of participants?

6) Suggestions/Tips

Tip 1:

-For both questions:

-use quotes from the weekly readings and documents to back up your ideas.

-also include outside sources to support your assertions.

Tip 2:

-Find an interesting context or theme for your essay, so you can tie both essay questions together. Successful contexts or themes  might include:

-example themes:

-the concept of freedom

-the definition of citizenship

-the American Dream

-example contexts:

-21st century citizenship

-entire essay framed by presidential/founding father quotations (i.e. Franklin, Jefferson, Washington)

-Use an analogy: for instance, football, where the declaration is the offense (revolution), the bill of rights is the defense           (standing up for citizens), the constitution is the referee (laying down the law)

NOTE: USE APA FORMAT INTEXT Citation and the reference list

The readings and more details regarding the questions are attached 

each question 2-3 pages with a total of 4 to 6 pages total

one of the readings

http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.htm