American Government Essay

This module’s essay has two parts:

( for all information that is not common knowledge, use in text citations and include a reference list of all sources used at the end of each answer)

1. Briefly explain how contemporary US Federalism has changed over time. Use an example from the recent past to illustrates how the Federal government has effectively intervened in regulating an issue that is a “reserved power” of the states. (300-400 words)

• Hints:
  • read the textbook chapter and watch the video on Federalism
  • “Reserved powers” come from the 10th Amendment (Links to an external site.)
  • Examples of reserved powers include policing, speed limits, drug policy, drinking age, marriage laws, voting rights, etc.
  • Your earned grade will reflect how complete your description of the changes in the practice of Federalism since the signing of the Constitution and your description of how the Federal government has been able to intervene even in areas reserved to the states.

1. Second one: Use a single example from the most commonly proposed constitutional amendments ranked in the chart below to explain why even popular proposals to amend the Constitution that politicians claim are of pressing national importance generally fail to become reality (300-400 words).

• Hints:
  • Make sure to refer the processes for constitutional amendments and demonstrate your understanding of the processes.
  • Discuss in some detail how and why the example you picked failed.
  • Your earned grade will be based on your ability to show how rare amendments are, your compelling explanation of why they are so infrequent, and your understanding of the process that led to a specific failed proposed amendment.

Your assignment is to answer both parts of the prompt 300-400 words each (+/-10%), double-spaced, well-cited, and proof-read.

• You must use APA or MLA citation style to document your sources, including the textbook, and include a Works Cited/References page with all references (full bibliographic information) for all sources used in your paper.
• Do not include the Works Cited/References page[s] in your overall word count.
• Do not use quotations, please paraphrase and use in-text citations. We want to hear you explain your position in your own voice.

Link for textbook if needed: Chapter 2,3: https://pressbooks.online.ucf.edu/pos2041bw/