Term
| American political discourse and practice have become increasingly polarized over the last decade. What are the benefits and costs of party polarization for American democracy? |
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Definition
"House GOP Raises Stakes in Debt Ceiling Fight"
"Republicans Facing a Test of Unity"
"Conservatives Take Turns Standing Up to the Speaker"
"The Battle in Congress on Spending and Debt"
"Cruz, Tea Party Hero, Rankles Senate GOP Colleagues" |
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Term
| 5. How does the current debate over funding for food stamps in the Farm Bill illustrate the imbalance in political influence between different groups? What political resources give groups the most power over the policy-making process? In the debate over the Farm Bill and food stamps, which groups are the strongest and weakest politically, and why? |
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Definition
"House Republicans Pass Deep Cuts in Food Stamps"
"On the Edge of Poverty, At the Center of a Debate" |
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Term
| 3. How does the ability to pick your own media affect your political socialization? What is the difference between acting as a consumer in choosing media versus acting like a citizen? |
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Definition
"Traveling Without Seeing"
"Loud Voice Fighting Tide of New Trend in Education" |
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Term
| 4. "How do the states' responses to the Affordable Care Act's "Medicaid Expansion Provision" illustrate the positive and negative effects of diversity in a federal system? |
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Definition
" Clinton Urges Americans to Sign Up for the Affordable Care Act"
"Editorial: Uninsured in Texas and Florida"
"Editorial: Selling Health Care Reform" |
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Term
| How much progress toward racial equality -- political, social, and economic -- has the nation made in fifty years? Is it possible to achieve racial equality? Where should the government focus its attention: equality of outcome, equality of opportunity, or both? |
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Definition
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