North Hagerstown High's 1996-1997 Essays On American Democracy

1996 is the second year that Mr. Cassutto's National, State and Local Government Classes formed cooperative learning teams and will develop "team pages" to allow web site visitors a look at ourselves as people. Our "team pages" are still under construction, but we hope you'll read and comment on our short essays on American Democracy. Understanding how American Democracy works is a basic part of the Maryland Test of Citizenship Skills, which all Maryland students must pass to graduate. By writing about democracy and posting our thoughts, we invite you to engage in a dialogue with us.

 
Image: Kids On Computers     Image: Team Pages in Development

Each group had to put together an answer for the questions you see below. We hope you'll write to us to discuss our opinions on democracy and American culture. Each team has posted one essay. The questions have been post ed below for your reference.
 

Question 1: Is it possible for the US Government to become too powerful? What examples can you think of when the rights of American citizens were threatened? What was done to correct the problem?

 
Question 2: What ideals of American Democracy can be found in the Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the Constitution? What were these historical documents trying to tell the world? Has the US remained true to these ideals?
 
 
Question 3: Is it right for the US to convince other nations to be democratic? Give examples to illustrate your opinion.
 
 
Question 4: List some of the rights protected by the Constitution. Tell why these rights are important to you and how you might use them.
  Question 5: Is equality a reality in American society? If not, what actions can the government take to insure that all Americans will be treated equally in so ciety?
Question 6: Was the election of Bill Clinton a positive or negative event for America? Evaluate the President's performance for his first term and describe what his chances are for re-election in 1996?
 
  Question 7: Should such rights as free speech, freedom of religion, and the right to bear arms be restricted by the US government in any way? List examples an d state what you think the government should do in these cases.
 
 
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