DB 1*. William
Galston of the University of Maryland and the Brookings Institution
notes that some democracies, including Australia and Italy, require
citizens to vote or pay a fine. These countries have exceptionally high
turnout levels. “Our low turnout rate,” Galston says, “pushes American
politics toward increased polarization.”
Would
you favor a law requiring Americans to vote or pay a fine if they fail
to do so? What are some other incentives that might encourage more
people to vote? If the United States had such a policy do you think, as
William Galston does, that it would significantly reduce the level of
party polarization? 150 words

1.How does our current party system impact elections? How can a minor party play a part in an election? 200 words

2.Explain the evolution of political parties from the Federalists and
Democratic-Republicans to the political parties that exist today. 200 words

3.There has been a great deal of controversy over the Affordable Care Act,
also known as ObamaCare. In your textbook, there are three methods
described that most Americans use to evaluate political developments
such as ObamaCare. Using those three methods, describe how someone could
come to the conclusion that he or she is against ObamaCare. 200 words

4.Do you feel that it is important that every person that is legally
allowed to vote does so? Why or why not? Do you feel that it is easy for
most people to go and vote? Why or why not? Describe some common trends
that keep people from voting. Describe other methods besides voting
that people can use to participate in the political process. Have you
every participated in any of these methods? If so, what did you do? 200 words