Politics and Government - Homework - Due - Mon, Nov 23

Dahl 121 - 130

1 - Discuss the outcome of the 1997 telephone survey. What does Dahl suggest about the outcome? What do you think of the outcome? How do you think you would have responded?

2 - What is an icon? How can icons be used to strengthen beliefs? What are some myths and rituals that foster national unity?

3 - In what ways does Dahl modify the Declaration of Independence?

4 - Discuss Dahl’s interpretation of the meaning of “human equality.”

5 - What examples does Dahl use to demonstrate the “barriers to equality” in U.S. history. What attempts have been made to remove these barriers?

6 - Identify: de Toqueville

7 - How do de Toqueville’s observations about Americans’ passion for equality conflict with barriers to human discussed previously?

8 - How did the expansion of democratic ideas change the world order during the 20th century?

world or·der

noun

1. a system controlling events in the world, especially a set of arrangements established internationally for preserving global political stability.

9. Approximately what percent of the world is democratic today? How does this compare to the mid of 20th century?

10. Who are the “privileged elites” that Vidal mentions? What does he imply? Who would you include? Why? How do privileged elites promote views that give legitimacy to their superior status?

11. Provide and discuss an example of conditions that help a subordinate group press for change.