Figure 2.2 outlines four routes to amending the Constitution. Detail those routes and indicate which would pose the greatest challenges. Why?
What will be an ideal response?
An ideal response will:
1, Explain the four ways: two ways to propose (two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or a constitutional convention) and two ways to ratify (three-fourths of state legislatures or three-fourths of special state conventions).
2, Explain that the most difficult route likely involves the gray line in the figure: the amendment is proposed in a constitutional convention and ratified by at least three-fourths of the states at special conventions called for that purpose.
3, Explain that this route would require launching two separate legislative entities, an expensive proposition; allowing time for legislative debate and arm-twisting, not a quick proposition; and acquiring the approval of three-quarters of state legislatures, nigh impossible.
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Currently in the United States, the largest expenditure in the federal budget is for
A. defense. B. education. C. foreign aid. D. Social Security.
Answer the following statement(s) true (T) or false (F)
1. Referendums and initiatives have opened the door for a higher level of direct citizen participation in politics 2. Compared to other industrialized nations, the United States ranks in the top five percent in voter participation. 3. Limited voting hours has been offered by some observers as one possible reason for America’s often low voter turnout. 4. The process by which we learn our political orientations and allegiances is called political adherence. 5. The process by which a majority opinion becomes exaggerated because minorities do not feel comfortable speaking out in opposition is called the spiral of silence.
Which of the following is true of the Affordable Care Act?
a. It isa national government takeover of health care. b. It provides universal coverage to all Americans. c. It involves a single-payer health care system. d. It requires all Americans to have health insurance.
The protest in Chiapas, known as the Zapatista Rebellion __________
a. concerns relationships between the unified communities in Chiapas and foreign interests that seek to industrialize the area b. are a result of ancient rivalries among the Mayan population c. are about divisions of power and wealth and the resulting relationships in local communities d. was led by Francisco (Pancho) Villa