For this assignment, choose ONE of the writing prompts and write a minimum 300 word essay. For more detailed instructions, review the Instructions for Lesson Writing Assignments.

1) Read the discussion of “descriptive representation” in Chapter 4. Then, review how Congress has changed over time with respect to race and ethnicity, women and veterans in the Pew Research article “The changing face of Congress in 6 charts.” Discuss the different trends in Congress and what do you think it means for the future? Does it matter if members of Congress look like most Americans? What are the advantages and disadvantages of descriptive representation?

2) Chapter 10 discusses many aspects of domestic and foreign policy in the United States. Review public attitudes towards both the size of government and government spending in the Pew Research article “Little Public Support for Reductions in Federal Spending.” According to the survey data, where are people who identify as Republican or Lean Republican more interested in increasing spending? Where are people who identify as Democrats or Lean Democratic more interested in increasing spending? What does the Pew Research Center survey suggest concerning the public’s interest in cutting government spending? Looking at the results of the surveys, what do you think are the prospects for reducing government spending? Why?

3) Both the president and Congress play a role in decisions regarding the use of military force. What are the president’s powers in this area? What are the powers of Congress in this area? Read the article “ New Legislation Offers Opportunity to Address 2001 Authorization for Use of Force, Amid Fears of War with Iran .” Why do you think members of Congress have been willing not to vote on the use of force and to allow modern presidents (such as Bush, Obama and Trump) to take the lead in this area? Do you think Congress should play a larger role in decisions regarding the use of military force?