This assignment DUE November 3rd – refer to instruction in syllabus.  Read assigned pages in the “Democracy in 21st Century America” (PDF) book and the articles for this unit.  Take notes on all of the assigned readings. Then, in an extended memo format using the format provided below:

1. Summarize & Explain (in about 400 words+) the highlights (use one paragraph summary of narrative with additional bullet points using whole sentences to illustrate the highlights) of what the major points of knowledge (ideas or concepts or facts) you gained from the book readings for this unit.
2. Then, summarize & outline (in about 400 words+) the major points (use one paragraph summary of narrative with additional bullet points using whole sentences to illustrate the key thinking skills you seek to highlight) of critical political thinking (ways to think about political questions and how to see & understand social & political phenomenon that affect your life in your world).
3. Finally, answer three questions – with one paragraph each of about 200 words+ – make a conclusion with commentary explicitly using ideas you take away from reading the articles to suggest how these (with in text citations) and ideas from the book, offer us lessons we should all learn from what you have read and thought about as to how the material in this unit section relates to the following explicit question:

a)   Political Parties:

• What are some advantages and disadvantages of a two party system?
• List two advantages and two disadvantages in your reflection.
• Please refer to the Article and Handout on Objective Partisanship and Media Bias in your review.
• Do you consider your political party as part of your identity?  If so; How?
• Also, consider whether you are you satisfied with a two party system or would you prefer a multi-party system?
• Why or Why Not?

b)  Interest Groups & Social Movements: Reflect upon the concept of social capital as it relates to your life experiences.

• Do you agree that social capital is on the decline?
• If so, what might be causes this decline?
• How might we revitalize social capital?
• What are some problems in your community that might be solved with social capital?
• Explain two ways that interest groups benefit our political system.