Answer one of the following questions. Use information from the lecture and readings to support your position –you do not need to do outside research to write an effective essay. Make sure to respond to the question and situation that is presented. This is not a traditional essay, but a presentation of information intended to change someone’s mind about an issue in United States Political Economy. Remember that you will be graded on the clarity of your presentation, not some preconceived form of “correct” answer.
1. You are at a big family dinner when your uncle starts talking about “those damn Rusiks at it again trying to take over the world.” Try and show your Uncle the historical realities of US-USSR relations in the Cold War. Make sure you differentiate between “moral” causes of the Cold War, and the more economic-power politic factors.
2. After taking courses at GCC you decide it is time to become part of the solution to the problems in California, so you decide to run for political office. Your first step is to come up with a political platform to support your candidacy. You need to explain your position about campaign financing, the role of lobbying in State politics, and identify two other political issues and how you would address them.
3. You have been asked by a local community organization to give a one hour presentation on the development of the American political economy, from 1950 to the present. Outline at least 5 main points and the information you would include to explain those issues to an audience. The focus of your presentation can be any of the following: consumerism, foreign policy, production, military engagements, or views of the citizens of the United States.