POS 2041 MDC Civil Liberties Bill of Rights Provides Freedom of Expression Discussion

I’m trying to learn for my Political Science class and I’m stuck. Can you help?

For each of the questions below, be certain to define the key terms, elaborate on that definition in your own words, and provide a concrete example. (3 Points each)

1. Identify the 4 main functions of the Bill of Rights (not counting “miscellaneous”) and be sure to give an example for each.
2. Define civil rights and explain why they are necessary.
3. Why is freedom of speech considered to be vital to democracy?
4. Define the concept of “selective incorporation” as it relates to Supreme Court decisions, provide examples.
5. Choose one (only one) of the following (a, b, or c) to respond to:
   • Write an email to your Congressperson about a local civil rights issue,

– OR –

• Write a letter to the editor of the Miami Herald about restrictions on defendants’ rights in terrorist cases,

-OR-

• Write a letter to your 12-year-old niece (or nephew) to explain why privacy is an important civil liberty (do not post it to FaceBook!).

Longer Answer: [Choose one to answer – not both.]

1. Identify the essential elements of a good democracy. Be sure to define all key terms and illustrate them with concrete examples. (5 Points)

-OR-

1. Compare and contrast the Civil Rights issues in the Little Rock high school desegregation case with the Culture Wars (Gay rights) case from Oregon. Be sure to define all key terms and illustrate them with concrete examples. (5 Points)