Assignment 2: Case Study (Complete by
Sunday, Nov. 13)
Due No Due Date Points 200 Submitting a file upload
Start Assignment
This assignment is due in Module 3.
This assignment aligns with Learning Outcomes 2, 3 and 5.
Directions
Review module 1 readings & resources
Who Governs? Elitism, Pluralism, and Tradeoffs
(https://cnx.org/contents/[email protected]:[email protected]/Who-Governs-ElitismPluralism-) by OpenStax is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
Engagement in a Democracy
(https://cnx.org/contents/[email protected]:p6XzOSUt/Engagement-in-a-Democracy)
by OpenStax is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
Next, take note of the list of countries below:
China (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ch.html)
Iran (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ir.html)
Russia (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rs.html)
Venezuela (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/ve.html)
Further, I would like to also point you in the direction of The CIA World FactBook
(https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/profileguide.html) for
additional information on these countries and others. Remember, any information pulled
from this report should be properly cited in APA 6th edition style and formatting.
The structure and function of the countries above reflect the definition of an oligarchy;
that is, the rule of the elite, be it few or through one individual. This elite system of
rulership can take place independently (authoritarian, dictatorship) or coexist with other
forms of government such as democracy — including hybrid forms of democracy —
theocracy, or, even communism. In terms of democracy, rhetoric in recent years
suggests that the U.S. (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/us.html) is not wholly democratic; that it is, in fact, an oligarchy. The everincreasing role of money in campaigning champions this idea, especially in light of the
Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Elections 2010
(https://www.oyez.org/cases/2008/08-205) Committee. With this in mind, complete the
following:
Identify the government structure of the United States; that is, its organization. For
example, the three branches of government and where these branches derive their
power.
Identify the government structure of one of the countries above; that it, its
organization. For example, its branches of government and where these branches,
if any, derive their power.
Next, evaluate citizen engagement in American politics; that is, voter participation
and/or citizen efforts at lobbying the government. Are their factors that advance or
restrain citizen engagement?
Then, evaluate citizen engagement in one of the countries above; that is, voter
participation and/or citizen efforts at lobbying the government. Are their factors
that advance or restrain citizen engagement?
Finally, evaluate American politics in comparison to the country of your choice.
Case Study Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
Finally, evaluate American politics in comparison to the country of your choice.
Does America reflect an elite theory of government (oligarchy) or does it reflect a
pluralist theory (democracy) of government?
Your paper should be five pages in length, excluding title and reference pages. Four
scholarly sources should be used, including two from the FSCJ online library.
Submission
This assignment requires a file upload submission. After you have reviewed the
assignment instructions and rubric, as applicable, complete your submission by
selecting the Submit Assignment button next to the assignment title. Browse for your file
and remember to select the Submit Assignment button below the file to complete your
submission. Review the confirmation annotation that presents after submission.
Grading
This assignment is worth 200 points toward your final grade and will be graded using
the Case Study Rubric. Please use it as a guide toward successful completion of this
assignment.
(1)
Organization 40 to >35.0 pts
Exemplary
The paper is
logically
organized with a
well-written
introduction,
thesis statement
35 to >27.0 pts
Meets
Expectations
Answers are
often correct and
demonstrate
good
comprehension.
27 to >22.0 pts
Developing
Answers are
occasionally
correct and
demonstrate an
incomplete
comprehension of
22 to >0 pts
Beginning
Answers do not
reflect
accurate
comprehension
of the topic(s).
Opinions are
40 pts
50 pts
and conclusion. Opinions are
adequately
justified. The
paper is logically
organized with a
well-written
introduction,
thesis statement
and conclusion.
One of these
requires
improvement.
the topic.
Opinions are
sometimes
justified. The
paper is logically
organized with a
well-written
introduction,
thesis statement
and conclusion.
One or more of
the introduction,
thesis statement,
and/or conclusion
require
improvement.
unjustified. The
paper is
loosely
organized with
an
introduction,
thesis
statement, and
conclusion.
The
introduction,
thesis
statement,
and/or
conclusion
require much
improvement.
Detail 50 to >44.0 pts
Exemplary
Comprehensively
compares the
political systems
of the U.S. and
selected country
by discussing the
similarities and
differences
between the
political
institututions
found in each
country. The
discussion is
supported with
scholarly sources.
44 to >35.0 pts
Meets
Expectations
Comprehensively
compares the
political systems
of the U.S. and
selected country
by discussing the
similarities and
differences
between the
political
institutions found
in each country.
The discussion is
supported with
scholarly sources
but is slightly
underdeveloped.
35 to >27.0 pts
Developing
Partially
compares the
political systems
of the U.S. and
selected country
by minimally
discussing the
similarities and
differences
between the
political
institutions
found in each
country. The
discussion is
somewhat
supported with
scholarly sources
but is
underdeveloped.
27 to >0 pts
Beginning
Attempts to
compare the
political
systems of the
U.S. and
selected country
by discussing
the similarities
and differences
between the
political
institutions
found in each
country.
However, the
discussion is
not supported
with scholarly
sources but is
significantly
50 pts
30 pts
30 pts
underdeveloped.
Critical
Thinking
50 to >44.0 pts
Exemplary
Employs
persuasive and
applicable
information from
credible sources
to develop an
ample analysis or
synthesis of the
topic. Viewpoints
of experts are
highly
scrutinized.
44 to >35.0 pts
Meets
Expectations
Employs
persuasive and
applicable
information from
credible sources
to develop an
ample of the
topic. Viewpoints
of experts are
highly
scrutinized.
35 to >27.0 pts
Developing
Answers include
occasional
supporting
evidence from the
text when
necessary.
Identifies
applicable
information from
credible sources,
but may neglect
the application of
such information
toward the analysis
of the topic.
27 to >0 pts
Beginning
Presents
information
from external
sources, but
such
information
may lack
credibility
and/or
relevance.
Neglects to
apply such
information
towards the
analysis of the
topic.
Clarity 30 to >26.0 pts
Exemplary
Ideas are very
easy to
understand. They
are clear and
concise.
26 to >21.0 pts
Meets
Expectations
Ideas are always
easy to
understand.
21 to >18.0 pts
Developing
Ideas are
sometimes
understandable,
but need to be
more to the point.
18 to >0 pts
Beginning
Ideas are
difficult to
understand.
Quality of
Work
30 to >26.0 pts
Exemplary
Quality is
exceptional with
no spelling,
grammar, or
mechanical
errors.
Information is
26 to >21.0 pts
Meets
Expectations
Quality is good
with minor
spelling,
grammar, or
mechanical
errors that do
21 to >18.0 pts
Developing
Quality is
acceptable with
minor spelling,
grammar, or
mechanical errors
that usually do
not interfere with
18 to >0 pts
Beginning
Work contains
many spelling,
grammar, and
mechanical
errors that
interfere with
comprehension.
Total Points: 200
well organized
and understood.
not interfere
with
comprehension.
comprehension.