Choose one of the six prompts:
Constitution: Religion/Conscience
In class, we talked about the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Those two clauses represent the distinction between public and private. The Establishment Clause limits what can be done in institutions sponsored by tax dollars. The Free Exercise Clasue prohibits limits on private belief and behavior. Sometimes it is difficult to know where to draw the line. Can a high school valedictorian reference religion in her graduation speech at a public school? Do state capitals really have to display Satanic statues? There are many stories in the news each year that talk about a conflict between free exercise and establishment.
Federalism: Marijuana
Marijuana is illegal under federal law. However, in the past decade, many states have passed state-level laws that legalize marijuana in different ways. In some states, recreational marijuana is legal. In other states, it’s only legal if for medicinal purposes. In D.C., it’s legal to possess, grow, and use, but not sell. For this topic, look into at least one state’s marijuana law that permits marijuana in at least some circumstances (at least one state where pot is somewhat legal). You can look into multiple states. Focus on the effects of the policy change in that state and what it has to teach us about potential changes to national (federal) law.
Civil Liberties: Due Process
In class we talked about the due process amendments of the Bill of Rights and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. For this essay, look for news stories on a controversy concerning due process. Feel free to throw in qualified immunity if you want. There are a lot of stories in the news right now about violations of due process in criminal or civil proceedings.Explain the controversy to me and use at least one amendment of the Constitution to bolster your understanding.
Civil Liberties: Abortion
When we talked about civil liberties, we looked at abortion and the right to privacy. We know that there are three new Justices on the Supreme Court that may minimize or overturn Roe v. Wade. We also know that there have been recent state-level laws that restrict access to abortion, specifically passed to challenge Roe v. Wade.
Civil Rights: Affirmative Action/Harvard Case
Throughout the lectures on civil rights, we’ve repeatedly looked at the question, “What is equality.” Most Americans would say that they believe in racial equality, but people disagree on exactly what that looks like.
