introduction

Select just one topic (below) for your initial thread and then respond to two other students on a different topic.  For this discussion board, your initial post, in your own words, should thoroughly and thoughtfully address all aspects of the question in at least 150+ words. All answers, other than opinion questions, must be supported with data from the text or other scholarly sources (the initial thread must cite a minimum of one sources/citation). If possible, supplement your answer with personal experiences or compare/contrast it with other relevant information. Do not cut and paste responses from other sources.

You must complete at least 2 interaction posts with classmates (that’s 1 reply posted to each of 2 classmates’ threads), be at least 75 words (content) in length, and expound upon the discussions. No sources needed for Replies.

APA formatted in-text citations and references (the textbook counts as one citation).

Grading Criteria See Rubric (Click on My Grades tab)

A thoughtful initial thread includes:

1. Introduction

2. Body

3.Conclusion

1. The Framers believed that when it came to drafting the various sections of the Constitution “less was better.” In other words, they believed fewer details would make it easier to apply the Constitution to more situations without having to make amendments. Are there places in the Constitution where you feel the Framers should have included more detail? Explain.

2. Under our system of “federalism,” power is shared between the federal government and the fifty states. Do you agree with the way power is divided between the states and the federal government? Explain.

3. Just as the system of federalism defines the power relationship between the federal government and the individual states, it also allows each state to have its own laws in certain areas, e.g. – criminal law. Do you think having fifty different criminal codes is the best system or should there be one criminal code for all the states? Explain.

4. Are there any other rights you would add to the Bill of Rights? Explain.

5. There is a lot of discussion in Learning Module Two about how language in the US Constitution should be interpreted. For example, what is meant by a “speedy trial?”

6. If it were up to you, how would you define “speedy trial?”

7. If it were up to you, how would you define a “public trial?” If it were up to you, how would you interpret the Second Amendment?

8. Do you agree with the way the US Supreme Court has interpreted the Constitution over the years or do you think there’s been too much “judicial activism,” i.e. – instances where the Court has overstepped its bounds when interpreting certain provisions of the Constitution? Explain