Here is information on the Ralph Nader Essay regarding his book Breaking Through Power: It’s Easier Than We Think that includes selected analysis on one of the three main branches of federal government. This is worth 50 pts. and is due by Monday, November 19, 11:59 P.M. (extended) The essay should be uploaded in Canvas. Note that much of the course material previously covered may be useful as context for this assignment, especially regarding the media, and the presidential election may also provide interesting fodder for discussion in this essay. This assignment consists of students drafting an essay based on Ralph Nader’s book, and readings relating to one of the following covered in the Parenti text: the Legislative, Executive, or Judicial Branches of US Government. These are discussed in Parenti′s chapters 15, 16, or 18 (based on the Congress, the Presidency, and/or the Supreme Court respectively, so choose ONE of these chapters from Parenti to address its relation to Nader′s thesis in Breaking Through Power). This essay may also provide an opportunity to expand on previous Posts and tie in major course themes and contemporary news examples relating to the intersection of money, power, and politics. That said, the way we are addressing such matters for this particular essay assignment is through the prism of Nader’s book first and foremost, so please do read it in its entirety. This is an assignment that doesn′t just focus on how the system works and for whom, but how we the people can be more meaningful participants in representative government. In short, Nader offers what he thinks are solutions to the conflicts between money, power, and politics. So, to recap: Please carefully read the Nader book Breaking Through Power and then also choose ONE of the thematic chapters on the three branches of US government in Parenti listed above for a detailed essay based on subsequent Prompts provided for each (topically, that means in addition to Nader, choose one of these- Congress, the Presidency, or the Supreme Court). The essay should be roughly 1,000 to 1,500 words, properly cited in Chicago Style with endnotes or footnotes, and be in 12 pt. Times New Roman font with one inch margins. Students should not only review the Nader, Parenti texts, but could also incorporate other sources and readings from the term as deemed relevant. Regarding Nader’s book: Consider the following in your essay: Breaking Through Power: It’s Easier Than We Think is a brief history of the rise and impact of the plutocratic class on the democratic institutions of government in the United States. Nader reflects on decades of his own efforts, while noting those of many others, to create a more democratic and responsive political system for We the People, not the corporate oligarchic class. Briefly discuss how Nader says we got to our current state of affairs and what we can do about it by following the questions below… In your essay, address the four main sections of Nader’s work regarding how we have a plutocracy of maximums and a democracy of minimums (which sounds strikingly similar to Parenti’s title, Democracy for the Few). How does Nader suggest how the system is rigged for the plutocracy? How does he suggest we organize resistance and/or change? Why does Nader believe democracy can work? Be specific. Now, after reading Nader’s book and these aforementioned queries, consider how ONE of the following chapters from Parenti connects to Nader′s overall arguments and weave it into your essay content while addressing the previous points above. Remember, only choose ONE of the Parenti chapters below to merge into your thoughts about Breaking Through Power. Hint: The chapter on Congress is a logical one to select given Nader′s arguments, however, they also apply to the Executive and Judicial branches, so it is up to you to decide which of the Parenti chapters you wish to address and include in the Nader essay. Also, see the Foreword Nader wrote for United States of Distraction for an overview of his critique of the political economy of American democracy. Again, consider the above points regarding Nader′s work, and then choose ONE of the following as the Prompt for your essay. 1. On the Congress (Parenti chapter 15)- Congress: The Pocketing of Power (this one may be the easiest to incorporate into the essay, but the choice is up to you). How representative of the population is the Congress of the US? What role does lobbying play in crafting public policy? How does money potentially corrupt the democratic process in Congress? Parenti and Nader both muse how can we create a Congress that is more responsive to voters and less responsive to moneyed interests and legislative manipulators. Discuss. What are your overall thoughts about the intersection of money, power, and politics regarding Congress?
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