RECENT ASSIGNMENT

Learning Guide #1
Name:
Date:
READ Section 1.1 – What is Government
1) Page 13 is very important. There will absolutely be multiple exam questions related to this table. Below, define each of the properties, and then come up with one example of each type of good that is not listed in the book, and describe why you believe it is that type of good.
Excludable (define below)
Non-excludable (define below)
Rivalrous (define below)
These are called _____ goods. Ex: These are called _____ goods. Ex:
Non-rivalrous (define below)
These are called _____ goods. Ex: These are called _____ goods. Ex:
2) Watch this Youtube video about “The Tragedy of the Commons” that briefly explains the fundamental problem associated with common goods.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSuETYEgY68
3) Audio Recording. Record yourself summarizing the Tragedy of the Commons and problem of common goods.
4) Imagine you are a classroom teacher who is trying to get their 4th graders involved in deciding on the location of upcoming fieldtrip – either the zoo or a museum. Explain the different decision making process that would occur if you got student input on this decision through direct democracy and representative democracy.
Read Section 1.2 – Who Governs
5) There are 3 perspectives about government mentioned in this section. Summarize these perspectives in about 50 – 100 words each.
Elite Theory –
Pluralism -
Tradeoffs –
Read Section 1.3 – Engagement in Democracy
6) Pg. 22 - Social capital is a particularly weird concept. Below, either type out or audio record 3 explanations of what you think social capital is, what “declining social capital” looks like, and why it may (or may not be) a bad thing.
A. Explain these simply to my 5 year old niece.
B. Explain these as if you’re speaking to a friend of yours that isn’t taking this course.
C. Explain these to me.
7) What is the relationship between partisanship and ideology?
8) View the image below. This data was produced in 2008.
9) Do you think these percentages would be different in 2020? Which specifically? Why?
10) Are there forms of engagement that you’re more likely to engage in than others? Why?
11) Do you believe that all of these forms of participation are a good thing? Is participating something that everyone should be doing, or not? Why?