AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
This assignment will require watching: PBS Frontline: Divided States of America (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. This is a two part documentary that is approximately 4 hours in length. This assignment is an opportunity to demonstrate that you thoroughly understand key course concepts from our course well enough that you can apply and connect them to this documentary. Your responses should be original and do not try to answer these questions by doing Google searches, using Wikipedia, going to the documentary website and copying or paraphrasing someone else’s ideas. This is not a group project and you must submit your own individual responses to these questions. [unique_solution]In short, be very mindful of the academic integrity policy found in the course syllabus and please consult with me if you have any questions. 1) Identify five specific definitions, concepts, or themes from our textbook or in-class projects that are evident in the film and then explain how they connected to the documentary. You should first define the definition, concept or theme and then fully explain how that concept, definition or theme was relevant to the video by providing specific examples from the film to support your claims. You should apply the most relevant five concepts, definitions, or themes as possible. Each one is worth 5 points each for 25 points total. 2) Who do you think is the most to blame for the “divided states of America”? You should consider why the U.S. is so polarized where Democrats and Republicans are unable to work together to address major issues. You should be objective, yet make a strong case for who is most to blame by fully supporting your response with examples from the video. You should also attempt to account for when this polarization began according to the video and what examples in the film may have increased polarization. Did the Republicans try to work with Obama on the Stimulus Act, Health Care, etc.? Did Obama try to work with Republicans on the Stimulus Act, Health Care, etc.? Please cite examples from the film to support your claims. (10 points) 3) According to the film and based upon actual real life events, how can we draw connections between President Obama and President Trump? In short, the film made a case that certain people, events, and situations helped pave the way for Trump, what were those? Please cite examples from the film to support your claims. (5 points) 4) This section is designed for you to provide a critical analysis of the film. You are free to analyze the film from any perspective, but I have also provided several suggestions for you to consider. What is your reaction to this documentary? For example, what did you learn, find interesting, surprising, what did you agree or disagree with and why? What do you think this film indicates about the future of American politics? Please cite examples from the film to support your claims. (10 points)