17 Aug The separation of powers and federalism are two key features of the Constitution.

QUESTION A: Choose One

• The separation of powers and federalism are two key features of the Constitution. Discuss why many framers of the Constitution might have wanted to include these institutional arrangements and how the the various levels of government interact today. In your answer, be sure to define what is meant by the separation of powers and federalism and to describe how each functions in the American political system.
• The First Amendment protects religious freedoms in two different ways. What are the free exercise clause and the establishment clause, how do they differ from each other, and how have the courts tried to balance the right to practice religion versus the right not to have religion imposed? Describe some recent controversies surrounding the maintenance of a “wall of separation” between church and state and how they have been addressed by the Supreme Court. What are some recent controversies involving the free exercise of religion, and how have they been addressed by the Supreme Court?

QUESTION B: Choose One

• Discuss why the rights of the accused are so essential to due process of law. Describe some of the rights of the accused found in the Bill of Rights. Specifically, discuss the exclusionary rule, Miranda rights, and double jeopardy. In your answer, be sure to define each term as well as identify its support in the Constitution and in Supreme Court cases.
• Democratic systems typically assume that elected representatives should implement the policies favored by the people. What are the most common influences on public opinion, and what effect does it have, if any, on political leaders? Are there instances where public opinion and public policy do not align? In your answer, be sure to discuss evidence from government action and public opinion on specific issues.