Amer. Democracy
Define factions and provide three examples
A group of individuals united by a common passion/interest (e.x. political parties, Sunni v. Shia Islam, Feds. v. Anti Feds., etc)
Define systemic racism and give an example of how it's applied
Institutional policies and practices that perpetuate racial inequalities, often in the form of school funding, housing disparities, mass incarcerations, etc.
Define neoliberalism
Minimal state regulation of the economy to maximize economic freedoms (government doesn't interfere = individual entrepreneurship flourishes)
Explain the UDHR (and year)
The UDHR was adopted as the global human rights standard in 1948, but it cannot actually be enforced and many countries do not follow it
What is populism and what impact does it have on climate change?
Populism is what the general public wants and often brings attention to political issues that are overlooked by leaders. When it comes to climate change, many people believe our policies should be determined based on what the general public wants instead.
Describe associations and civic engagement
Used to help mobilize and educate the public play a critical role in shaping public life and helps balance the tyranny of the majority according to Tocqueville (e.x. religious orgs, advocacy groups, unions, etc)
Explain the difference between the 13th, 14th, 15th Amendments
13th = abolished slavery and involuntary servitude
14th = granted citizenship for African Americans
15th = gave AA men the right to vote
Latent versus Manifest Orientalism
Latent = Ideas, theories, beliefs about the Orient created by the Occident (e.x: mysterious, sensual, camels in deserts, exotic, barbaric, etc)
Manifest = The explicit representations of the Orient by the Occident that justifies laws, policies, and interventions in the Middle East
Explain American involvement in the Middle East
The United States has significant political, military, economic, presence in the Middle East to secure oil resources, counter Soviet influence, and dictate the Israel-Palestine war. Our influence is often justified by orientalist views and the goal to dismantle terrorism.
What is the largest democracy in the world?
India = parliamentary democracy with no separation of branches
Summarize Fed 10 (bonus points for who wrote it)
Addresses the problem of factions, we can control factions by removing the causes or controlling their negative effects, a larger govt. means factions are less dangerous but inevitable, written by James Madison
Describe civil, political, and social rights
Civil = protection and freedoms from discrimination by the state, society, and individuals
Political = rights that allow people to vote, run for office, and participate in the political process
Social = ensures everyone has access to essential needs and basic resources to live a happy life
* Although they are intertwined, typically civil rights > political rights > social rights
Explain Colonialism and Imperialism in the Middle East
Exploitation and exerting influence over one nation (usually in the Middle East) by Western powers typically for economic or strategic gain (e.x: The U.S. drilling oil in Saudi Arabia)
Belt and Road Initiative
The BRI was launched by the Chinese Government by investing money into nearby nations (Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Laos) to build infrastructure projects, but these countries often fall into debt to China and oftentimes become forced allies to China. Widens China's global influence.
What is the Paris Agreement?
An international treaty on climate change to limit global warming, pollution, and foster international cooperation on saving the enviornment. It recognizes climate change is a global issue that requires collaboration from many countries to work (semi-legally binding, it can't actually punish countries for violating the treaty)
What's the relationship between protest and policy?
Protests help raise awareness, shift the political agenda, and pressure elected officials in order influence policy creation and change in democratic societies
Provide three examples of environmental justice
Flint Water Crisis, the Green New Deal, Cancer Alley (Louisiana), Chester Pennsylvania, Chernobyl (int relations)
Explain the 2012 Egyptian Constitution and how it differs from the original
The recent Egyptian Constitution includes multiple religious amendments (due to the Muslim Brotherhood influence) unlike many Western countries and includes family as the basis for society. The old one, however, included more authoritarian clauses and gave the president more power.
Explain Saudi-Iranian competition
Rival powers competing through proxy wars, religious influence, and political alliances due to ideological differences (Sunni v. Shia Islam). Iran aligns themselves with Russia and China while Saudi Arabia is allies with the U.S. and general Western allies.
Identify 3 features of democracy that are essential for democratic success
Equal voting rights (Shelby v Holder, 15th Amendment, Voting Rights Act, US invasion of Iraq led to Women's Suffrage), freedom of speech (1st Amendment, Tunisia's Constitution following Ben Ali being overthrown), religious freedoms (Egypt Constitution 2012, 1st Amendment, Afghanistan)
Name 3 challenges democracy faces and their underlying causes
Political polarization, economic inequalities, climate change, systemic racism, authoritarian governments, etc.
Define weathering
A process that encompasses the physiological effects and long-term stressors of living in marginalized communities that bear the brunt of discrimination, and resulting in healthcare disparities (according to Villarosa)
How does the IMF challenge equal rights and social justice worldwide and how do we address it?
The IMF helps shape economic policies worldwide, but encourages the privatization of the economy leading to the loss of public control over essential services (water, healthcare, etc). We can address it via debt relief initiatives, and involve the World Bank in human-centered debt sustainability.
Discuss efforts being made versus can be made for rights and equality worldwide
Are being made: UDHR, worldwide social movements (BLM/Fridays for future, #MeToo, etc.), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Syria
Can be made: Enforcing the UDHR, enforcing Paris Agreement, law/policies to ensure worldwide cooperation
What is Benjamin Lorch's middle name initial?
Z