Study Questions

  1. The United States has an all-volunteer military, though it has used the draft in the past. Some other countries require military service for all abled citizens. What are some arguments for and against each practice?
  2. How do American ideals of democracy, freedom, and equality affect the United States’ foreign policies?
  3. The ability of interest groups to achieve desired policy outcomes depend on the public perception of the group and the political power of the group. How might young people – deeply in debt from higher education loans – use these factors to seek support from staggering economic malaise?
  4. The development and expansion of social policy reflects shifts in citizens’ views about the role of government. Why might Americans be called philosophical conservatives but operational liberals in many areas of social policy?