Background Information The United States of America is in the throes of perhaps the most significant transformation of the economy and society since the Industrial Revolution. Our increasing “technology economy” has supplanted forms of work that once relied on strong backs and lots of employees. Jobs that were once abundant no longer exist and jobs we can’t even imagine may be part of tomorrow’s workplace. Lost with many of the jobs are living wages that provided families with middle-income comforts. At the other end of the emergent economy are the newly rich, those who harness technology to produce vast wealth. These economic changes have also fueled immigration, as the US demands workers at the high end of the knowledge spectrum (doctors, scientists, engineers) and at the lower end of the skill scale (construction, housekeeping, hospitality staff). The demographic diversification of the US is altering prevailing patterns of status and hierarchies. Greater inclusion in “the American Dream” is a positive outcome for many, however, the rise of white nationalism serves to remind us that dislocations can feed prejudice and discrimination against the “others” in our society. During the course of these transformations, wealth and power have become increasingly concentrated and unequally distributed. The gap between the rich and the rest of us is wider today than at any other point in recent American history. Political science research confirms what many Americans have suspected for a long time: elected officials respond to the interests of the wealthy and corporations. The major institutions of government are viewed unfavorably by Americans: according to recent Gallup.com surveys, 78% disapproved of the job Congress is doing while 58% disapproved of the job President Trump is doing. Further frustrating public impressions of the work of the federal government is the strident partisan differences between Democrats and Republicans. Without bipartisan compromises, little policy making gets done in Washington D.C. What does all of this mean for American government and politics? Some of the social problems exacerbated by transformations and dysfunctions include: Diminished confidence in political and economic processes Stark disagreements over the distribution of resources, goods, and services Further concentration of political and economic power  Increasing polarization and clashes over the purpose and role of government in society Is American democracy healthy? Political scientists and others are concerned that the political system has calcified and is proving incapable of responding to and resolving current disputes. Instructions for this Essay assignment: You will consider the information provided above in light of the information about American democracy you learn in the assigned readings (American Government and Civic Engagement, The Constitution and Its Origins, American Federalism, The Politics of Public Opinion, and The Media) ...

1. Background Information
The United States of America is in the throes of perhaps the
most significant transformation of the economy and society
since the Industrial Revolution. Our increasing “technology
economy” has supplanted forms of work that once relied on
strong backs and lots of employees. Jobs that were once
abundant no longer exist and jobs we can’t even imagine may be
part of tomorrow’s workplace. Lost with many of the jobs are
living wages that provided families with middle-income
comforts. At the other end of the emergent economy are the
newly rich, those who harness technology to produce vast
wealth.
These economic changes have also fueled immigration, as the
US demands workers at the high end of the knowledge spectrum
(doctors, scientists, engineers) and at the lower end of the skill
scale (construction, housekeeping, hospitality staff). The
demographic diversification of the US is altering prevailing
patterns of status and hierarchies. Greater inclusion in “the
American Dream” is a positive outcome for many, however, the
rise of white nationalism serves to remind us that dislocations
can feed prejudice and discrimination against the “others” in
our society.
During the course of these transformations, wealth and power
have become increasingly concentrated and unequally
distributed. The gap between the rich and the rest of us is wider
today than at any other point in recent American history.
Political science research confirms what many Americans have

2. suspected for a long time: elected officials respond to the
interests of the wealthy and corporations. The major institutions
of government are viewed unfavorably by Americans: according
to recent Gallup.com surveys, 78% disapproved of the job
Congress is doing while 58% disapproved of the job President
Trump is doing. Further frustrating public impressions of the
work of the federal government is the strident partisan
differences between Democrats and Republicans. Without
bipartisan compromises, little policy making gets done in
Washington D.C.
What does all of this mean for American government and
politics? Some of the social problems exacerbated by
transformations and dysfunctions include:
Diminished confidence in political and economic processes
Stark disagreements over the distribution of resources, goods,
and services
Further concentration of political and economic power
Increasing polarization and clashes over the purpose and role of
government in society
Is American democracy healthy? Political scientists and others
are concerned that the political system has calcified and is
proving incapable of responding to and resolving current
disputes.
Instructions for this Essay assignment:

3. You will consider the information provided above in light of the
information about American democracy you learn in the
assigned readings (American Government and Civic
Engagement, The Constitution and Its Origins, American
Federalism, The Politics of Public Opinion, and The Media).
You will read three articles that lay out many of the concerns
being expressed about the ill-health of American democracy and
the possibility of a constitutional convention to address some of
the indicators of the failing political system. Make note of the
arguments that lend support to the idea of holding a new
constitutional convention.
You will prepare a media or social media campaign that
supports
having a constitutional convention. Choose whether you will
use traditional electronic (television/radio) or print media
(newspapers, articles) OR social media (Twitter, Instagram,
Facebook) to conduct your campaign.
Specifically, your campaign will address:
The role of civic engagement in promoting constitutional
revision
Specific constitutional areas to be reformed and why
Why state-federal relations need to change
The role public opinion will play in supporting constitutional
change

4. Article Links:
http://harvardpolitics.com/united-states/an-imperfect-union-the-
case-for-a-second-constitutional-convention/ (Links to an
external site.)Links to an external site.
This is a student journal of politics sponsored by the Harvard
Institute of Politics
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/05/a-real-
step-to-fix-democracy/371898/ (Links to an external site.)Links
to an external site.
Lawrence Lessig is a Harvard University Law professor
https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21729735-if-it-did-
would-be-dangerous-thing-america-might-see-new-
constitutional-convention (Links to an external site.)Links to an
external site.
The Economist is a reputable British news source
Essay Structure
I recommend organizing your campaign in such a way that it
addresses each of the substantive sections of the assignment.
This structure will keep you focused on what is required and it
will ensure that you respond fully.
You will prepare a 270 word (minimum) essay in which you
respond to the prompts listed above. Your response must be
written in academic English. You will use your own voice and
write in your own words—no quotes or paraphrases allowed. To
earn full points you must follow all instructions carefully,
proofread for writing errors, and submit on time.