"American Institutions"
U.S. National Government and Politics
POLS 1100, Spring 2013
This course fulfilled my American Institutions requirement for General Education. My page contains a reflective writing on “Quantitative Literacy”, a persuasive essay on “Gun Control” and a course reflection.
Quantitative Literacy Reflection
by Nina Sousley
In political science, statistics are constantly used to support ones belief or opinion. During a political campaign, citizens are given percentages, the mean, and the median of different statistical data. The data presented by both sides of an issue is tainted to support their opinion. They call this data fact but it is important for Americans to analyze and understand the data being presented. By looking at the data, and understanding its origin, citizens can form their own opinion on the issue being discussed.
During this last political election season, the media and the candidates bombarded the American people with commercials, speeches, and campaign stops. The candidates quoted statistical data from various sources and made claims against their opponent’s records that were negative. They then quoted more statistical data about their plans and used data to support their issues.
I found the information given very confusing. To be quite honest, prior to taking this class I did not see the point or understand completely where the numbers were coming from. I did not take the time to analyze all the information being presented. In the future, it will be beneficial for me as a citizen to look closely at the data to see if the data is accurate and make a more informed choice when voting.
Persuasive Essay - "Gun Control"
by Nina Sousley
Quantitative Literacy Reflection
by Nina Sousley
In political science, statistics are constantly used to support ones belief or opinion. During a political campaign, citizens are given percentages, the mean, and the median of different statistical data. The data presented by both sides of an issue is tainted to support their opinion. They call this data fact but it is important for Americans to analyze and understand the data being presented. By looking at the data, and understanding its origin, citizens can form their own opinion on the issue being discussed.
During this last political election season, the media and the candidates bombarded the American people with commercials, speeches, and campaign stops. The candidates quoted statistical data from various sources and made claims against their opponent’s records that were negative. They then quoted more statistical data about their plans and used data to support their issues.
I found the information given very confusing. To be quite honest, prior to taking this class I did not see the point or understand completely where the numbers were coming from. I did not take the time to analyze all the information being presented. In the future, it will be beneficial for me as a citizen to look closely at the data to see if the data is accurate and make a more informed choice when voting.
Persuasive Essay - "Gun Control"
by Nina Sousley
persuasive_essay.docx | |
File Size: | 27 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Course Reflective Writing:
Prior to taking this course, I had political opinions but I did not express them much. I have voted, but I did not pay much attention to campaign ads or how much money was being spent on political campaigns. I also did not pay any attention to where political contributions were coming from.
This course has enlightened me. I understand the political system better. The beginning of the course was a good review of the constitution and the separation of powers. The chapter on campaign finance gave me incite on the absurd amounts of money that are being spent on political campaigns. I also learned that some campaigns are funded from outside interest groups that have little or nothing to do with the state the politician is from. The look into campaign ads was beneficial. I will no longer take campaign ads at face value and I will do my own research prior to going to the poles to ensure I am getting accurate information.
The assignment that influenced me the most was the chapter and discussion on campaign finance. I think campaign finances need to be looked at closely when voting for an individual. In the Senate and House races, millions of dollars come from out of state contributions. This bothers me. I think the senators and the congressmen from the house races should be paying more attention to the interests from their states instead of accepting money from other interest groups and organization from outside their state. In the future, I will make sure the person I am voting for is not making agreements with these outside interest groups that will negatively affect my community.
My assumptions and understanding of the political system has changed. I have discovered that political candidates my not always be the person they appear to be. I have learned it is necessary to do your own research and homework on the candidate. This will ensure I am making an informed decision when I vote. I will approach politic differently in the future. I will not vote party lines and will look at each candidate individually and vote for the person that best reflects my values and principles.
Prior to taking this course, I had political opinions but I did not express them much. I have voted, but I did not pay much attention to campaign ads or how much money was being spent on political campaigns. I also did not pay any attention to where political contributions were coming from.
This course has enlightened me. I understand the political system better. The beginning of the course was a good review of the constitution and the separation of powers. The chapter on campaign finance gave me incite on the absurd amounts of money that are being spent on political campaigns. I also learned that some campaigns are funded from outside interest groups that have little or nothing to do with the state the politician is from. The look into campaign ads was beneficial. I will no longer take campaign ads at face value and I will do my own research prior to going to the poles to ensure I am getting accurate information.
The assignment that influenced me the most was the chapter and discussion on campaign finance. I think campaign finances need to be looked at closely when voting for an individual. In the Senate and House races, millions of dollars come from out of state contributions. This bothers me. I think the senators and the congressmen from the house races should be paying more attention to the interests from their states instead of accepting money from other interest groups and organization from outside their state. In the future, I will make sure the person I am voting for is not making agreements with these outside interest groups that will negatively affect my community.
My assumptions and understanding of the political system has changed. I have discovered that political candidates my not always be the person they appear to be. I have learned it is necessary to do your own research and homework on the candidate. This will ensure I am making an informed decision when I vote. I will approach politic differently in the future. I will not vote party lines and will look at each candidate individually and vote for the person that best reflects my values and principles.