Module 15 - Civil Liberties - Activity 3

Activity 1 : : Activity 2 : : Activity 3 : : Activity 4: : Activity 5 : : Activity 6

Activity 3:  Readings

• Read the following chapters in The Struggle for Democracy. These readings outline the characteristics of a representative democracy and the challenges inherent in enshrining majority rule while attempting to protect minority rights.
  • Chapter 1: “Fundamental Principles of Representative Democracy” (pages 7-17)
  • Chapter 2: “Slavery” (pages 36-37), “Checks on Majority Rule” (pages 41-42), “The Changing Constitution, Democracy, and American Politics” (pages 46-47)
  • Chapter 3: “The Civil War and the Expansion of National Power” (page 64), “The States’ Role in National Government” (page 58)
  • Chapter 14: “The Power of Judicial Review” (pages 414-417), “Norms in Operation” (page 425),  “Reversing the Decision of Past Supreme Courts” (page 435),  “Political Linkage Influences” (pages 437-438)
  • Chapter 15: “Rights and Liberties in the Nineteenth Century” (pages 448-470)
  • Chapter 16: “Civil Rights and the Struggle for Political Equality” (pages 477-500)
  • Appendix: The Bill of Rights (pages A-8, 9)
  • Appendix: Thirteenth Amendment (page A-9)
  • Appendix: Fourteenth Amendment (page A-10)
  • Appendix: Fifteenth Amendment (page A-10)
  • Appendix: Nineteenth Amendment (page A-10)
• Log on to Thinkwell, and read:
  • Thinkwell Program: Section 2.6 – The Role of a Free Press in an Open Society
  • Thinkwell Program: Section 2.8 – The Fundamental Rights of American Citizens
  • Thinkwell Program: Section 2.9 – Due Process
  • Thinkwell Program: Section 2.10 – Majority Rule
  • Thinkwell Program: Section 2.11 – Important Supreme Court Cases in American History
  • Thinkwell Program: Section 2.13 – Civil Liberties and Rights