Q Follow and use the structure when answering these questions (this is a part of your grade) Reading Notes Assignment - (refer to instruction in syllabus) read assigned pages in the “Democracy in 21st Century America” (PDF) book and the articles for this unit. Take notes on all of the assigned readings. Then, in an extended memo format using the format provided below: 1. Summarize & Explain (in about 400 words+) in an overview of a couple of The Highlights of what the Major Points of Knowledge or what you understand now (ideas or concepts or facts and/or what you think it all means), which you gained from the book readings for this unit. Do this using one paragraph summary narratives (with additional bullet points - IF NEEDED - using whole sentences to illustrate the highlights). 2. Then, Summarize & Outline (in about 400 words+) the Major Skills or points of Critical Political Thinking (ways to think about political questions and how to see & understand social & political phenomenon that affect your life in your world) – do this using bullet points with whole sentences (NOT just one or two words) - to illustrate the key thinking skills you seek to highlight, 3. Finally, in about two or three paragraphs (about 600 words+); make a Conclusion with Commentary explicitly using ideas you take away from reading the articles to suggest how these (with in text citations) and ideas from the book, offer “us” (you) lessons we should all learn from what you have read and thought about, as to how the material in this unit section relates to the following explicit question(s): a) Descriptive and/or Substantive Representation: • The idea of descriptive representation is that a citizen is best represented by someone of a similar demographic “identity” group [e.g. 1) issues of “embodiment” such as gender, race, ability, age, sexuality, etc.; or 2) socioeconomic group, class, or geographic area of birth (e.g. nationality or ethnicity)]. It is based on a belief that elected representatives tend to represent the interests of their identity group; regardless of ideology. • The idea of substantive representation is that a citizen is best represented by someone of a similar world view and/or their ideological identity group views [e.g. ideology (i.e. liberal, radical, or conservative), political party platform, religion, interest group agenda, etc.]. It is based on a belief that elected representatives tend to act on and support policy positions and an agenda based on their world view and ideology; regardless issues of demographic identity. • Do you believe it is more important to have more descriptive representation in the United States (from someone who looks like you or has a similar background); or Do you believe it is more important to have someone who substantively represents your political values and policy positions? • Explain your answer. o If you emphasize one type of representation over the other, what happens to the concerns of the one you de-emphasize? o If you favor substance over description; what happens to factors of descriptive representation? Would this just not keep the same physical or class types of people in power (e.g. white or rich people) – even if we agree with them? o If you favor description over substance; what happens to factors of substantive representation? Would this just not keep the same dominant American ideologies of power in place (e.g. patriarchy, capitalism, and Christianity) – even if they look like us? o Is this OK? Why or why not o How do we resolve such issues? b) Presidency: Much of a president's power stems from his/her ability to persuade people (citizens or legislators) to engage in action the president sees as fitting their policy agenda (i.e. this is the power of “moral suasion” or “the Bully Pulpit”). • What personal attributes and characteristics make for an effective President as a leader? o What is a “Great” President? o Is that different than being an effective leader? • Do any Presidents come to mind for you as being a great leader? o If yes, who; and why? • Do any Presidents come to mind for you as being an ineffective or “bad” President? o If yes, who; and why? ?