The structure and function of the countries above reflect the definition of an oligarchy; that is, the rule of the elite, be it few or through one individual. This elite system of rulership can take place independently (authoritarian, dictatorship) or coexist with other forms of government such as democracy — including hybrid forms of democracy — theocracy, or, even communism. In terms of democracy, rhetoric in recent years suggests that the U.S.Links to an external site. is not wholly democratic; that it is, in fact, an oligarchy. The ever-increasing role of money in campaigning champions this idea, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Elections 2010Committee. (https://www.oyez.org/cases/2008/08-205).
With this in mind, complete the following:
Identify the government structure of the United States; that is, its organization. For example, the three branches of government and where these branches derive their power.
Identify the government structure of one of the countries:
China
Iran
Russia
Venezuela); that it, its organization. For example, its branches of government and where these branches, if any, derive their power.
Next, evaluate citizen engagement in American politics; that is, voter participation and/or citizen efforts at lobbying the government. Are their factors that advance or restrain citizen engagement?
Then, evaluate citizen engagement in one of the countries above; that is, voter participation and/or citizen efforts at lobbying the government. Are their factors that advance or restrain citizen engagement?
Finally, evaluate American politics in comparison to the country of your choice. Does America reflect an elite theory of government (oligarchy) or does it reflect a pluralist theory (democracy) of government?
Your paper should be five pages in length, excluding title and reference pages. Four scholarly sources should be used.
Case Study Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
Organization
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40 to >35 pts
Exemplary
The paper is logically organized with a well-written introduction, thesis statement and conclusion.
35 to >27 pts
Meets Expectations
Answers are often correct and demonstrate good comprehension. Opinions are adequately justified. The paper is logically organized with a well-written introduction, thesis statement and conclusion. One of these requires improvement.
27 to >22 pts
Developing
Answers are occasionally correct and demonstrate an incomplete comprehension of the topic. Opinions are sometimes justified. The paper is logically organized with a well-written introduction, thesis statement and conclusion. One or more of the introduction, thesis statement, and/or conclusion require improvement.
22 to >0 pts
Beginning
Answers do not reflect accurate comprehension of the topic(s). Opinions are unjustified. The paper is loosely organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. The introduction, thesis statement, and/or conclusion require much improvement.
/ 40 pts
Detail
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50 to >44 pts
Exemplary
Comprehensively compares the political systems of the U.S. and selected country by discussing the similarities and differences between the political institututions found in each country. The discussion is supported with scholarly sources.
44 to >35 pts
Meets Expectations
Comprehensively compares the political systems of the U.S. and selected country by discussing the similarities and differences between the political institutions found in each country. The discussion is supported with scholarly sources but is slightly underdeveloped.
35 to >27 pts
Developing
Partially compares the political systems of the U.S. and selected country by minimally discussing the similarities and differences between the political institutions found in each country. The discussion is somewhat supported with scholarly sources but is underdeveloped.
27 to >0 pts
Beginning
Attempts to compare the political systems of the U.S. and selected country by discussing the similarities and differences between the political institutions found in each country. However, the discussion is not supported with scholarly sources but is significantly underdeveloped.
/ 50 pts
Critical Thinking
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50 to >44 pts
Exemplary
Employs persuasive and applicable information from credible sources to develop an ample analysis or synthesis of the topic. Viewpoints of experts are highly scrutinized.
44 to >35 pts
Meets Expectations
Employs persuasive and applicable information from credible sources to develop an ample of the topic. Viewpoints of experts are highly scrutinized.
35 to >27 pts
Developing
Answers include occasional supporting evidence from the text when necessary. Identifies applicable information from credible sources, but may neglect the application of such information toward the analysis of the topic.
27 to >0 pts
Beginning
Presents information from external sources, but such information may lack credibility and/or relevance. Neglects to apply such information towards the analysis of the topic.
/ 50 pts
Clarity
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30 to >26 pts
Exemplary
Ideas are very easy to understand. They are clear and concise.
26 to >21 pts
Meets Expectations
Ideas are always easy to understand.
21 to >18 pts
Developing
Ideas are sometimes understandable, but need to be more to the point.
18 to >0 pts
Beginning
Ideas are difficult to understand.
/ 30 pts
Quality of Work
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30 to >26 pts
Exemplary
Quality is exceptional with no spelling, grammar, or mechanical errors. Information is well organized and understood.
26 to >21 pts
Meets Expectations
Quality is good with minor spelling, grammar, or mechanical errors that do not interfere with comprehension.
21 to >18 pts
Developing
Quality is acceptable with minor spelling, grammar, or mechanical errors that usually do not interfere with comprehension.
18 to >0 pts
Beginning
Work contains many spelling, grammar, and mechanical errors that interfere with comprehension.
/ 30 pts
https://openstax.org/books/american-government-3e/pages/1-2-who-governs-elitism-pluralism-and-tradeoffs?message=retired
https://openstax.org/books/american-government-3e/pages/1-3-engagement-in-a-democracy?message=retired