Pick one of the prompts below to write a core paper assignment: Writing Prompt 1- The Bill of Rights The Bill of Rights includes both provisions to protect individual liberties (such as freedom of speech, the press, and religion) as well as the Tenth Amendment, which states that powers not delegated to the federal government remain with the states. Which part of the Bill of Rights do you think poses a greater limit on the power of the national government, provisions about individuals or about states? Why? Which amendment in the Bill of Rights do you think is the most important to preserve? Why? Provide an example of at least one Supreme Court case that tested this right. Writing Prompt 2- The Mass Media and an Enlightened Public: The freedom of the press was included in the First Amendment to guarantee citizens access to news and information. Americans largely rely on the mass media to learn about what is going on in government and in the wider world. Throughout American history, the publics access to objective reporting has been threatened by partisan bias in the press, sensationalism, and attempts by the government to regulate the media. Additionally, political campaigns and politicians have long attempted to circumvent and control media coverage. And, in the contemporary era, new trends such as narrowcasting and media consolidation are seen by some as threats to the publics ability to become informed. Your essay must contain the following information: What about todays media environment do you believe is the greatest obstacle to an enlightened public? Why? Provide a definition of this obstacle. Use references from the text. Provide two (2) recent examples of this threat. Describe how it impeded the public from becoming informed.

Pick one of the prompts below to write a core paper assignment: Writing Prompt 1- The Bill of Rights The Bill of Rights includes both provisions to protect individual liberties (such as freedom of speech, the press, and religion) as well as the Tenth Amendment, which states that powers not delegated to the federal government remain with the states. Which part of the Bill of Rights do you think poses a greater limit on the power of the national government, provisions about individuals or about states? Why? Which amendment in the Bill of Rights do you think is the most important to preserve? Why? Provide an example of at least one Supreme Court case that tested this right. Writing Prompt 2- The Mass Media and an Enlightened Public: The freedom of the press was included in the First Amendment to guarantee citizens access to news and information. Americans largely rely on the mass media to learn about what is going on in government and in the wider world. Throughout American history, the publics access to objective reporting has been threatened by partisan bias in the press, sensationalism, and attempts by the government to regulate the media. Additionally, political campaigns and politicians have long attempted to circumvent and control media coverage. And, in the contemporary era, new trends such as narrowcasting and media consolidation are seen by some as threats to the publics ability to become informed. Your essay must contain the following information: What about todays media environment do you believe is the greatest obstacle to an enlightened public? Why? Provide a definition of this obstacle. Use references from the text. Provide two (2) recent examples of this threat. Describe how it impeded the public from becoming informed.