POLS 1100 U.S. National Government and Politics
Spring 2013
Reflective Essay on the Electoral College
This is an essay I wrote about the flaws of the Electoral College. The Electoral College, like everything, has a list of pros and cons but unfortunately though the cons outweigh the pros. I discuss what those issues are and ways that I think the Electoral College could be amended. I also talk briefly on a scenario of what it would be like to not have the Electoral College at all.
This assignment was testing our knowlege on what we had learned regarind analizing data. More specifically it showed us how to turn data into a measurable source of knowledge. This skill is usefull in many areas but within the area of Politcal Science it is important to be able to read such data in order to get correct information from your research.
Thinking Like a Political Scientist
U.S Government and Politics is a very difficult course to take for someone with extremely one sided political views. The thought of “I am right and you are most definitely wrong” can easily pop into someone’s head when discussing what we learned about in each module. A year ago I would have been in trouble if I would have attempted this course.
Last Summer I took a Humanities course and it helped change the way I look at issues. Instead of being hot headed about something I can set aside my bias feelings and get to the heart of the matter. Why is it an issue, who does it affect, and what needs to be done about it. We were taught that every text has at least 4 interpretations. They are literal, symbolic, moral, and metaphysical. With these interpretations one can see an issues in a whole different light than others may see it. The truth is merely a matter of reporting the facts. It is up to the person on how they interpret it.
Now that I have a more in depth look on our political system here in the United States, and a better understanding of how people can take the meaning of an issue, I can use what I have learned in both classes to create strong arguments. It all boils down to thinking more like a political scientist.
