American Political Theory

Some third paper ideas

Some of you have requested some suggestions on a third paper topic. You're free to choose your own, of course, but I thought I'd give you a few ideas.

First, you could do the second topic on either of the first two papers if you wish.

Here are some other ideas. These are just ideas--feel free to tweak them or change them around or whatever; this paper can be on whatever you wish:

Jefferson is sometimes described as a "strict constructionist" in his constitutional interpretation. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Compare and contrast Thoreau's concept of civil disobedience with Locke's theory of revolution.

George Fitzhugh criticizes Northern "white slavery" using a Marxist form of analysis, but later vigorously criticizes socialism. Why does he do this? What is the basis of his defense of slavery? Even though we have little use for his defense of slavery as an institution, is there any merit to any aspect of his theory? Explain.

Was Elizabeth Cady Stanton correct that women's suffrage advocates shouldn't support the 15th Amendment without explicit inclusion of women, or was Lucy Stone correct that women's suffrage advocates should support such it on it's own merits? Consider the arguments for both sides.

Compare and contrast Douglass and Thoreau's conceptions of political responsibility. Which is more satisfying? Which is more firmly rooted in the American political tradition.

posted by David Watkins @ 6:52 PM