Problem
I. Is it preferable for the U.S. government to have unified party control or divided government? Why? [hint: be sure to consider the pros and cons of unified and divided government]
II. What obstacles do third parties face in the political system of the United States? Do you think it is possible for a serious third party to emerge in the United States, positioned ideologically between the Democrats on the left and the Republicans on the right? Explain why or why not.
III. Explain the benefits and drawbacks of a bicameral legislature. If you could redesign Congress, would you keep the bicameral system or change it. Explain your reasoning.
IV. Congress is sometimes called 'the first branch of government'. The idea behind this nickname is that Congress is the most important branch of government. Do you think this is an accurate description? Explain why or why not. [hint: In your response, consider some of the powers that the Constitution grants to Congress as well as the challenges that Congress faces in terms of actually exercising these powers and making policy.]