Includes bibliographical references.

Unit 1. Democracy and the American political system -- 1. Should Americans believe in a unique American "mission"? -- 2. Does the Tea Party represent a revival of America's revolutionary ideals? -- 3. Is bigger government better government? -- 4. Should America adopt public financing of political campaigns? -- Unit 2. The institutions of government -- 5. Does the president have unilateral war powers? -- 6. Should the courts seek the "original meaning" of the Constitution? -- 7. Is Congress a dysfunctional institution? -- 8. May Congress require people to buy health insurance? -- 9. Should the president be allowed "executive privileges"? -- Unit 3. Social change and public policy -- 10. Does affirmative action advance racial equality? -- 11. Should abortion be restricted? -- 12. Is the welfare state obsolete? -- 13. Are Americans overtaxed? -- 14. Is America becoming more unequal? -- 15. Should same-sex marriage be a Constitutional right? -- 16. Should there be a "wall of separation" between church and state? -- 17. Do corporations have the same free speech rights as persons? -- 18. Should "recreational" drugs be legalized? -- Unit 4. America and the world -- 19. Is indefinite detention of suspected terrorists justified? -- 20. Do we need to curb global warming? -- 21. Is warrantless wiretapping ever justified to protect national security? -- 22. Are entitlement programs creating a culture of dependency? -- 23. Should the United States launch a preemptive strike against Iran?