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American Government: A Transnational Nation?
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Survey: American Government: A Transnational Nation? The United States was founded as a regime that understands itself as being dedicated to the proposition of human equality; from which flow rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” And in this dedication to universal principles, those who founded this regime saw the fate of humanity linked to its success or failure. Alexander Hamilton captured the prevailing opinion of the founders when he proclaimed that:

It has been frequently remarked that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force.

In this statement, we see most clearly that American Government is more than just the examination of a particular regime, existing at a particular time in a particular place. When contemplating the American regime, one is forced to confront a system of government that on the one hand was formed by a particular people in a unique circumstance but, on the other hand, was founded on principles that were thought to be true for all people at all times. One could say that American Government is the study of a universal regime; a transnational nation. Please examine the links below and then respond to the survey. See how your answers compare with your student colleagues.

Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/

Gettysburg Address
http://www.law.ou.edu/hist/getty.html

Bush Address to Joint Session of Congress (9/11 attacks)
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010920-8.html

If you agree with the statement, click on the Yes response. If you disagree, click on the No response.

1

Americans should only be concerned with matters close to home.
A)Yes
B)No
2

It is in the interest of the United States to spread democracy abroad.
A)Yes
B)No
3

The United States should lend money to other nations with no strings attached.
A)Yes
B)No
4

The United States should lend money to other nations in order to protect its interests.
A)Yes
B)No
5

The United States should lend money to nations in order to help the development of worldwide democracy.
A)Yes
B)No
6

The United States should never send military aid to other nations.
A)Yes
B)No
7

The United States has a responsibility to fight wars to protect democracy, wherever democracy is threatened.
A)Yes
B)No
8

The United States should fight wars only to protect its vital interests.
A)Yes
B)No
9

While the United States was once dedicated to universal values, recent speeches by political leaders demonstrate that it no longer is.
A)Yes
B)No
10

Terrorism will mortally damage the nation state.
A)Yes
B)No





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