Q1. How has the Constitution limited, and how does it continue to limit, the African American quest for 'universal' freedom? Trace the social construction of race and white supremacy in relation to the development of democracy in the United States.
Q2. Define federalism and discuss how it may advantage and disadvantage racial or ethnic groups in their quest for freedom and equality. Explain the difference between national-centered power and state-centered power. Make sure to discuss and highlight how the periods of Reconstruction, The New Deal, and the Civil Rights/Great Society eras have expanded 'universal' freedom.
Q3. Examine the historical components of Black political ideologies. What are their distinctive elements? Explain the differences between liberalism, conservatism, and nationalism among African Americans. Why has liberalism been the dominant ideology among African Americans? Make sure to discuss the importance of the concept of "intersectionality" and how this impacts the lived unique experiences of African Americans generally and Black women specifically.
Q4. What is the fundamental difference between a social movement and an interest group? Identify the differences between rights-based and material-based coalitions in African American politics, while providing examples of each. Given what you have learned about what constitutes a social movement, would you characterize #BlackLivesMatter as a social movement or historical moment? Explain your answer comparing examples that were covered in the textbook, supplemental readings and/or modules.
Q5. Explain the impact of race with respect to descriptive, substantive, and symbolic representation in Congress and state legislatures. What are their similarities and differences? How has the concept of de-racialization as a campaign strategy for African Americans running for elected statewide or national office impacted these forms of representation? What impact has devolution had on the representation and power of the Black electorate? How have African American interests been impacted as a result?