The U.S. government, national political processes, policy making, and the notion of democracy.

1. Congressional Ethics: Identify one (1) member of Congress who has been charged with ethics violations in the past 2 years (include the date). Briefly discuss the reason for the charges and provide two (2) reasons why you agree or disagree with the verdict and any penalties. Provide examples to support your answer. Consider how the verdict and penalties impacts your trust of the members of Congress. 2. Third Party Candidates: Discuss two (2) political reasons why a third party candidate has never been successful in winning a presidential election. Provide examples to support the answer. Consider the political impact of the Republican and Democratic Party if a third party was successful. 3. Federal and State Authority: Identify one (1) current issue facing the United States today (from the past 6 months). Analyze the respective roles of federal and state authorities in addressing the issue. Determine whether the U.S. Constitution constrains the federal and state responses to the issue. Explain.