Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Social sciences

Short Answer Questions

1. Where did organizing the world into 1^st and 3^rd Worlds come from, and what are some of the strengths and weaknesses of this model? Briefly, what might a better model look like? [Unit 1]
2. Evaluate this statement: The country of Africa is suffering from widespread poverty, famine, and disease. [Unit 4]
3. Describe the pre-colonial cultures that existed prior to European colonization. [Unit 4]
4. Where did the modern discourse of “wilderness” come from? Also, outline its movement to Sub-Saharan Africa. [Unit 5]
5. Why did the West Sahel Famine happen? [Unit 5]
6. Explain what “reparations” means and how the concept relates to the development of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. [Unit 6]
7. Evaluate this statement: China is involved in a

Historical Context of the 1876 Constitution

The Spanish Constitution of 1876 is a fundamental legal document addressed to all citizens, containing the primary articles that governed the nation for decades. It was promulgated in 1876 by the Spanish Cortes and King Alfonso XII.

The Road to the Bourbon Restoration

In 1868, Queen Isabella II was expelled from the throne following the triumph of the Gloriosa Revolution, marking the beginning of the Six-Year Revolution (Sexenio Democrático). This period featured a provisional government and a democratic monarchy under Amadeo of Savoy. However, his reign was short-lived, leading to the proclamation of the First Spanish Republic.

Due to internal conflicts and instability, the government eventually transitioned... Continue reading "Spanish Constitution of 1876: History and Key Features" »

The Rise of Big Business in America

The rise of big business in America saw the emergence of the modern corporation, complete with shareholders, distinct operating units, a national network of suppliers, and professional salaried managers. In the 19th century, a revolutionary idea took hold. Previously, the bulk of economic activity was conducted through single-unit businesses run and owned by independent tradespeople. This changed with increased economic activity and new business models, exemplified by figures ranging from local merchants to industrial giants like Henry Ford. By 1840, business people expected the coordination of their activities across a region as vast as the United States to be handled by the markets themselves.

Railroads:

Mancur Olson's Theory of Collective Action

According to Mancur Olson, the significance of group dynamics in collective action is categorized into three main types:

• The Privileged Group: Each of its members, or at least one of them, has an incentive to see that the collective good is provided, even if they bear the full burden of providing it themselves.
• The Intermediate Group: No single member gets a share of the benefit large enough to incentivize them to provide the good alone. However, the group is small enough that others will notice whether any member is or is not helping to provide the collective good.
• The Latent Group: This is a very large group distinguished by the fact that if one member does or does not help provide the collective good,

First Industrial Revolution

Industrialization: a revolution in the way work was done — from work performed by hand at home or in a workshop to work done by steam-powered machinery in factories.

Factors of Production

Factors of Production: land, labor, and capital resources — the basic resources that are combined to create useful goods and services.

Laissez-faire and Labor Conditions

Laissez-faire: a free-market approach that eases the process of obtaining resources but can also reduce protections for workers. Effects during the Industrial Revolution included:

• Greater population density in industrial areas — more people, more jobs, more products
• Long working hours with few breaks
• Reliance on unskilled labor and minimal safety regulations

Classical

Explain why the Mars expedition is a huge risk travel.

The Mars expedition is very risky because the launching can go wrong.

What happens if the space suit rips?

All of our oxygen would escape and we wouldn't have breathing.

What happens if the rover breaks down?

We would have to find a way to build another ship.

What would happen if you lost contact with Earth?

Probably we never come back to the Earth because we don't have communication.

Reasons why people shouldn't go to Mars.

• Homesickness
• High risk

Would you volunteer to go to Mars?

No, because it is too dangerous and I have a lot of risk.

Write about a candidate that is willing to go to Mars.

Sabrina is 40 years old and she is Japanese.

Why do people want to go to Mars?

For looking for a new adventure... Continue reading "The Risks and Rewards of the Mars Expedition" »

Foundational US Political Concepts

Limited Government

The principle that government power is restricted, positing that certain things are out of the government's boundaries because of citizens' natural rights.

Colonial Charters

Documents granted to American colonies by English kings establishing governments; they fostered the American tradition of written constitutions.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, drafted by James Madison, which place limitations on government and protect natural rights. Most state constitutions have a version of this.

Commonwealth

Although four states call themselves commonwealths (Pennsylvania, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Kentucky), the term refers to any self-governing community and currently

Analysis of Kate Millett’s Sexual Politics

Contextualizing the Author and Her Work

The text is authored by Kate Millett, a philosopher, professor, and activist who stands as one of the most prominent figures of the second-wave feminist movement. Her central thesis posits that patriarchy is not a product of human nature, but rather a construct rooted in historical and cultural conditions. Furthermore, she asserts that there is no inherent intellectual or emotional disparity between the sexes.

Core Themes in Sexual Politics

This excerpt is taken from Millett’s seminal work, Sexual Politics, which originated from her PhD dissertation. In this influential text, Millett argues that "sex has a frequently neglected political aspect." She examines... Continue reading "Kate Millett and Sexual Politics: Analyzing Second-Wave Feminism" »

Limitations on Free Speech

Sedition Act of 1918 and the Smith Act of 1940

The Sedition Act of 1918 was eventually superseded by the Smith Act of 1940.

Under these legal frameworks, citizens retain the right to criticize the government, but they cannot threaten to harm the government in a speech or advocate for its violent overthrow.

Obscenity and Offensive Speech: Miller v. California (1973)

The Supreme Court established a three-pronged test for determining obscenity, based on community standards:

1. Is the purpose of the material "prurient" (appealing to morbid or lascivious interests)? (Based on community standards)
2. Is the material patently offensive to most people? (Based on community standards)
3. Does the material lack serious artistic, literary, political,

The Revolution and Provisional Government (1868-1869)

The Revolution of 1868 was triggered by progressives and democrats, who were joined by unionists and led by Admiral Topete, General Prim, and General Serrano. Revolutionary Juntas were formed across the country. In September 1868, the Battle of Alcolea forced Queen Isabella II and her heir, Alfonso, into exile. The Cortes drafted a new constitution that was ratified in 1869.

The Constitution of 1869 established:

• National sovereignty and universal male suffrage.
• Recognition of individual rights.
• Separation of Church and State.
• A parliamentary monarchy, for which they had to choose a new king.

The Monarchy of Amadeo I (1870-1873)

Amadeo of Savoy, who was from a liberal monarchy that had contributed... Continue reading "The Spanish Revolution of 1868 and the First Republic" »