Exploring the Text

Exploring the Text

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  1. Why does Sanford Levinson write, “Ignore, for discussion’s sake, the clauses that helped to entrench chattel slavery until it was eliminated by a brutal Civil War” (par. 3)? What is his rhetorical purpose?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Why does Sanford Levinson write, “Ignore, for discussion’s sake, the clauses that helped to entrench chattel slavery until it was eliminated by a brutal Civil War” (par. 3)? What is his rhetorical purpose?
  2. What are the problematic effects of the Constitution that Levinson points out in paragraphs 3 and 4?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What are the problematic effects of the Constitution that Levinson points out in paragraphs 3 and 4?
  3. What do you think of the proposal that Levinson makes regarding congressional gridlock in paragraph 10? How would Americans respond to such a proposal?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What do you think of the proposal that Levinson makes regarding congressional gridlock in paragraph 10? How would Americans respond to such a proposal?
  4. In paragraphs 4 and 12, Levinson argues in opposition to the position that James Madison establishes in “Federalist No. 10” (p. 418). Do you think that Levinson makes valid points? Explain, with reference to Madison’s text.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - In paragraphs 4 and 12, Levinson argues in opposition to the position that James Madison establishes in “Federalist No. 10” (p. 418). Do you think that Levinson makes valid points? Explain, with reference to Madison’s text.
  5. Which of Levinson’s proposals seem most reasonable? Which seem least reasonable? Explain.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Which of Levinson’s proposals seem most reasonable? Which seem least reasonable? Explain.
  6. How does the biographical information provided for Earl E. Pollock and Frederic N. Smalkin affect your response to their letters to the editor?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - How does the biographical information provided for Earl E. Pollock and Frederic N. Smalkin affect your response to their letters to the editor?
  7. In their letters to the editor, Pollock, Smalkin, and Garry S. Sklar respond to Levinson’s argument. What do their positions share?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - In their letters to the editor, Pollock, Smalkin, and Garry S. Sklar respond to Levinson’s argument. What do their positions share?
  8. Which of the three letters to the editor makes the most compelling case? Explain.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Which of the three letters to the editor makes the most compelling case? Explain.