Write an essay examining how you believe the size, shape, and make-up of political jurisdictions and communities have affected the conduct of American politics.

Throughout this course we have been examining how the configuration of various institutions has affected the conduct of American politics. A different but related theme that has been raised is how the size, shape, and make-up of political jurisdictions and communities impact how politics is conducted and how citizens relate to politics. This topic came up with regard to ward-based political machines, and it was certainly a matter of concern to the Anti-Federalists, who were concerned that the size and composition of political jurisdictions and communities would be conducive to their understanding of republican values. Obviously, the Federalists had different ideas. Similar issues were raised in Martha Derthick’s discussion of federalism. Changes in the media have also had a role to play. So too have these issues come up in recent discussions about the appropriate size of the US House of Representatives. And there are still other sources that we have consulted where such questions have also been raised.

Write an essay examining how you believe the size, shape, and make-up of political jurisdictions and communities have affected the conduct of American politics. You may focus on a particular a particular period or example, or compare more than one period or example to illustrate how you believe such matters have impacted American politics.

Use footnotes, not endnotes

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