Country Case Studies Custom Essay

So far, we have covered two types of regimes: liberal democracies and communist/authoritarian states. Despite differences in regime type, each of the country cases that we have covered so far– the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, China, and Yugoslavia– have significant internal divisions within their countries. These internal divisions can fall under the category of nationalism, an especially pressing problem in multiethnic states; otherwise, divisions may be religious, regional, ideological, or class-based.

For the mid-term exam, choose two country cases– one liberal democracy and one communist/authoritarian state– and write an essay detailing (1) the types of internal divisions each country faces and (2) the way that each country’s institutions are designed to ameliorate these divisions. In your essay, focus on constitutions, the legislature, electoral systems, and the executive branch. You do not need to discuss the judiciary. Your essay should include an argument about the effectiveness of these institutions– is the model sustainable in each country? Is it effective? Do any changes need to be made to the institutional framework of one or both countries? Are divisions getting worse or better over time? Is one country doing faring better or worse than another?

You may use your textbook, course readings, class notes, and other sources as you write. All material MUST be properly cited. This is an independent assignment and you may NOT consult with other members of the class regarding the mid-term exam. You do not need to include a formal bibliography– parenthetical citations are fine (e.g. (O’Neil 72)). Your essay should be somewhere around 5-6 pages, double-spaced, 12-pt. Times New Roman font with 1″ margins. Don’t worry if you are slightly over or slightly under that mark– 5-6 pages is a guideline, not a hard requirement. You have 24 hours to complete and return your essay to me.