Nation Building and the Origin of Government, Period 5, Class 15, Thursday, 4-21

[glasses-justice.livejournal.com]

Alex was sitting on the edge of her desk when the students filed in.

"So," she said. "I thought about giving a final, but I wasn't exactly sure what that should look like. Most of this class has been a thought experiment, where I was trying to challenge your preconceived notions about how government, quote-unquote, 'should' work. I was hoping you'd gain different perspectives from talking with classmates who had other experiences, and I think for the most part, that has been a success. At least, I hope so."

So far as she could tell from this end, anyway.

"There are a few questions on the papers I'm about to pass out, right now, but this isn't really a final in the typical sense. Be honest, answer the questions as well as you can, and don't feel that your grade is going to rest on the result."

And with that, she was handing out the sheets of paper, face-down.

"Once you've finished, you can go."

Comments

Final Exam, Question 1 - NAT15

[glasses-justice.livejournal.com]

How have your thoughts about governance changed as a result of this class? Please name one thing we discussed that you had not previously considered, or one issue that you have had a change of opinion on in some manner.

Re: Final Exam, Question 1 - NAT15

[thegirl-onfire.livejournal.com]

Katniss, in general, kept things short when presented with a test like this. Her answer was brief, but she was pretty sure it was all she needed to say.

I had thought, before this class, that governments were something to be feared. A governed nation is an oppressed one, where I am from, and the idea of a compassionate leader is little more than a pipe dream. Something I hadn't considered, though, was the idea that if things work out favorably for me, I won't have to lead. I have the choice to abdicate. I have choices.

Re: Final Exam, Question 1 - NAT15

[littlelionlad.livejournal.com]

Previously, I had not given as much thought to how criminals should be dealt with. When I become king, I will have to be sure to judge everyone fairly, and not let my emotions get in the way.

Re: Final Exam, Question 1 - NAT15

[whateverknight.livejournal.com]

I hadn't really paid attention to all the little things government does to keep society functioning. Once I started considering them, it turned out that there were a lot more than I'd realized.

Re: Final Exam, Question 1 - NAT15

[notlikebobby.livejournal.com]

Jack wrote two and a half paragraphs on the differences between his perceptions of governance before the class and now.