The ballot is stronger than the bullet essay

Special Essay Assignment and Discussion Forum Post
Political leaders, pundits, and commentators use words to convey political ideas. Some become immortal, or at least sound bites.

Some famous quotes:

“The American Constitution is, so far as I can see, the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.” William Gladstone, four-time Prime Minister of Great Britain

"They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." – Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759

“In a revolution as in a novel the most difficult part is inventing the end.” Alexis de Tocqueville

“Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!” Benjamin Franklin

“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” President Abraham Lincoln

“I used to say that politics was the second oldest profession. I have come to know that it bears gross similarity to the first.” President Ronald Reagan

“For too long we’ve been told about ‘us’ and ‘them.’ Each and every election we see a new slate of arguments and ads telling us that ‘they’ are the problem, not ‘us.’ But there can be no ‘them’ in America. There’s only us.” Bill Clinton

Special Essay Assignment

Directions

There are two parts to this Special Essay Assignment. You will submit your response using the Discussion Forum so that fellow classmates may read your essay. Complete Part A by 11:59 pm on Wednesday. Complete Part B by 11:59 pm Sunday.

Part A
Select a political quote that addresses an issue or idea about American government or politics. You may use one of the examples listed to introduce this assignment if it appeals to you. You may want to think about a political leader you admire, or a political pundit who seems to get it right in terms of your political perspective.