Is there an alternative to building states and empires that do not resort to the compromise of ethics?

• THREE short papers of 4-6 pages in length are required.
• The papers must be submitted (via Moodle) on the due date indicated or they will not be accepted.
• Any citation format is accepted as long as you use it consistently throughout your paper.
• Papers must be typed in a standard 12-point font (preferably Times New Roman or one 
similar) and submitted with standard, default margins.
• Do NOT use Wikipedia as a source for any of these papers.
• Cheating will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The penalty for submitting plagiarized work is a fail of the assignment. No excuses and/or explanations will EVER be accepted. You are responsible for what you submit. Even one plagiarized sentence constitutes plagiarism. If you have any questions or concerns about what constitutes plagiarism, ask me.

 

Option 4 (Due November 16):

In the movie, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Senator Paine says:

“Thirty years ago I had your ideals. I was you. I had to make the same decision you were asked to make today. And I made it. I compromised – yes! So that all those years, I could sit in that Senate and serve the people in a thousand honest ways. You’ve got to face facts, Jeff. I’ve served our state well, haven’t I? We have the lowest unemployment and the highest federal grants. But, well, I’ve had to compromise. I’ve had to play ball. You can’t count on people voting. Half the time they don’t vote anyway. That’s how states and empires have been built since time began. Don’t you understand? Well Jeff, you can take my word for it.”

 

Is Senator Paine right or wrong? Is it impossible for a person with steadfast ethics like Mr. Smith to legislate? Is corruption inevitable, and if so, is it justified if it allows congressmen to serve the people in good ways, too? Is there an alternative to building states and empires that do not resort to the compromise of ethics? A strong case can be made both ways. Use examples if needed, and make a clear, coherent, and intelligent case.