Legalization of the Use of Marijuana for Recreational Purposes
In this assignment, you will get to explore how some of the things we’ve discussed in this course intersect when it comes to how policy is passed and how people’s political values shape they opinion on policy.
Background Information:
The 420 Interest Group was established in 2000 with its mission to see the use of marijuana legalized in all 50 states. This group provides data and examples of personal experiences in order to encourage Texas state legislators to understand the benefits legalization could yield.
Senator Hamilton from 25th District in Texas is a strong proponent of legalizing the use of recreational marijuana. However, due to his responsibilities for the district and his limited knowledge of the effects of the use of recreational marijuana, he has requested that the 420 Interest Group write a bill for him to submit to the Texas legislature. He plans to submit the bill and already has the commitment of 10 other members of the legislature to co-sponsor it.
The group has been known to support Senator Hamilton in their past campaigns. Additionally, members of the group have individually donated to the elected official’s campaign.
Below are some resources concerning public opinion on the status of marijuana in addition to demographic data on the districts these law makers represent.
POLLS FOR LEGALIZING WEED:
DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE DISTRICT:
NOTE: I know these are pulled from different states, but I want you all to pretend that it is the data for the fake district with the fake senator you are looking at in this assignment.
Assignment Directions:
Base your responses on how you feel the following age groups will respond to marijuana legalization:
- The Silent Generation: Born 1928-1945
- Baby Boomers: Born 1946-1964
- Generation X: Born 1965-1980
- Millennials: Born 1981-1996
- Generation Z: Born 1997-2012
Both Part I and Part II must be completed.
Each answer must have a response of one to two paragraphs.
After reading about the issue, the elected official, and reviewing the demographics of the district, respond to the following:
PART 1 – Personal Responsibility
- What is the ethical issue present with the relationship between the interest group and the law maker? You are to recognize and explain the ethical issue at hand.
- Identify at least three additional perspectives on the identified ethical issue. What could be the potential consequences of each of the three perspectives? For example, what is the perspective of the interest group in this issue? Or the senator?
- As you responded to questions 1 and 2, what values did you take into consideration in your responses and how did you develop those values? Explain your answer in detail along with what influences those values (i.e., family, religion, education, etc.).
PART 2– Social Responsibility
- Identify and explain the issue from at least three or more cultural perspectives. Use the age groups provided and consider how they might view the issue of marijuana legalization. Be sure to explain your answer in detail.
- Identify your civic responsibility to the issue and explain the effects of it on a regional, national, and global level.How would the relationship between marijuana legalization, interest groups, law makers & the people impact these three regions? (Civic responsibility refers to any active participation of life in an informed, committed, & constructive manner.)
- Identify at least three ways to address the issue in communities on a regional, national, and global level. Build off of your response in the previous two questions.
Your assignment should be uploaded in either .pdf, .doc, or.docx formats. Please respond to each question in complete sentences & label your questions & assignment parts accordingly.