The aging, authoritarian leader of the African republic of Equitoria has decided he wants to introduce real democracy before he dies. He has proposed restoring the 1960 constitution left behind by the French colonial administrators that calls for a parliamentary system with a unicameral legislature whose members are elected by proportional representation. Before going public with his plan, the president has asked you for your comments. He in very concerned that Equitoria's political institutions both reflect -- and bring stability to -- the polity's diverse political culture. Equitoria has three major ethnic groups, each with about 25 percent of the population, plus two others of about 12 percent. The population is also about evenly divided between Christians and Muslims. Conflicts between the various groups has not been uncommon, especially recently, and the military has threatened to step in if greater democracy brings either political paralysis or civil conflict. Write a three to four page memo to the president that analyzes his proposals with respect to the constitution and the political institutions it calls for. Be sure to draw on the insights gained from comparative experience.
I would like the essays typed double-space. Please be sure your name is on every page.
Essays are due on the last day of class. Late papers will not be accepted.