Society Archives

Finding Your Identity: Lessons from Arnold Spirit Jr.

How is the theme of finding your identity explored in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian? How does Junior learn about the concept of finding your identity? The idea of finding your identity is often present in the book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Junior, a young member of the Spokane Indian tribe, leaves his reservation for a better education. In the process, Junior tries to understand his identity and learn more about himself. Read more about the theme of finding your identity in the book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

Escaping Poverty in Sherman Alexie’s YA Novel

What does escaping poverty mean? How does Junior begin the process of escaping poverty in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian? In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Junior grows up in poverty on a Native American reservation. Poverty, and escaping poverty, are major themes of the book as Junior learns that he may be able to seek opportunities in the world. Keep reading to find out more about Junior starts to believe in himself, and envision a life other than poverty.

Federalist Paper 78: The Power of Judicial Review

What is Federalist Paper 78 about? How does the power of judicial review provide an important check on other branches? The power of judicial review is the ability of the courts to nullify unconstitutional laws. Federalist Paper 78 discusses the power of judicial review in the Constitution. Read more about Federalist Paper 78 and the power of judicial review.

Define Confederation: Is It a Good or a Bad Thing?

How do you define a confederation? Is a confederacy a good or bad government structure? The definition of confederation is an association of independent states or political communities. Confederacies have a weaker national government. Read more about how to define a confederation and understand the strengths and weaknesses of confederacies.

Spokane Indian Reservation: Significance of the Setting

Where is the Spokane Indian Reservation? What does the Spokane Indian Reservation have to do with the book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian? In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, the Spokane Indian Reservation is the home of Arnold Spirit Jr., known as Junior. Junior feels a connection to the reservation, but also feels like he has to leave it in order to escape common tragedies like poverty, alcoholism, and early death. Find out more about Junior’s life on the Spokane Indian Reservation.

Federalist 1: Making the Case for the U.S. Constitution

What is Federalist Paper 1 about? How does Federalist 1 set up the discussion and tone for the rest of The Federalist Papers? Federalist 1 starts the process of advocating for the adoption of the new U.S. Constitution. The general reason for this, which is articulated in Federalist Paper 1, is the need for the Union. Read on to find out what is discussed in Federalist 1.

Commercial Republic: A Hotbed for Rivalries?

What is a commercial republic? Is the United States a commercial republic? A commercial republic is a country like the United States, where commerce is an important part of the nation’s functioning. The Federalist Papers warn against the interstate conflict that can come with a republic where each state sets rules for commerce. Find out what The Federalist Papers say about commercial republics.

How to Fight Monsters: True Diary Chapter Analysis

What is the chapter “How to Fight Monsters” about in the book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian? What lessons does Junior learn in the chapter? In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, the chapter “How to Fight Monsters” details Junior’s first days at Reardan High School. Junior leaves the reservation in search of a better education, and details his struggles at Reardan to fit in, and the racism he encounters. Keep reading for a summary of the chapter “How to Fight Monsters.”

Standing Armies: Are They Necessary for the US?

What are standing armies? What purpose does a standing military serve? Standing armies are military forces of a nation. They remain in effect even if the country isn’t actively involved in a war or armed conflict. Read more about the need for standing armies and what the Constitution says about them.

Congressional Apportionment: Calculating House Seats

What is Congressional apportionment? How is apportionment of House seats by state calculated? Congressional apportionment is the method for calculating how many representatives each state has. It is based on the population as defined by the census. Read more about the Congressional apportionment of House seats by state.