1. Is classifying states as \"red" or "blue" useful for explaining patterns in the American political system? What are some potential problems? What are some benets? If the "red state/blue state" classication is not useful, what is a better way of explaining variation across states in terms of political attitudes and political participation? 2. Are nonpartisan elections good for democracy? Do nonpartisan elections reduce the amount of political bickering? Nebraska has nonpartisan elections for members of its unicameral state legislature. Would it be prudent for all states to adopt this method? What problems do nonpartisan elections pose for voters/parties/candidates? 3. Given the enormous legislative variation between states with and without direct democracy, should direct democracy be an all-ornothing issue? That is, should direct democracy measures be adopted by states within the U.S