Research Bills

1. The Trash Free Seas of 2011 Act 

The purpose is to reauthorize and improve marine debris research and debris prevention.

By: Peter N.

     2.   Postal Service Protection Act of 2011

This Bill helps to place restrictions on closing postal offices, and maintain the levels of the post offices.

By: Kathleen Quinn

      3.10 Million Dollar Solar Roofs Act of 2011

This bill which came from the secretary of energy states that the government will provide solar grants to local communities, that it will provide cheaper, more efficient energy,and by the end of 2020 no less than 10 million properties will have solar roofs providing energy.
By: Mike Kane

I will be using the 10 Million Dollar Solar Roofs Act of 2011 for my constituent letter.  

Should the Electoral College Be Abolished?

Facts:

1. The electoral college casts their vote on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December.
2. The electoral college never meets as a single entity.
3. The smallest number of electoral votes a state can have is three, the District of Columbia also has three electoral votes.
4. Most electors are bound by party and precedent, not by law, and a few "faithless" electors have ignored the popular vote.
5. The electoral college is said to undermine third parties.
6. The votes tend to exaggerate the popular strength if the majority party.
7. Supporters of it argue a popular election would encourage minor party candidates, possibly making the winner of the election win by only a small percentage.
8. The Electoral college triples the clout of the seven least populated states that have just one member in he house.
9. It was ruled in 1962 in the case of Baker v Carr by the supreme court that,"one person-one vote must prevail at the state and local level."
10. Even though Democrats ended up winning the popular vote in 2000 by one half of a million votes they ended up with Bush the republican who was against what many of the issues democrats valued in Gore such as environmental protection, better healthcare for the poor, and a woman's right to choose.      

Questions:

1. What happens if the electoral unexpectedly votes one way and the media already announced the other candidate to be the president after the popular vote?
2. Is there any circumstance where all of the electoral college will meet in the same place together?
3. Do you believe that the District of Columbia should have as many electoral votes as some of our smallest states?
4. Does the electoral college get lobbied a lot?
5. Why isn't there a law ensuring that the electoral college votes based on the wishes of the people? 

New York Times Budget Puzzle

Saved:
2015: $536 Billion
2020: $1,356 Billion
Percent from tax increases: 72%
Percent from spending cuts: 28%

       I first made the decision to cut smaller things and programs, but i could easily tell that the gap was not being bridged and it wouldn't be if it continued that way. So i had to cut a lot of bigger things that if i were an average citizen i would probably be upset to see cut. I think some things were easy, like putting a tax on carbon emissions, which i remember was actually a bill at some point in our government simulation. The difficult part of it was cutting things that i didn't completely understand or didn't want to see cut, for example i raised the age that citizens begin to receive social security, which i would be pretty upset with if i were near retirement age. I think it would be extremely difficult to try to compromise all of these things. Things that two people value, even two people in the same party can range drastically. I had a hard enough time trying to cut things myself without people demanding compromises or explanations for every decision. 

Issue of the Week: National Debt

1. If we continue to accumulate debt at the rate that we are, how much debt will America have by 2020? How will this affect future generations? 
Obama's fiscal 2011 budget will create $10 million in debt in the next ten years, this is $1.2 million more than the administration originally projected.The administration projected a deficit of 8.53 trillion in the next ten years. The amount of debt in each household is also expected to rise dramatically by 2020. When Obama was first elected into office the debt for every household was $56,000 a household, today it's $72,000 a household, and by 2020 it's projected to be more than $170,000 a household. This will create lots of problems for the future generations, it will be harder and harder to afford the life that we currently have now.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/mar/26/cbos-2020-vision-debt-will-rise-to-90-of-gdp/?page=all
2. Who or what do we owe money to?
We owe money to many countries however the top 5 we owe money to are Japan ($585.9 billion), China ($541 billion), The United Kingdom ($307.4 billion), OPEC Nations ($179.8 billion), and Caribbean Banking ($147.7).


3. Will we be able to pay off all the debt?
Originally in 2000 it was projected that by 2012 the national debt would be paid off. 

Now the chances of paying off all the national debt looks grim. The debt has skyrocketed and it's worse than ever. The national debt has been paid off in the past but for now i believe we are just going to have to aim for slowly bringing down the debt.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/10/21/141510617/what-if-we-paid-off-the-debt-the-secret-government-report

Political Cartoon 5

What do you think the cartoonist thinks about Obama's current economic policies?

Where are some core places you think should be cut back to cover the deficit?

Do you believe that people should just get used to the changing times rather than whine over how things used to be better?

President James K. Polk

1. Polk has been referred to as "the dark horse" and was one of the last Jeffersonian's. He made promises in the beginning of his term and met everyone that he had promised. He reestablished the independent treasury system, lowered tariffs, settled the Oregon boundary dispute,and added California to the United States. Presidents can learn from this to set goals and promises they truly believe that they can accomplish.
2. Was dealing with turmoil between the North and South on the issue of slavery while also trying to deal with risking war with Great Britain. He had to learn to find a common ground between the north and the south who disagreed on many things. This relates to Democrats and Republicans today, they  must work to find common ground in order to move forward.
3. Managed to cool down the heat between the United States and Britain by redrawing the border between Canada and the US. He was really trying to be diplomatic with this rather than militaristic. 
4. Polk showed that you have to pick your battles when you are being threatened, rather than risking another war with Great Britain he managed to find another way. This was wise because soon after the US entered into the US and Mexican war. He tended to lose contact with his Generals during this time, it's important to learn from this that a President needs to find a way to keep himself in situations, and not just be in the background. 
5. He was the leader of the Jacksonian democracy, it wanted a stronger for the common man and followed ideas that many modern day democrats would agree with. 

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jamespolk

http://www.sparknotes.com/biography/polk/context.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_K._Polk

http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h157.html

Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2011 Bill

Facts about the Bill

1. One positive aspect of it is that it conserves roadless areas that have been used for Native American rituals or spiritual retreats.
2. Will impact less than 0.5% of the nations timber supply.
3. The term "roadless area characteristics" means resources or features that are often present in or characterize inventoried areas including: high quality undisturbed soil,water, or air, sources of public drinking water, and a diversity of plant and animal communities and so on.
4. This bill would prohibit roads being constructed in an inventoried roadless are of the National Forest System, however there are exceptions.
5. This also states that timber may not be cut, sold, or removed in any inventoried roadless area in the National Forest System.

Questions

1. How do they intend to enforce the removal of timber?
2. Who would be in charge of enforcing these regulations?
3. What are some disadvantages of this this regulation?   

Political Cartoon 4

When do you think think this cartoon was drawn?

What party do you think the illustrator is in?

Is it ever possible to have all of congress being the same party? 

Presidential Campaign Ads

In earlier years it seemed that campaign ads took the cuter approach. One technique used was a catchy jingle such as the one that President Eisenhower used in 1952. It takes a positive outlook on Eisenhower and doesn't bash the other candidate. I believe this ad was somewhat effective, the jingle is something that i remember and gets stuck in my head. I believe that with the majority of the people this would be effective.  http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1952

In 1960 Nixon sat down and explained that he has worked with the prior administration and because of this he know from experience what the country needs. I would call this a straight forward approach. He literally sat down on a chair and talked. There was nothing elaborate to it whatsoever and in my opinion I find this to be ineffective. This is the type of ad on TV that I would just tune out. Nothing caught my eye and it was rather boring to watch.http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1960

President Johnson in 1964 took a new and different approach. In an ad that aired only once, Johnson played on fear of the future, that we need a strong President to defend us. We need to keep our children safe from harm and that we need President Johnson to do that. I don't think the ad was that effective, maybe if i was living during that time period I would have found it more effective, but i think that this scared people to much. I don't think it's going to make people vote for him, but will only succeed in scaring US citizens.http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1964

Another tactic used in 1968 by President Nixon was to create an ad titled "youth" to a specific target audience, the youth.  In this ad it showed first a concert, then young intelligent students it makes them feel like they're part of this too. It's not just for the older people, we are all effected by this and he tried to play on this by saying that you are the future, you are part of the government, and get involved so that you can have the future you want. I think it wasn't that effective, even though he tried to relate to young people i feel like that's something people would look right through.http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1968

Then in 1972 McGovern had an ad where it seemed like he was just hanging out with the people and was really listening to what they said. It helped him to seem like he was less disconected to the people while other politicians are. I couldn't really understand what he was saying but i don't think that's really his concern, the big thing is that he is seen with the people. I think this was a good ad because it really made him look like he was a president for the people and that he was including everyone and everything.http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1972

In 1988 there was an ad in favor of the democratic party that used an obnoxious man that sounded uneducated, looked bad, and was an over all mess to represent the republican party. It really bashed the other party going on about how if we keep the republicans in power then the future of our children will be at a great stake because of all of the debt that is being built up. I think this ad worked a little because i was annoyed at it, which is what the democrats want, they want you to be annoyed with the republican party.http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1988

Study Conclusions:

• Campaign ads do work, they are not just a waste of money and can be very beneficial to a campaign.
• Ad's aren't there for the education of the voter, instead they are there to influence the voter and are written that was specifically. 
• Campaign ads have been referred to as legal propaganda due to the fact that they're trying to influence voters with info that isn't always 100% in context. 

Electoral College Reform Article

Facts

1. One argument that can be used against the electoral college is that it is undemocratic.
2. Each state gets two electoral votes, regardless of the states population.
3. The undemocratic qualities of malapportionment are masked when each malapportioned district elects a different official.
4. The electoral college makes it so candidates only have to campaign in swing states.
5. In most states, the winner of the state usually receives all of the votes (winner takes all).
6. If an absolute majority is not earned from the electoral college, the house of representatives elects the president from the top 3 candidates.
7. In 1969 and 1970 there was a push to eliminate the electoral college and just have a popular vote.
8. Multiple states have created a law to ensure that the electoral college votes for the people.
9. Nixon would have defeated Kennedy had it been a direct democracy.
10. In 2001 Gore had 51 million votes while Bush had only 50.5 million of the popular vote.

Questions

1. What does malapportionment mean?
2. Is there still a push to abolish the electoral college today?
3. Do you believe that if the founding fathers were still alive today and saw the level of education we now had, would change how they viewed the common people?
4. If presidential elections were done by popular vote would small states like Delaware and Rhode Island even have an impact on the election?
5. Is there a group of people who seek to reform the electoral college but not abolish it?

Issue of the Week: The Death Penalty

1. How many countries have abolished the death penalty. As of now 139 countries have abolished the death penalty. 

          2. How long do people usually spend on death row?

On average a person spends a decade on death row. During this time they are usually isolated from all of the other inmates. Over the years the time on death row has increased. A man named Micheal Ross was on death row for 17 years, there are a number of criminals that have been on death row for more than 20 years. Do you think that it's ethical to let someone sit in solitary confinement that long with no human contact. Even if there is suddenly a break in the case that keeps the criminal from being executed, there are serious psychological effects from being in solitary confinement that long.  Studies show that a person in solitary tends to become more aggressive because of the punishment they are receiving. Do yo think that a person should have the choice of life in solitary confinement and execution?

When the constitution was first written the amount of time spent on death row was measured in days or weeks, not the long periods of time we are used to now. 

           3. What are the methods for execution?

These methods vary from state to state but methods that at least one state uses includes lethal injection, electrocution, Gas chamber, hanging, and firing squad (only if both lethal injection and electrocution are deemed unconstitutional) . Lethal injection is the primary method for execution. 

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/abolitionist-and-retentionist-countries

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/time-death-row

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/methods-execution

Taxpayer Articles

http://www.taxpayer.net/resources.php?action=issues&proj_id=5009&category=&type=Project

1. A new bill will not be introduced to the House until January, but because of the House's calender it will end up not being introduced until February.
2. It seeks to fund infrastructure development with oil drilling revenues. 
3. The bill currently extending SAFETEA-LU expires March 31 2012.
4. There is a possible Senate bill that is needs review, but with work could be a possible replacement of SAFETEA-LU.
5. SAFETEA-LU stands for Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users

http://www.taxpayer.net/resources.php?action=issues&proj_id=5006&category=&type=Project

1. More than 1.5 million dollars of stimulus money is helping to finance "Diary of a Single Mom".
2. Not all of the money goes to the media
3. The point of the stimulus was to try to get more people connected to the internet.
4. Tax watch dogs are particularly skeptical about how efficient using a web based show will actually be.
5. The group has spent about 825,000 on salaries and fringe benefits from the jobs that have been gained due to the stimulus.

Pending Bills in Congress

1. The Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2011

This bill is to try to provide lasting protection inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System.
The bill is in the first step of the legislative process.


     2.  Secure Visas Act
To authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State to refuse or revoke visas to aliens if in the security or foreign policy interests of the United States, to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to review visa applications before adjudication, to provide for the immediate dissemination of visa revocation information, and for other purposes.
This bill has been considered in committee and now it's being recommended it be reviewed by the house as a whole.


     3.  Clean Estuaries Act of 2011
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize the National Estuaries Program, and for other purposes.
This bill was considered in committee and now it is being recommended it be considered by the Senate as a whole.

Political Cartoon 3

1. Do you think that the Republican primaries will have a poor turnout due to the distaste of many candidates?
2. Do you think this cartoon was drawn by a democrat of republican?
3. What are somethings the cartoonist is trying to say about the republican candidates, especially Romney? 

PA's 2008 Presidential Election returns by District

Facts

1. In Pa the votes for Obama and McCain were about equal from white voters, but Obama pulled ahead from the votes of African Americans, Hispanics, and other ethnic groups.
2. Obama got Philadelphia along with Southwestern and Northeastern PA which was crucial for the election.
3. This election had one of the states largest turnout in decades.
4. Pa is a strong gun state with almost one million licensed hunters.
5. Democrats now outnumber republicans by more than one million

Pennsylvania's Congressional Districts

Facts:

1. The first congressional district in Pa consists of part of both Delaware county and Philadelphia county.
2. Pa's second district is represented by Chaka Fattah (D), who has been serving in the House of representatives since 1995.
3. Pa's 5th congressional district is made up of parts of 17 different counties. It is represented by republican Glenn Thompson.
4. A charge of Gerrymandering by democrat was brought up for the 6th congressional district of Pa. Democrats stated "looms like a dragon descending on Philadelphia from the west, splitting up towns and communities throughout Montgomery and Berks Counties."
5. The population of the 7th congressional district of PA 646,522.
6. Pa's 9th Congressional district is 59.39% rural and is considered to be a safe seat for republicans.
7. Pa's 12th Congressional district is the only one in the nation that voted Democratic for Kerry in 2004, then in 2008 voted republican for McCain. 
8. Pa's 14th district includes the entire city of Pittsburgh and is overwhelmingly democratic.
9. Pa's 17th Congressional district consisting of 646,420 constituents has been represented by Democrat Tim Holden since 2003.
10. Greensburg county included in the 18th district, even though represented by a republican has not voted republican since 1995.

How Washington Works

10 facts

1. Congress is given short weeks in order to give the members more time with their constituents. 
2. "Potomac fever" which is the incurable addiction of wielding political power or feeling at the political center, was said to be caught by people who serve in the executive branch or congress.
3. Most people stay in Washington after their term and become lawyers, lobbyists, or consultants, becaue they're grown accustomed to Washington's ways.
4. Personal relationships often cut across party and ideological lines.
5. An amendment can sometimes be a complete substitute bill with quite different impact and meaning, which is known as the "killer amendment".
6. The House Whip is Trent Lott of Mississippi.
7. Republican Brahmin from Boston, held four cabinet positions in the Nixon and Ford administrations.
8. Many people view politicians as a synonym for hypocrisy, which actually tends to be very inaccurate.
9. Washington is referred to as a one-subject town.
10. Very few politicians admit in print how much they hunger for public recognition. 

Questions:

1. Do you believe that politicians living in Washington are isolated from the mainstream?
2. Do you think because congressmen often see their constituents it pressures them to earmark more? 
3. Do you think that new politicians in Washington are more are more easily swayed by the opinions of others because they are looking to make connections with people?
4. Do you believe that people in Washington could "survive" if they didn't form a group of allies?
5. Is the majority of people in the government including lobbyists from wealthier families?
6. Does power tend to go to peoples head if they stay in Washington too long?
7. If politicians are truly in office for public service then how could corruption happen?
8. Do you think a politician can lose touch with his constituents because he is so much more informed of issues than the people he represents?
9. How do people change once they are out of office and out of Washington?
10. Do you believe that deep down Washington truly changes a person?

How Birth Control and Abortion became Politicized

Facts

1. The House voted to unfund Planned Parenthood.
2. The first birth control clinic was opened in 1916 by Margret Sanger.
3. Contraception used to be illegal.
4. Back then many women did not use contraception, but did have abortions, almost 1 in 3 pregnancies.
5. The first legal birth control clinic was opened in 1921.
6. Herman Cain views Planned Parenthood negatively
7. Sanger believed that the white race was above all other races.
8. Sanger was opposed to abortion.
9. The reform of birth control started as a liberal idea, then switched to a conservative one.
10. In the '70's a poll showed that many republicans were  supportive of the American Birth Control league.

Questions:

1. When birth control was first introduced what was the initial reaction to it?
2. How dangerous was having an abortion back then?
3. What was the mortality rate for child birth?
4. Were there any exceptions to the Comstock act?
5. When it was decided that women didn't have the right to birth control, did they back up this decision  using the constitution in anyway?
6. When did birth control become easily available to the public?

Committees of Pat Meehan

SUBCOMMITTEE OF AVIATION

• This overseas aviation safety and infrastructure and the impacts of transportation security on safety and the aviation industry.
• Writes the legislation authorizing the policy, projects,and priorities of the FAA.
• Transportation Security Administration Oversight which is air port security, legislators are trying to develop better post 9/11 security with the resources that we have.

COMMITTEE OF HOMELAND SECURITY

• Committee was created in 2002 in response to the September 11th attacks.
• Was created to give congressional oversight to the development of the department of Homeland Security.
• Was designated a standing committee on January 4, 2005.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE

• Pat Meehan is the chairman
• Shares efforts with the Department of Homeland Security
• Jurisdiction falls with the Office of Intelligence and analysis and the intelligence functions of component agencies.

West Wing -The Stackhouse Filibuster

Facts:

1. There is an immediate vote after a filibuster.
2. During a filibuster a person can not stop talking, eat, drink, or use the bathroom.
3. The congress has the authority to cut reports to save money despite the overall savings is very little.
4. A Christmas tree bill is when legislators "hang" all of their own amendments on to it.
5. The vice president is informed along with the president of many more things than congress.
6. During a filibuster a senator can yield to another senators question.
7. Filibusters can only happen in the senate.
8. You don't have to talk about something relative to the bill during a filibuster.

Questions:

1. What does she mean when she refers to "spin boys" in the beginning of the episode?
2. Is there a process of eliminating reports, or can they just trash them like they seem to on the show?
3. What does the president usually do during a filibuster?
4. How often do filibusters actually work?
5. What are some bills where filibusters have been placed?

Illegal Immigration

"Would there be cases in which illegal immigrants are allowed to stay in the United States?"
There have been cases in which illegal immigrants have been authorized to stay. For example a 20 year old woman named Olga Zanella was unexpectedly allowed to stay in the country after she had been pulled over in Texas. Her family also came forward and requested to become a legal citizen. The conditions for her to stay in the country legally were to stay in school and out of trouble. This is an effect of Obama trying to reform the deportation process. ICE say's they are now trying to focus on criminals and people who could be considered dangerous, rather than immigrants simply trying to get an education. The arrests made by homeland security have actually significantly fallen from 1.6 million in 200 to 400,000 in 2010 to 300,000 in 2011.


Why should jobs be given to illegal immigrants if they can be given to US citizens.
I believe most if the work that illegals do is simply work that our citizens don't want to do. First of all they will refuse to work for the low pay that these jobs provide and they aren't accustomed to the back-breaking, physical labor that many of these jobs require. In fact today because of the tough job market a recent study shows that the amount of people traveling from the Mexico to the US are about equal to the amount of people traveling back from the US to Mexico. In addition illegals don't have a very big impact on many citizens wages. The main people who would be competing with illegal immigrants for work would be high school dropouts. No one else is really looking to do the kind of work they do because they are over qualified. It also has little effect on the unemployment rate because of the immigrants in the country more jobs are opened up in other places such as diners or a barbershop. In fact when the impact of illegals on the economy is averaged overall the result is slightly positive, increasing the wealth of the US by less than one percent.

Why don't illegal immigrants just go through the process to become a citizen?
The first step you have to take in trying to acquire a green card is to see if you're even eligible to get one. You can apply for a green card through family, a job, if you're a refugee, and there are many other cases. Each case has a list of things required for them. This can be a very long and involved process and you don't even have a definite chance of being a citizen. It is also an expensive process it's $680 total. $595 for an application fee and $85 for fingerprinting. Many of the immigrants have neither the money nor the time to wait for this process when they need to provide for their family.

I learned a lot from this. It's extremely difficult and expensive to get citizenship. Immigrants are also heavily stereotyped while American citizens don't even know the real facts. In fact i came across one newspaper where the whole article was opinion and was completely wrong. This man was saying all of these things about immigration when he clearly shouldn't be. He had zero facts or statistics to prove what he was saying and many people commented on it agreeing with it. It show me how arrogant and oblivious people are to the true facts of this issue. 
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/27/us/politics/27immigration.html

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5312900

http://www.cuny.edu/about/resources/citizenship/faqs/citizen.html#Fees%20note

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=80f63a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=80f63a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11/15/immigration-to-us-from-mexico-in-decline-amid-bleak-economy/

Changes to Pa's Electoral Votes

Facts:

1. Only Maine and Nebraska have adopted awarding electoral votes by congressional district.
2. Democrats have won Pennsylvania in the last five presidential elections.
3. PA has 20 electoral votes, winner takes all.
4. Some believe voting turnout will decrease because 2 electoral votes isn't enough incentive.
5. Madonna and Young believe that there should be a uniform law getting rid of the electoral college and just elect the popular candidate.
6. Because 12 republican representatives were nervous on the effect it would have on being re-elected they hit the brakes on changing the electoral college.
7. If this had been around in the 2008 election Obama would have received 11 votes and McCain 10.
8. Governor Corbett seems to be going back on saying he would sign the change if it passed legislature.
9. 52%-40% are prefer the winner take all electoral college now.
10. The idea of awarding electoral votes by congressional district was introduced in the 1950's.

Questions:

1. Why is it a bad thing that PA would be less influential and that candidates wouldn't be able to take states for granted?
2. How would elections from the past have changed if this had been implemented?
3. Do only presidential elections have electoral votes?
4. Do you think this would make it more difficult for people with less money because candidates would have to campaign more?
5. Should the states have control over this or would it just be easier to have one national law?

Sources:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2011/09/17/a_really_bad_idea_111367.html
http://pennsylvanianews.info/pennsylvania-top-stories/nervous-pennsylvania-gop-house-members-kill-electoral-college-change.html

John Boehner, the Speaker of the House

Facts:

1. He often doesn't have the backing to see plans through.
2. Being forced to back the drawing on his first spending cut he considered to be his biggest regret.
3. He tends to follow the crowd on issues.
4. Threatened to punish recalcitrant republicans by taking away committee assignments.
5. Boehner's republicans have used the leverage of controlling a single chamber of congress to slash $1 trillion from the budget over the next decade.
6. Attempts to have more open process with more open rules.
7. Tends to tell it like it is and seems to admit when he's wrong.
8. Boehner is not a shy man and can be serious yet have fun, he even nicknamed one reporter loudmouth.

Questions:

1. Why can't Boehner often see his plans through, what's holding him back?
2. How do citizens tend to view Boehner?
3. Does he not exercise his authoritarian power as a tactic to be popular with people?
4. How is he viewed in the eyes of other politicians?
5. What do you think are some of the biggest challenges Boehner will face in the future?

Is the House of Representatives Too Small?

5 Facts:

1. In 1911 to ensure that the house of representatives did not become to unruly the limit of 435 members was placed on the house.
2. The country has tripled in size since 1911 but representation stays the same.
3. A positive outlook of congress decreases as the population increases. 
4. A cube route law has been developed as a way to get an idea of about what the representation in the House should be.
5. Only about 20% of the population would like to see the size of the house increased.

Questions:

1. What was the citizen to representative ratio in 1911?
2. Should representatives try to make themselves more available to the communities they represent?
3. What would be a positive effect of a house smaller than 435?
4. How can more minorities be represented in the house?
5. How can the government advertise that the number of reps can be changed because many people are unaware the number has the ability to be changed?

I personally think it could be a little bigger but not much, i think i would feel more comfortable keeping it the same size it is now.  If it were a lot bigger it would slow things down and if it were smaller there wouldn't be enough representation. 

Congressmen Financial Status

Pat Meehan, in his 2011-2012 Campaign CMTE 

         Raised: $974,353

         Spent: $285,027

     In pocket: $734,268

            Debt: $0

Tim Ryan, 2011-2012 Campaign CMTE

         Raised: $464,810

          Spent: $326,049

     In pocket: $256,648

            Debt: $0

I've learned that there is a huge difference from one representative to another, but even more of a difference from one representative to the average citizen. Even if a representative didn't have much in pocket money you can still see that there's no debt. This is really unrealistic for the average citizen. Most people are consumed by debt and when a Representative doesn't have that it makes it harder to relate to the average citizen. Even if he was once in debt, it's not the same once you are free and clear.

I learned it's important to follow this because it shows where lobbyists have been donating money, and gives you an idea of possible conflicts of interest.  People who are representing your financial interests don't have the same ones as the average person. It seems like Meehan has a little extra money despite him not being a millionaire yet he probably will be soon. Ryan on the other hand, except for the no debt seems much more realistic and able to relate to the average person. Also by the time this info is published it is dated, it needs to be sped up. I agree with the author that more should be done to see our representatives finances, so that we know exactly what's going on.

Due Process "Last Resort"

10 Facts:

1. The main evidence against Kevin Rojas was from eye witnesses who believed it was him based on the color of his jacket.
2. Kevin Rojas was advised not to testify in court.
3. Much of the evidence in the case had never been investigated or presented to the judge or jury.
4. Only about 5% of cases have biological evidence.
5. There are no government resources devoted to proving a felons innocence after trial, it all has to be done by the work of individuals.
6. The Supreme Court will soon hear about changing how eye witness identifications are used.
7. John Farmer was a republican who first started the questioning of eyewitness identification.
8. Rojas spent four and one half years in prison for something he did not do.
9. One estimate on the amount of innocent people was about 2 or 3% of those in prisions.
10. Jim Muclusky is very important in the exoneration of innocents in New Jersey.

Questions:

1. Do you think that eyewitnesses are unreliable because of the trauma they've experienced?
2. Do you believe a good attorney is what makes it or breaks it in a case even if the person is innocent?
3. Should eyewitnesses be submitted to lie detector tests?
4. If a person is not satisfied with their defense lawyer if it's a public lawyer do they have the opportunity to switch lawyers?  
5. Do you believe that DNA evidence should be ruled above an eyewitness?

John Paul Stevens Court Cases

Rasul v Bush 
Facts:

1. Stated the US court system has the authority to decide whether foreign nationals were wrongly imprisoned.
2. Was ruled 6-3 in favor of of Rasul
3. It was four British and Australian Citizens
4. When their families learned of their imprisonment the families said that denying the men of the right to an attorney violated the fifth amendment.
5. Was decided on June 28, 2004
6. It was ruled that non citizens get the right to habeus corpus 

Questions:

1. Why are non citizens given the rights of citizens?
2. How do other countries handle prisoners of war?
3. How long were the men wrongly imprisoned for?
4. What would the American government do if one if its citizens were wrongly imprisoned? 

Supreme Court Justices Biographies

10 Comments/Questions/Facts

1. John Roberts who is the Chief Justice was nominated to the Court by President Bush on September 29, 2005.
2. Justice Antonin Scalia seemed to move around from job to job a lot, is that normal for most judges?
3. Anthony M. Kennedy was in the national guard at one point, does this give him a different perspective then the other judges on issues?
4. Because Justice Clarence Thomas served as an Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,does he tend to vote more liberally?
5. Ruth Bader Ginsburg played a big part in launching the Women's Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union.
6. Stephan G. Breyer was an assistant prosecutor of the Watergate Special Prosecution Force.
7. Justice Breyer was a visiting professor in Sydney Australia and Rome.
8. Samuel Anthony Alito was an assistant to the Solicitor General at one point.
9. Sonia Sotomayor was nominated to the supreme court by President Obama on May 26, 2009.
10. Elena Kagan was appointed the 11th Dean of Harvard Law School in 2003.  

Supreme Court Justices

Court Case Selections

1. The first court case that interested me was Pacific Operators Offshore vs. Valladolid. This case is asking whether or not workers compensation coverage cover workers only injured or killed on the rig itself, or does it extend to where ever he works for the company in general. I believe that he should be covered. This was a work accident that caused his death, it was tragic and the company should compensate the family because the death was caused by the company not Valladolid. This issue has not been decided on. 
2. The second court case i chose was Cavazos v Smith. This is about the grandmother of a baby who was possibly shaken to death (Shaken Baby Syndrome). She was tried and found guilty in lower courts, however she appealed, and later it was stated that there was not a sufficient amount of proof to prove that this is what the baby died of. The supreme court ruled that there was an error in that there was not enough proof that this is what the baby died of in a 6-3 vote. The constitutional right that was violated was the grandmothers Miranda Rights.
3. The final case that i found interesting was Abbott v Abbott.  This case is about two parents who got divorced and the Chilean court gave the mother custody and the father was given the right to visit. Neither of the parents were allowed to move with the child out of the country with out the consent from the other parent. The mother did so and moved to Texas. The father filed suit and the question that got to the supreme court was: "Does a clause that prohibits one parent from removing a child from a country without the other parents consent confer a 'right of custody' within the meaning of the Hague Convention or International Child Abduction? The supreme court voted 6-3 no,saying that the parent  has the right to custody under the Hague Convention and the International child abduction laws when a parent has the right to restrain another from leaving the country.

Roe vs Wade Reading

10 facts/ details:

1. Soon the question will not be whether or not a woman can have an abortion, but what restrictions and regulations should be put on abortions.
2. One argument against abortion used to be that making the procedure illegal would protect women because it once had a very high mortality rate.
3. Now, mortality rates for women undergoing early abortions (first trimester) appear to be as low or lower then the rates for normal child birth when they are done at a legal clinic.
4. Offices that illegally preform abortions are referred to as Abortion Mills.
5. If human life is considered to begin at the moment of conception then the state government has an obligation to protect it.
6. A woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy falls under her right to privacy.
7. Some pro-choice points include: it is unsafe to bring a child into the world where the parents aren't psychologically ready, and it  may cause psychological harm to the mother.
8. Viability is usually at approximately seven months.
9. States look to protect fetal life after viability.
10. There was a 7-2 supreme court ruling in favor of Roe in the court case of Roe vs Wade.

Question:

1. Does a fetus have rights?
2. Should regulating, or even allowing abortions be left up to the national or state government?
3. When do you believe human life begins, do you think there should be a cut off for when you can have an abortion?
4. Do you believe that women with only certain circumstances should legally be allowed to have an abortion?
5. Do you think that if abortions were illegal there would be too many unwanted children in the adoption system?

West Wing: The Supremes

Facts:

1. The president appoints judges to the supreme court.
2. There is a committee to help pass the judges.
3. Opposing parties are usually a roadblock in selecting new judges.
4. One example of an enumerated power is marriage.
5. Judges that are appointed are usually similar to the judges that are replacing.
6. A moderate judge is usually picked for the supreme court.
7. The right to choose to have an abortion was legalized in Roe vs. Wade.
8. Judges can be asked to retire so their seat can be filled with someone else.

Questions:

1. How long does the president usually spend searching for a new justice?
2. Do most justices serve for life, or decide to retire?
3. Would a president actually ever pick a judge from the opposite party?
4. Would it be a good thing if more liberals were introduced into the supreme court?
5. Can a judge be removed from the court?  

Federalist #78

Quotes

1. "The standard of good behavior for the continuance in office of the judge magistracy is certainly one of the most valuable of the modern improvements in the practice of government." This is saying a reason why judges should serve for life, they know what goes on in the courtroom and are able to stay orderly and composed. If judges were up for election the rotation would cause disorganization in the courtroom constantly.
2. "They ought to regulate their decisions by the fundamental laws, rather then by the ones which are not fundamental." This is telling you how much the judges resort to the Constitution for laws. It's the basis of everything and it is a key tool  that the judicial branch has as a power.
3. "And it proves, in the last place, that as liberty can have nothing to fear from the judiciary alone, but would have everything to fear from its union with either of the other departments." I like this because it says that alone the judiciary branch has no power to violate any citizens liberties, but in  combination with another branch everything could potentially be compromised, the judiciary power has more power then it appears to have.
4. "There is no liberty if the power of judging be not separated from the legislative and executive powers." This is saying that without a separate unbiased, branch of government protecting our liberties they would be compromised.
5. "The courts must declare the sense of law; and if they should be disposed to exercise WILL instead if JUDGEMENT, the consequences would equally be the substitution of their pleasure to that of the legislative body." This states that if the judges just began to do their own thing and not resort to the constitution which is the basis of the whole government then everything would fall apart. Judges need to put aside their personal feelings and decide what is or is not just based on the constitution. 

Questions

1. Before judicial review how was the judicial branch incorporated with checks and balances?
2. Theoretically, if congress approved a law that WAS constitutional, but the court disagreed with it because of possible negative consequences is there anything the court can do to stop the bill?
3. Do you think that the job of protecting civil rights falls solely under the judicial branch's responsibility? 
4. If Madison were alive today do you think he would change any aspects of the judiciary branch?
5. What does Madison believe to be the strongest branch in government?

Update on Congressman Pat Meehan

Recently Congressman Meehan has introduced a bill to amend the International Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the amount allowed as a deduction for start up expenditures. Also a bill for WMD intelligenceand Information Sharing Act of 2011

The Common Good

     Personally i believe that the goal of common good will never be achieved. Due to type of country we are in values change everyday, more and more people begin to speak up about what they value and the huge gap between those in poverty and those who are wealthy beyond belief will be a huge road block to achieving the common good. In order for it to happen Nations around the world would together have to prioritize what they think are the most important things whether it be education, health, or the environment is anyone's guess.
      Values between everyone are different. What people prioritize are completely different based on the culture they are accustomed. Every person is different there are so many cultures throughout the world, and even if a common good was decided on within the United States, i still do not think it could be accomplished. People are not willing to put aside their differences and try to work together for a common good. People don't want to go out of their way and do anything difficult, they are focused on themselves. I believe the common good is an idea that everyone tries to work for, but it will never happen, it's simply a goal  that throughout time will always try to, but never will, be accomplished.

Recount

Questions

1. Butterfly ballots were confusing, why aren't ballots regulated by the state or national government?
2. Why would a candidate concede?
3. Is it ever possible for someone to revote under certain circumstances?
4. Has electronic voting become more popular/
5. Do you believe that the supreme court acted correctly?
6. Do you think the deadline should have been extended in the first place?
7. Do you think that it is right that Gore should have been able to take back his conceedment even after calling Bush?
8. Do you think it would have turned out differently if the recount was finished?
9. Were the names on the felons ever fixed so that the correct people could vote? 

Comments

1. A difference of 0.5% or less triggers an automatic recount.
2. Palm Beach's ballots were confusing.
3. 20,000 people were turned away from voting in 2000 because they had names similar to felons.
4. After 12/12 Florida legislators can award the 25 electoral votes to either party.
5. There was a 5-4 supreme court ruling to stop the recount.
6. Some counties in Florida counted dimpled chads while others did not.
7. Angry protesters swarmed buildings where recounts were taking place.
8. Florida has 25 electoral votes. 

Response to 2000 election article

5 Pre Reading questions:
1. How dangerous were the riots actually versus how dangerous they were televised to be where the ballots were being counted?
2. How many total different types of ballots were in the state of Florida?
3. At what exact moment did the supreme court decide to step in.
4. What is the approximate total number of votes that were discounted?
5. Has the candidate with the majority votes, ever lost the election or was this the first time?

5 Facts/Details
1. There have been at least 3 other elections where the winning candidate received less popular votes.
2.  The US supreme court used Article III section 1, clause 2 of the constitution and Section 5 of Title 3 of the United States code to prove that the Florida supreme court violated the requirements by changing the final date for certification and the responsibilities of various state agencies.
3. Florida used several types of ballots including butterfly ballots that were very confusing to voters.
4. In the case of Romer Vs. Evans special voting rights were created for homosexuals.
5.20,000 voters were legally disqualified

5 Post Reading Questions
1. Do you believe the democratic party should have dropped out sooner to avoid chaos.
2. Did Al Gore run or plan to run for president again?
3. How does a flexible deadline work?
4.Did anyone expect an election could really get that close?
5. Do you believe the courts should have handled this differently?

Update on Senator Ryan

Recently Senator Ryan has voted yes to amend subtitle D of the Solid Waste Disposal Act to facilitate recovery and beneficial use, and provide for the proper management and disposal, generated by the combustion of coals and fossil fuels. He also said nay to providing additional time for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection agency to issue achievable to issue achievable standards for industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers, heaters, ect.  He voted nay to the United States, and Korea trade agreement. He also sponsored a bill stating to suspend the issuance of visas to nationals of Brazil until such a time as Brazil amends it laws to remove the prohibition on extradition of nationals of Brazil to other countries,  which was referred to the sub committee on Immigration policy and Enforcement. 

Faction Response

It is stated, by Madison, in Federalist #10, "By a faction i understand a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or interest, adversed  to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community."

       This describes a group of people united by a common interest. Whether it be a goal or common interest,it is a group of citizens who are trying to do something.

Questions

1. Would a group of protesters be considered a faction or does there have to be certain characteristics or numbers?
2. Could politicians create factions to back their campaign?
3. If a large group of illegal immigrants were united what Madison described as a faction, would it be considered a faction, because Madison clearly uses the word citizen multiple times?
4. What happens if factions become to large and powerful and start to hurt the welfare of other citizens?

My definition: 

A faction is a group of citizens, who can be minority or majority, that are united by a common passion or goal.
Today factions could be used to persuade voters or politicians in congress to vote a certain way.

Congressmen i'm Following

The first congressman i picked to follow is Tim Ryan (Democrat OH, 17th district). I picked him because based on my political ideology survey he shares similar out looks to me.

The second person i picked to follow is Pat Meehan (Republican PA, 7th district). I chose to follow him so that i would be following one democrat and one republican so that i could compare their ideas and outlooks.

Political Ideology

When i submitted my answers to the questions, i found out that i am a moderate liberal who agrees mostly with the democratic party, but also shares many views with the Green party. I find this rather funny because one of my parents is a democrat, and my other parent is green party. I guess it makes sense that i am a mix of that too because that's what i grew up with.

Constitution Questions

1. Do you think it is good that the articles and amendments are written vaguely or should they be more specific?
I think it's good that it is written vaguely, it leaves room for flexibility as the times and values of citizens change. It is left up to interpretation which helps to encourage debate about how people view it differently. It is a huge part of what makes America what it is. Also because it is so diverse it takes a long time to decide what exactly exactly what was meant by that so it seems like it could be a form of checks and balances too. Plus this means the constitution won't have to constantly be amended.

2.How has the Constitution been changed so few times over a long period?
I believe the founding fathers wrote the basic principles of government to be timeless. I think that they just included the core ideas of what they believed a government needs. Also because it included the ideas of the people that helped. The constitution was formed for every citizen and it still represents the citizens, just with a few minor adjustments.

Democracy in America

10 Facts
1. Restrictions on law enforcement were put in place, such as the Miranda rights.
2. The constitution only delegated a few parts of the national government, the rest was left to the state.
3. The national government put grey wolves back into Idaho.
4. The Endangered Animal Act gives the national government power over decisions concerning animals on the endangered species list.
5. South Carolina was with holding from getting the machine that measures a persons blood alcohol level.
6. If a state didn't change the 1.0 blood alcohol level to .8 the government would withhold funding.
7. The federal government first became involved with poverty in the 1930's.
8. The state government is responsible for their welfare policies.
9. The state government is what is providing most of your everyday things.
10. The national government deals more with national security and foreign affairs.
10 Questions
1. How can you control states when they begin to create laws quickly and bordering states aren't, publicize laws so people who commute from different states are aware of the laws?
2. Do you think that all endangered animals should be put back into the wilderness even if there is a cost to citizens?
3. Who should be in charge of of the wolves, national or state government?
4. Can you refuse a breathalyzer test?
5. Do you think sobriety checkpoints are constitutional?
6. Do you think the national government should be able to penalize a state government for not changing their laws?
7. What is PA's policies for determining welfare, has it been altered since the economy collapsed?
8. Do you think it's fair that children lose their welfare if their parents aren't working?
9. Should there be some federal regulations for welfare policies?
10. Do you think that the national government should give some states more welfare funding then others?

Federalist #51

Questions
1. Does this state that there should bean electoral college, what was Madison's opinion on that?
2.Is there an ethical code that people elected in the government take?
3. Are there better ways to represent minorities in government?
4. Can a country be too diverse for a self government?
5. In your opinion can a country be to diverse?

"But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others." This is saying that the best way to keep people from gaining too much power is to make people want power so instead of trying to gain power, people just try to hang on to the power that they have.

"If men were angels, no government would be necessary."
This is talking about human nature, that people naturally want power and want things for themselves, and if they didn't then we wouldn't need a government because there wouldn't be any problems.

"If a majority be united by a common interest, the rights of the minority will be insecure."
This is saying that if the majority formed a group to try to pass what they view is best for them, if this were a direct democracy then the minorities would be hurt because they wouldn't have the numbers to pass laws that they need.

"In a free government the security for civil rights must be the same as that for religious rights."
This is saying that if we really want to have a free government it's all or nothing. It's not that you have rights for some things but not others, because that wouldn't be free for everyone.

"Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever had been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit."
I chose this because it almost sounds like revenge that Madison is talking about. I think that people associate justice and revenge in similar categories and often have a hard time realizing if they are pursuing revenge or justice.

Federalist # 10

Questions

1. Do you think that sometimes the public good is disregarded because of conflicts of political parties?

2. Do political parties create factions to support their ideas, and attack the ideas of other political parties? 

3. It states that: "There are two methods of removing causes of faction: the one, by removing its causes; the other by controlling its effects". In what ways can you control the effects of a faction?

4. It says that there are two ways to remove the cause of a faction, by destroying liberty or by giving every citizen the same passions, opinions,and interests, but wouldn't you consider both of these to be losing ones liberty?

5.How did the founding fathers use the constitution to prevent factions?

No man is allowed to be the judge of his own cause, because his interest in it would certainly bias his judgement, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity. I picked this because it is saying that you can't always trust someones word. People lie everyday, so how can you trust them not to lie about something that is really important to them and effects them?

The effect of the first difference is, on one hand, to refine and enlarge the public views,by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. This is i believe saying that the opinions of the citizens is what is valued most, that what works best for the citizens will be what is valued and thought about in government.

 "And the suffrages of the people being more free, will be more likely to centre in men who possess "the most attractive merit and the most diffusive and established characters."

This is saying that the citizens and the people who's opinions will be valued and protected in government are wealthy men who own land. That they are the center or root of the country.

"By enlarging too much the number of electors, you render the representatives too little acquainted with all their local circumstances and lesser interests."

This is stating that when you have to many electors and representatives, they will be to concerned with little things that effect the small area they represent, rather than the big picture.

"It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government."  This is saying that people naturally want to have power, and that it needs to be controlled so that a person can not abuse the power they have.

Political Cartoon 2

1. Do you think it is fair that immigrants have to take a test on American history, when many citizens born in the United states most likely don't know many of this information either?

2. Do you think that children should be submitted to testing on American history,or they should be let in with parents who have passed the test?

3. Do you think the border between the United States and government is guarded enough?

Simile

Checks and balances are like a rubber band, if someone tries to gain to much power or control the other branches will pull them  back.
Separation of powers is like parents, they have the authority to control their own children, but do not have any authority over others children.

PBS Frontline: Top Secret America

10 Facts

1. Congress said to Bush he could have everything necessary he needed for secret war.
2. Coffer Black in charge of Anti-terrorism of CIA 
3. Black wanted to initiate war against Al 'Qaeda and created plans for war
4. Gray stone was the code name for a secret attack
5.  Bush signed an international war authorization.
6. Largest if not larger covert op since the cold war
7. Gray stone was well beyond the borders of Afghanistan
8. Possible terrorists with information were brought to secret CIA prisons referred to as black sites 
9. Created a special operation force with less regulation then the CIA
10. By the spring of 2003 America had attacked Iraq
11. There have been 5 DNI's within the 6 years it has existed

10 Questions

1. How does the CIA have checks and balances?
2. Was there any suspicion of attack before 9/11 if the CIA was already investigating them?
3. If the primary responsibility of the CIA lies with the president how is the power checked, and what branch does the CIA fall under?
4. Who creates the weapons for the CIA, is it all done in house?
5. Is the president the only one who can regulate whats going on with the CIA?
6. What happens if a country finds out the CIA has secret prisons in their country, how does it  effect relations with the U.S.?
7. How does the government create all of these new organizations?
8. Do you think the NSA (national security agency) has to much power, being able to tap phone lines, what else can they do?
9. How did they keep information from being leaked when they used private contractors?
10. What is causing all of our advanced technology to miss threats so that private citizens are the ones left to pick out terroristic threats?

Chapter 1 Interview

Today I interviewed my dad, on his opinions of the government. I began by asking him what political he cares about and he replied that he cares mostly the economy and the environment, but like me does not follow politics very often.  He agrees with me in the fact that he believes that most citizens are not smart informed voters, because most either don't care, don't have time to follow it, or just can't understand it. He said he believed that amendments should be made to the constitution over time because of the changes over time. He believes that the governments purpose is to create a good decent living for all of its citizens,and not everyone in America has a descent standard of living because wealth is concentrated to too few people. He agrees that with Obama's plan on putting more taxes on the wealthy for this reason.  Overall when i asked him about pro's and con's of the government, he answered that some pro's are checks and balances and that it's virtually impossible for a revolution to happen, and that some con's are that it takes to long for things to get done, and that there's too much fighting between political parties, and that is a huge problem that is limiting the ability to get things done in the government.

A People's History of The United States

The first part of this article mainly discusses the opinion of Charles Beard. He expresses his view that the wealthy , to protect their own interest have to in someway control the government. Beard also makes the point going back that the country was made mostly from wealthy men and their ideas. He also suggests the idea that the government out of greed when he states that most if the makers if the Constitution had economic interest in creating a strong federal government. Slaves, indentured servants, women, and men without property were not represented in the Constitutional Convention, so does that mean that he agrees that the constitution should and can be ratified? He also mentions that the founding fathers better understood economics because they were wealthy men? Some men that were wealthy did not support the ratification of the Constitution, however I still have to wonder if the founding fathers took poorer and the middle class into a lot of consideration. Do you think Jefferson would still agree with his opinion that a rebellion about every 20 years is healthy for the government today? Or are these rebellions more like peaceful protests which do happen in this time and age? Later in the article it says that Hamilton made the suggestion that the president and senators should serve for life. What are some of the advantages of having a president and senator serve for life? Also in Hamilton's plan he seems to give a lot of power to the state legislature, why didn't Hamilton think that the power was too great? It also said that a major problem at the time was the gap between rich and poor, it described that those who had land had wealth and power, while those who didn't own land were poor and didn't have a say. Do you think the founding fathers successfully took all classes into  consideration when creating the constitution? What are some con's to ratifying the constitution? In federalist paper #63 i was curious why it says that the senate will help people from their own delusions, which doesn't make much sense because what they were creating was a government by the people for the people, so who did they believe were delusional, poor people, people without land or wealth? It stated that only 3% of the population was considered wealthy, but that was who was creating the government so much of the majority wasn't represented. Why would the first amendment be abridged? How could 10 people be put in jail when  it was obviously unconstitutional, was a judicial branch fully formed at this point?  When people rebelled against the tax on liquor why did Hamilton set troops on them, did he not agree with Jefferson who believed that rebellion  every once in awhile is good?

Do you think rebellions are the same as they once were?

Even though we live in a capitalist country most people stay in the same class of wealth, what do you think can be done to help the poor and middle class to succeed?

Political Cartoon

Do you think that unnecessary arguing between democrats and republicans is keeping the government from finding solutions to the unemployment crisis?
Do you think that many of these families that have fallen under  the poverty line will stay there for generations to come or will return to the middle class once the crisis is over?
Where do you think you find most of the people living in poverty? Do you think trends can be found by ethnicity, age or location?

Reading Questions

1. Are there better ways to get people more familiar and involved with voting and government issues?
2. Is there a point when democracy is so slow that it becomes unproductive?
3. What are some standards that people need to live up to in order to immigrate to the US?
4. Are there some countries, such as countries that we are at war with that the US does not allow refugees to come from?
5. Do you think that putting a hold on Visa's and doing more extensive background checks just for countries that are predominantly is ethical?
6. Should there be more serious charges for people who overstay their Visa's?
7. Have immigration laws been changing too quickly?
8. Should there be a more civil way to deport illegal immigrants?
9. Should more Mexicans be allowed into the country?
10. What toll would there be if too many immigrants came into the country at the same time?
11. What do you have to do to get a student Visa?
12.How can census' have consequences?
13. Before 1980 why wasn't self classification used?
14. How can you include all of a persons heritage if he or she is mixed race?
15. Should colleges be required to have a certain amount of diversity or admit students blindly from race?
16. What is the Tienanmen square massacre?
17. Why do poorer Americans tend to vote less?
18.How is American politics effected by diversity in the U.S.?
19.Should colleges have to meet a certain requirement or diversity?
20. Why don't we see many minorities involved with politics?

Political Issues I Care About

     There are many ways in which the government effects my life everyday. Most of which I do not notice and do not think about. I don't think about the water that comes through my faucet every day, or trash pickup. What i do notice are things such as taxes, pat-downs at the Airport, and serious environmental issues that always seem to be on the back burner. I think about the things that are televised on the local news network, and issues that are worked into various prime-time sitcoms. I take most of the things that the government provides me with for granted and I should care about more of the things that the government does; however when i think to myself what political issues do i care about I think of the big issues that are found throughout the media such as gay rights, environmental issues such as deforestation and pollution, and the success of local small business owners.
    Taking the environmental issues, one reason I believe they are important to me is because that's how I was and am raised. My father is an Arborist and my mother has a degree in Horticulture. Ever since I was little I remember the gardens we had in our yard where i helped my parents to plant flowers and trees, and they taught my the importance of recycling at an early age. As I grow up i realize the impact that it has had on my life. I found myself in Haverford Aware (an environmental club) and reading a book on soil and organic gardening because I found it interesting. Now when I watch the Good Morning America every morning in the kitchen when I hear a segment about the environment it catches my attention.  I care about deforestation and preservation of forests and parks because when I visit a national park during the summer, it is so beautiful that it is hard to imagine it is worth the cost of tearing down that forest to but another apartment complex, or outlet mall in.
      The reason I am concerned with the success of small local businesses is because i work at one. My uncle is the owner of a local bicycle shop in Bryn Mawr and every time I am there I see a parent come in, look at the price of a bike for their child, then head off to the nearest Walmart of Target where they buy the bicycles in such large quantities that they can sell them almost for the price that my Uncle buys them from the companies for. Though quality and service is lost it is extremely hard to compete when price, ultimately, is the deciding factor. I care what the government does to help support small business owners, because I would be heartbroken to see his business fail after years of hard work, time, and money. 
    Overall, i would have to say that I care most about the issues that the people I am around care about. It is because I see these people really being effected that I pay attention to the news and occasionally pick up a magazine or paper that features something about it.