political cartoon #5

1.  Do you think this is an accurate representation on how America is percieved?
2.  Would this cartoon make other countries believe we are too weak to fight any longer?
3.  Is it wise to make America look weak after a long conflict and if yes than why? 

President Research

1.  Appeal to what the public wants.
2.  Don't let the press influence any of your opinions.
3.  When a war ends and it is victorious annex the land gained to establish international power.
4.  Have authority over cabinet members and generals. 
5.  Run for president when the economy is bad and the other political party was in office before you. 

Sources:
http://millercenter.org/president/mckinley/essays/biography/1
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/williammckinley
http://www.ipl.org/div/potus/wmckinley.html
http://www.mckinleymuseum.org/william_mckinley

Campaign Ad Analysis

1.  This ad uses catchy tune and fun animation to draw in the public and it is effective because the tune gets stuck in your head.
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1952

2.  This ad uses scary images to make the voter feel that the candidate will protect them from all of the scary images that include the Atomic Bomb.  This is successful because it scares the voter into voting for the candidate.
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1964

3.  This ad makes Johnson's opponent out to be someone who would use the power of the Atomic bomb poorly and does not realize its significance.  This is successful because it paints a picture that the opponent is unfit to lead the nation. 
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1964

4.  This ad relates a national threat to something a person might encounter in nature and it asks them if they would want to be prepared for it or not.  This is successful because it relates an overseas threat to something that more Americans have seen and relate to, a bear.
 http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1984

5.  This ad makes the candidate out like a nice man who is just like the average American.  This is successful because it makes the voter believe they can relate to the candidate. 
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1988

6.  This ad reassures the voters that America is stronger than what it has been in the past.  This is successful because it reminds the voters the prosperity that was made in the past and it paints a bright future for Americans. 
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1996

Research Study Conclusions:
1.  That advertising is persuasive.
2.  "Advertising does a little to inform, next to nothing to mobilize, and a great deal to persuade potential voters."
3.  Presidential advertising is "paid propaganda that distorts the democratic process."

Electoral College Article

Facts:
1.  In 2000 about 2% of ballots were not counted as votes
2.  They feel it is undemocratic
3.  Federal judges are not elected
4.  The framers did not foresee modern political parties
5.  The winner take all system is the candidate with the most votes in a state wins that state's electoral votes
6.  Even a system with no political parties would not be good
7. The choice of the president doesn't include the right person, but what party they are associated with
8.  Popular vote by the state determines the electors
9.  An elector is required to choose the candidate that selected them
10.  The electoral system was put in place so educated people would choose the best president for the people

Questions:
1.  What are some reforms that could take place to help the electoral system?
2.  Would the popular vote be a better way to choose the president?
3.  Do political parties damage the system?
4.  Should more strong political parties be made to help the system?
5.  Is the electoral system out of date? 

Political cartoon #4

1.  How should the national government respond to California Corporations and should they tax them more?
2.  What other states have corporations that pay little state income taxes?
3.  Should the Treasury Department do a complete investigation of California corporations and what kind of penalties should they create?

2 taxpayer articles

http://www.taxpayer.net/resources.php?action=issues&proj_id=5016&category=&type=Project

1.  Taxpayers for Common Sense and a coalition of groups sent a letter to the President, Speaker Boehner, and Majority Leader Reid
2.  Dealings can not be seen by the public
3.  They believe the release of the information will spur on the public to support it
4.  They don't want to wait to release it after the 2012 elections
5.  Want the information to be released online

http://www.taxpayer.net/resources.php?action=issues&proj_id=5017&category=&type=Project

1.  Coalition wants president do release all information on any secret deficit negotiations
2.  The super committee disbanded on November 21
3.  Super committee failed for finding any solutions
4.  Biden's talks materialized into nothing
5.  Obama and Boehner tried separately and failed to get $4 trillion deficit reduction deal

Pending Bills

1.  S. 242: Guardians of Freedom Act of 2011
Status: Referred to a committee. 
2.  S. 1025: National Guard Empowerment and State-National Defense Integration Act of 2011
Status: Referred to a committee. 
3.  S.  1228: Combating Military Counterfeits Act of 2011
Status:  Reported by committee.

Political cartoon #3

1.  Do you think the holiday economy is taken a hard hit from the level of unemployment?
2.  How long do you think it will take for unemployment to go down?
3.  What do you think should be done to lower unemployment? 

Pennsylvania's 2008 Presidential Election Returns

1.  Obama won Delaware County. 
2.  Obama won Philadelphia County. 
3.  Obama won Allegheny County. 
4.  The Democrats added 600,000 voters to their rolls. 
5.  Obama won 54.7% of the votes. 

Pennsylvania's Congressional Districts

1.  As of 2010 Delaware county was ranked the fifth most populous county in Pennsylvania.
2.  Delaware county was created on September 26, 1789
3.  It is named for the Delaware River. 
4.  It is roughly in the shape of a diamond or a kite. 
5.  Traditionally Delaware County has been a Republican county. 
6.  Delaware County is represented by Pat Toomey. 
7.  According to the U.S Census bureau the county has 191 square miles of land. 
8.  The county seat since 1851 is Media.
9.  Delaware County is immediately west of Philadelphia. 
10.  Delaware County is the only county to have the area code 610 cover its entirety. 

Death Penalty Question Choices

1.  What is considered as cruel and unusual punishment?
2.  What are the methods of execution of a prisoner?
3.  What alternatives do we have or could we have to the death penalty?

How Washington Works

Facts:
1.  Washington is considered a town with only one interest which is politics. 
2.  Washington is open to newcomers
3.  The city seems a foreign place when newcomers arrive in the city. 
4.  The Department of Transportation is called D-O-T. 
5.  Washington DC has a population of 3.5 million people.
6.  A Killer Amendment is when a legislator disagree with the principles of a bill and offers a new one.
7.  Politicians are interested in public recognition. 
8.  Jargon is a vital element of the Washington game. 
9.  The Department of Housing and Urban development is called HUD.
10.  The political community of Washington describes the Beltway as a moat that separates the capital from the country. 

Questions:
1.  Should newcomers go into Washington more often?
2.  Is it good that the political community feels that the capital is separate from the rest of the country?
3.  Should politicians not be mentioned in the media while they are in office?
4.  Does a Killer Amendment usually pass?
5.  Why is Washington open to newcomers? 

Terry Gross Interview

Facts:
1.  Mississippi voted against person's rights for a fertilized egg
2.  Republican House voted to reduce funding for planned parenthood
3.  Margaret Sanger founded the first birth control clinic
4.  Have been troubling issues
5.  1916 was when the first birth control clinic opened
6.  Groups tend to switch sides over the years
7.  Sanger helped deliver one of her mother's babies
8.  Sanger became a socialist
9.  Child birth was very dangerous for women at the turn of the century
10.  Sanger made it a goal to give out information to women about birth control

Questions:
1.  How did police enforce the laws to prohibit women to learn about birth control?
2.  How long did the law last?
3.  What political party was in control of the government at the time of the law?
4.  How was the law passed without violating the first amendment?
5.  How did the public accept the idea of birth control?
6.  Were a lot of women at the time interested in finding out different birth control methods and what class were they mainly from? 

Committees

Pat Toomey currently serves in the following committees: 

• Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
• Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection
• Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development
• Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance, and Investment
• Committee on the Budget
• Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
• Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet Ranking Member
• Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security
• Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance
• Joint Economic Committee
• Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction
• Congressional Hispanic Conference

Facts:
1.  The United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs deals with banks and banking.
2.  The Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance is one of seven subcommittees within the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 
3.  This committee is chaired by Democrat Mark Pryor of Arkansas. 
4.  This committee was renamed from the Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Automotive Safety at the start of the 111th Congress. 
5.  Pat Toomey is in the minority in this committee. 
6.  Pat Toomey is in the minority of the Joint Economic Committee. 
7.  It is one of for standing joint committees in Congress. 
8. The JEC is chaired by  Bob Casey of Pennsylvania. 
9.  Pat Toomey is a full member of the Congressional Hispanic Conference.

Lost in Detention

Facts:
1.  President Obama is stricter with the boarders than President Bush.
2.  Obama initially said that he was going to fix the immigration system.
3.  ICE stands for Immigration, Customs Enforcement.
4.  Law enforcement is on the offensive.
5.  Almost 400,000 illegal immigrants will be detained and deported this year.
6.  Over 1 million illegal immigrants have been detained and deported since Obama has taken office.
7.  Secured Communities is a program that involves local law enforcement to help ICE in identifying illegal immigrants related to crimes. 
8.  1,000 murders who were illegal immigrants were apprehended. 
9.  45,000 serious drug violators were apprehended.
10.  immigration detainees do not necessarily have the right to an attorney. 

Questions:
1.  How can the government create ways to immediately capture immigrants who illegally cross the boarder?
2.  Is adequate funding going towards the deportation of illegal immigrants?
3.  Will the strict enforcement of capturing illegals deter future illegal immigrants from even trying to cross the boarder?
4.  Are having deportation quotas a good or bad thing?
5.  How can the government secure our boarders better? 

West Wing Episode #2

Facts:
1.  One senator or a group of senators can prevent a bill from being voting on by continuously talking.
2.  This happens only in the Senate.
3.  Filibustering can kill a bill.
4.  When one Senator does it alone it is more symbolic. 
5.  A senator can't stop talking or sit down or else he loses the floor. 
6.  A cloture vote can kill a filibuster. 
7.  A senator can talk about anything, it doesn't have to concern the bill. 
8.  Once the senator is done talking the bill can be voted on. 

Questions:
1.  Who did the first filibuster?
2.  Will the Senate ever get rid of the filibuster?
3.  How successful are filibusters?
4.  Are filibusters used a lot?
5.  Do senators generally like the idea of a filibuster?

Issue of the Week

1.  Are children of illegals also considered illegal?
If the children are born in the United States then they are technically US citizens, and are there by given the full rights of a US citizen.  There parents though should not be considered legal, for that status they should have to immigrate legally into our country. 
2.   Are illegal immigrants that great of a threat to our country?
They are a great threat to the country in my opinion because they take away jobs from true United States citizens and they benefit from tax payers programs that they themselves do not pay into.  They also hurt our economy because most of them get paid under the table and they don't pay taxes that help make our country run.  They are also a threat because on an international level other countries might find us as weak because from their point of view we can't even control our own borders. 
3.  What happens if illegal immigrants have children that were born in the US?
In my opinion the parents should still be deported to Mexico or wherever they come from and they can have the choice to either bring their children or leave them in the US.  If they choose to leave them in the US then the children will be put in responsible foster homes and the children can be reclaimed by their parents once they legally immigrate into the United States. 

Electoral College

Facts:
1.  Corbett and Pileggi raised a plan to get rid of Pennsylvania's electoral college system and implement a new one distributing the votes to the districts.
2.  The new districts have left the Republican held districts less competitive.
3.  Nebraska and Maine are the other two states that have this system. 
4.  Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus, says that he is lobbying against this plan. 
5.  Nebraska's Republicans are looking to switching back to the old system of winner takes all. 
6.  The conservative media have argued against this plan. 
7.  Obama would have to win a majority in Philadelphia to take the votes. 
8.  Charlie Dent, Jim Gerlach, Mike Fitzpatrick, and Pat Meehan have opposed it. 
9.  They would like the new system in place for the 2012 elections. 
10.  State legislators who are on the ballot with these congressmen in 2012 may be at risk. 

Questions:
1.  Is it right for political parties to change voting procedure on trying to make their party more powerful?
2.  Should a law be passed regulating the electoral system nationwide?
3.  Is the new system more chaotic and confusing than the original? 
4.  How has this system worked in Nebraska and Maine?
5.  Is the new system worth going through the confusion of replacing the old one? 

John Boehner Article

Facts:
1.  He is the Speaker of the House
2.  He is a Republican
3.  He claims that he supports the will of the House
4.  He is states what's on his mind
5.  Believes that his and the party's view will become the same after the 2012 election
6.   Feels that the Republicans will keep the majority
7.  The Republicans have used the leverage of having control of a single chamber of Congress to slash 1 trillion dollars from the budget over the next 10 years
8.  Says that they are trying to spend less

Questions: 
1.  Should his attitude be commended or denounced?
2.  Has he kept true to his promises?
3.  Will he remain the Speaker after the next election or will he be replaced in your opinion?
4.  Will he remain Speaker if the Democrats take control of the House?
5.  How is his relationship between himself and the President?

Size of House

Facts:
1.  20 percent of the public support increasing the size of the House.
2.  In 1911 Congress determined that 435 seats were adequate for the size of the House.
3.  The average U.S. congressional district now contains roughly 640,000 citizens, as opposed to about 200,000 in 1911.
4.  There were 65 members in 1789.
5.  Some representatives find it hard to get in touch with large number of people.

Questions:
1.  Would taxes severely go up with the addition of new seats?
2.  How will the government be able to fit the new members into the already veteran representatives?
3.  Will the new representatives be looked down upon from the ones who hold the original 435 seats?
4.  What rule of counting will the government go with if they decide to increase the House?
5.  Will an expansion delay even further the process of passing bills?

In my opinion the House should in time be expanded, but I do not believe that a lot of seats should be added at once.  I believe this because a sudden change like this might throw the House into chaos,with redistricting and more elections.  The House should be expanded to the proposed number, but maybe over the course of 10 years. 

Open Secrets Response

Pat Toomey: 
Net Worth: $1,770,062 to $4,900,999
Assets: 44 totaling $2,020,062 to $5,001,000
Liabilities: 1 totaling $100,001 to $250,000
Income: 5 totaling $186,807

Bob Casey Jr.
Net Worth: From $160,020 to $578,000
Rank: 84th in Senate
Assets: 14 totaling $160,020 to $578,000

What Does This Matter?

I agree that a politician's assets should be made clear to the public, but I disagree with full disclosure on all of their assets because in my opinion politicians also have the right to some privacy and that they shouldn't be obligated to reveal all of their assets.  I also disagree with putting all of this information online I personally believe that records should be mainly kept on hand written paper.  Over time these documents should be released electronically, but I still think that paper data is more important than having only electronic copies. 

Due Process

Facts:
1.  Eyewitnesses can be unreliable.
2.  Jury tends to believe eyewitnesses statements.
3.  Only 5% of criminal cases have DNA
4.  Kevin Rojas spent 4 1/2 years in maximum security.
5.  There is only some government funding to help agencies that review innocent cases.
6.  Many people are wrongfully accused. 
7.  Were able to free 44 people who were wrongfully accused.
8.  They select people who a serving long terms. 
9.  Of the 44 people who were freed 11 were sentenced on lying eyewitnesses.
10.  8 people have been freed on DNA. 

Questions:
1.  Should the government put more funding into these agencies?
2.  What should the Justice Department do to decrease the number of innocent people who are convicted for crimes they haven't committed?
3.  Will the Supreme Court need to make a decision on a case for government to start looking into the justice system?
4.  Should the government create a separate branch of the justice department that only looks into these kind of cases?
5.  Should eyewitness testimony even be considered by a jury?

District of Columbia v. Heller

Facts:
1.  Stevens wrote a dissent against the case
2.  The five conservative judges voted against gun control.
3.  The conservative judges thought it violated the second amendment. 
4.  Stevens believed that the founding fathers would of made it clear if the second amendment referred to individuals
5.  Justices David Souter, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and Stephen Breyer also were the dissenting judges.
6. The Judges who won the case were Scalia, John G. Roberts Jr. Anthony M. Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel A. Alito Jr.

Questions:
1.  Isn't the Bill of Rights meant for citizens and not government branches?
2.  Are you allowed to carry a gun in the District of Columbia?
3.  Due to the outcome of this case will the issue ever be brought up to the Supreme Court again?
4.  Does this case apply to the states as well?

Supreme Court Justices

1.  President George W. Bush appointed John G. Roberts Jr. to Chief Justice. 
2.  Ruth Bader Ginsburg was instrumental in launching the Women's  Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union. 
3.  President Barack Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor.
4.  Elena Kagan served as a law clerk to Thurgood Marshall
5.  Samuel Anthony Alito was the assistant to the Solicitor General.
6.  Clarence Thomas was admitted to practice law in Missouri. 
7.  Does a justice's seniority apply to anything while serving in the Supreme Court?
8.  Is it right to fill a Supreme Court seat with someone who is the same gender or race of their predecessor.
9.  Has the justices that President Obama been easy to confirm?
10.  What experience is necessary to serve on the Supreme Court? 

Court Cases

1.  Blueford v. Arkansas 2011:  This was one of the cases that caught my attention because it deals with the statement of Double Jeopardy, which has very indistinct lines actual practice.  This case would help clear up where and when Double Jeopardy can be used or not.  The Constitutional issues that are involved in this case is whether the defendant can exclaim Double Jeopardy for offences that were ruled in favor of him, but the court was declared a mistrial.  This case wasn't decided on yet, but I would vote that the defendant cannot use Double Jeopardy because the overall case was declared a mistrial. 
2.  Coleman v. Maryland Court of Appeals 2011:  This case caught my eye because it deals with the question whether a former Maryland Court of Appeals employee can file for a lawsuit due to the court firing him after he requested sick leave.  This issue encompasses the 11th Amendment on whether the citizen can justify the law suit.  The case has not been decided yet, but I would vote that it is constitutional for the court to deny the law suit. 
3.  Filarsky v. Delia 2011:  This case was interesting because it addresses whether an individual is precluded from claiming qualified immunities because they are a private lawyer and not a government employee.  This case raises the issue of a person's rights to certain immunities.  This case hasn't been decided on yet, but I would say that he is allowed to have the immunities. 

Roe v. Wade

Facts:
1.  The right to privacy was one of the big factors that went into whether it is legal for a women to get an abortion.
2.  The state has to have regulations for abortions.
3.  Viability is usually placed at 7 months.
4.  In the beginning abortions were very hazardous for women.
5.   The laws concerning abortion has been argued that it was the product of a Victorian social concern that discouraged illicit sexual conduct.
6.  Others argue that another human life is involved and therefore shouldn't be done.
7.  It is stated that the privacy ruling is not absolute.
8.  Some women may not be psychologically ready to care for a baby.
9.  The 14th Amendment is often referenced when dealing with abortion rights
10.  The right to privacy is never mentioned in the Constitution, but over the years the courts have decided that certain acts of privacy are addressed in the Constitution. 

Questions:
1.  Since the court ruled on it, why doesn't the individual states take jurisdiction over the matter and decide whether it is legal or not. 
2.  Does a right to privacy give a good defense to allow abortions?
3.  Should the government have stricter regulations on abortion?
4.  When exactly did the controversy over abortions begin?
5.  Would a new amendment be the only way to finalize abortions legality or does the court's decision sufficient enough?

West Wing Episode

Connections: 
1.  The President has to appoint the new justice.
2.  Congress has to confirm the President's choice.
3.  They try to pick justices that are a part of their party, but will be confirmed by Congress.
4.  The executive branch has to be ready with potential candidates in the event of the death of a justice.
5. The executive branch also tries to pick a moderate.
6.  Deals are made to appoint justices.
7.  The majority in Congress determines what the executive branch chooses. 
8.  Justices can choose to retire. 

Questions:
1.  Are the right choices made by these deals?
2.  Can we trust the appointments that come out of these deals?
3.  Is there  a way to get out of any possible bad appointments?
4.  Should there be another agency that checks these appointments?
5.  Should moderates always be appointed to judges?

Federalist #78

"In unfolding the defects of the existing Confederation, the utility and necessity of a federal judicature have been clearly pointed out."
In my opinion this is important because they are tell the reader that due to the lack of this branck the Confederation was weak.
"According to the plan of the convention, all judges who may be appointed by the United States are to hold their offices during good behavior..."
This is an interesting quote because it makes you wonder if judges can be removed of office today if they were doing something that is not classified as good behavior. 
 "The experience of Great Britain affords an illustrious comment on the excellence of the institution."
This is an interesting quote because it has the founding fathers commenting on their former enemies way of deciding the law has to be improved upon.
"But it is not with a view to infractions of the Constitution only, that the independence of the judges may be an essential safeguard against the effects of occasional ill humors in the society."
This is important because they are stating that the independence of the judges is a way the public can be protected against any government that may encroach on their rights.
 "The courts must declare the sense of the law; and if they should be disposed to exercise WILL instead of JUDGMENT, the consequence would equally be the substitution of their pleasure to that of the legislative body. "
This is stating the judges' calls have to maintain justice and must not go on the bases of they want. 

Questions:
How long would a judge have to be in office for him to shed any party affiliation and if one does not and it reflects in their decisions should they be removed?
Who judges the justices' behavior and who defines whether it's good or not?
Will this branch alone create a better government than the Articles of Confederation?
Is it good to put a lot of independence in one branch that also is check against the other two?
Should there be an agency created to check the judges and make sure they base their decisions on judgement and not will?

2000 Election Reading #2

Facts:
1.  Court gave a prompt anc conclusive ending to the chaotic election
2.  On November 13th Katherine Harris announced that the statutory deadline of November 14th was final
3.  Bush raised three federal challenges to the Florida Supreme Court's decision
4.  Florida Supreme Court with a vote of 4 to 3 said that there was a manual hand count required by state law.
5.  Equal protection played a big part in the court's decisions
6.  Justices had to be careful they were not considering anything else, but the law whn making their decision
7.  Bush won with a vote of 5 to 4
8.  Court's opinion had no basis in precedent or history

Questions:
1.  How will the courts deal with this if the problem ever arises again?
2.  Should the decision have gone to Congress?
3.  Should the recount of continued?
4.  Would the Republicans be worried of how it would look if conservative judges ruled in Bush's favor?
5.  Will this case set a clear precedent for any future cases?

The Common Good

I believe that the author has defined the problem to the ideology of the common good.  It is a system we would like to have, but in reality the system doesn't suit our individual interests.  The common good does exist, but as the author said it exists on many different levels, and in the end to common good can only be defined by the individual.  The individual alone can decide what he or she does for the community and for society in general.  Madison tried his best when drafting the Constitution to keep in mind the common good of the country, but the document itself which promoted the public fell under criticism from different politicians and to get the Constitution to be finally passed a Bill of Rights, that outlined the freedoms and liberties of the individuals not the common good had to be included.  So in conclusion the people try to benefit the common good, but most are unwilling to give up personal goals to achieve it.

Second Politician update

Michael Castle a republican, was present at 109 or 1% of 11,825 roll calls between January 5, 1993 to December 22, 2010.  Castle succeeded Thomas Carper, and he preceeded the current democrat representative, John C. Carney Jr.  He has sponsored 244 bills and 15 of these bills were enacted. Castle's top campaign donation during 2007- 2008 was between $3,193,155 and $8,773,000. 

Recount Facts and Questions

Facts:
1.  Gore retracted the concession he gave Bush
2.  The Supreme Court ruled to stop the recount
3.  People were not sure whether or not to count dimpled ballots
4.  The ballots were hard to read to begin with
5.  The deadlines given for the recounts were unrealistic
6.  Katherine Harris was uneasy about permitting any recounting being done past the deadlines
7.  Some counties would not recount the ballots by hand. 
8.  The ballot counting machine can sometimes read ballots differently than they originally did.

Questions:
1.  Should the Supreme Court of gotten involved?
2.  Was it right of Katherine Harris to be tough on extending the deadlines?
3.  How much time would be sufficient to recount the ballots?
4.  Will this case provide any precedents for any future problems?
5.  Was the Supreme Court decision based on political party lines?
6.  Should the all of the states have a regulated voting system?
7.  Should the government declare if a ballot with a dimple is a vote or not?
8.  Was it wrong of Gore to keep pushing for a recount? 

Election 2000

Prereading Questions:
1.  Should the recount of even taken place?
2.  Was it wrong of Gore to take back his concession?
3.  Should the Supreme Court of gotten involved?
4.  Should more time have been giving for a recount?
5.  Why were some counties so against a manual recount?

Facts/details from the reading:
1.  Florida's county election board use different methods for collecting votes.
2.  Neither cutoff dates for the recount would of been sufficient enough time.
3.  The assaults on the courts from the liberals were stunning.
4.  Liberals view conservatives primitives who are corrupt.
5.  Author believes that the courts are the heavy artillery for liberalism engaged. 

Postreading Questions:
1.  Should the courts get involved in any future elections?
2.  Should every state have a regulated voting system?
3.  How can the states stop any future voting flaws?
4.  Is it right for the political parties to call each other as primitive?
5.  Should Congress pass any bills that will give a clear solution for any future voting problems. 

Politician Update

Pat Toomey missed 4 or 2% of the role calls of 165 roll call votes since January 26, 2011.  He also sits on these commitees Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection, Housing, Transportation and Community Development, Securities, Insurance and Investment, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, Communications, Technology, and the Internet, Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance, Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, Senate Committee on the Budget, Joint Economic Committee.  Pat Toomey has also sponsored 7 bill since January 25, 2011.  Five of these have not made it out of comittee and none of them so far have been enacted.  He has also co- sponsored 58 additional bills.  Three of the bills Pat Toomey has sponsored include: S. 1578: End Unnecessary Mailers Act of 2011
 S. 1689: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require a comprehensive policy on reporting and tracking sexual assault incidents and other safety incidents that occur at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
 S.Con.Res. 21: A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2012 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2013 through 2021.
These are only a few of the bills Pat Toomey has sponsored. 

Faction Response

Madison describes factions as groups of people, both majority and minority who share a common impulseof passion or of interest.  He then goes into the ways how people can stop factions when they become too dangerous, these include removing its causes, controlling its effects, destroying its liberty which is essential for its existence, and give every citizen the same beliefs, passions, and interests. 

1.  Are factions good or bad?
2.  Who decides when a faction has become dangerous?
3.  How many people does it take to make up a faction?
4.  By destroying factions are you stripping away a citizens freedom of speech?

Faction- A group of people who are motivated by passions and who try to radically take control of the politics in the government. 

Factions today would be like our political parties, each stand for different ideals, but both fight each other to try and assume control of the government.  Also modern day factions try to push through bills that benefit their beliefs and supposedly the beliefs of the people they represent.  Today factions try and take control by gaining majorities in the three branches of the government, and they accomplish this by gaining the support of the people.

Representatives

Pat Toomey

 Michael Castle

Political Ideology

Many factors contribute to a person's choice of political party. Research indicates that the strongest factors are family and community influences. The platforms and positions of the two major parties can also have an influence, but these can change and evolve over time. For that reason, it is helpful to examine contemporary issues to be sure that your party preference matches your political ideology , or personal beliefs about government.

Based on your response to the questions on the political ideology survey, you are a moderate.

You probably identify with some of the views of both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. You may also be interested in the Green Party and the Libertarian Party. Your ideology is shared by the following Members of the House of Representatives:

• Michael Castle (R - DE, At-Large)
• Lincoln Davis (D - TN, 4th District)

Response to Olivia's political cartoon

This cartoon is making fun of people who are against the foreigners immigrating into the United States, it is saying that they shouldn't be allowed to live in the country because they don't speak English, but in some cases foreigners speak better English than Americans do.  I think it is fair for immigrants to have to take a test on American history because they were born in different country and brought up with different ideas and if they choose to live in a new country they should know its history and its views on government. 

Response to Constitution questions

1.  Concerning Bridgett's question about the use of a modern day militia in my opinion they can be used for many things.  Some of them being to defend American soil, help the state's police with riots, or even patrolling the borders of our country.  The National Guard also has helped states during environmental disasters such as Hurricane Katrina.  I believe there is still a use for them and that they are a much needed part of our country's defense. 

2.  Regarding Ben's question about why the founding fathers made it difficult to change amendments because they didn't the liberties of the people to be subject to the whims of a political party or any branch of government.  They also assure that there is continuity in the nation regarding rights and liberties.  If the founding fathers made them too easy to change then amendments would constantly be changing in favor of whoever has a majority in the government. 

Federalist #51

Questions: 

1. Do you think three branches of government is adequate?
2. Do you think a federal government doubles the security of citizens' rights?
3. By giving the legislative branch more authority can the other branches effectively check it?
4. Do you think that the beliefs of different parties are protected under federalism?
5. In your opinion are the different branches of government independent from each other?

Quotes:

1.  "It is equally evident, that the members of each department should be as little dependent as possible on those of the others, for the emoluments annexed to their offices."
This quote is interesting because they want them to be independent from each other, yet they still want them to be involved in their doings to check them.

2.  "In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates."
This is interesting because it is saying that the legislative branch is more important than the others.

3.  "First. In a single republic, all the power surrendered by the people is submitted to the administration of a single government; and the usurpations are guarded against by a division of the government into distinct and separate departments."
This outlines the securities of a federalist system very nicely.

4.  "Second. It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers, but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part."
This is interesting because it tells the reader that not only will they protected from any opposite views they might encounter. 

5.  "And happily for the republican cause, the practicable sphere may be carried to a very great extent, by a judicious modification and mixture of the federal principle."
This is interesting because it is assuring the reader that a federal government can exist and can be capable of running a nation. 

Federalist #10

Questions:

1. Do they think political parties are a good or bad thing?
2. Why have the minority tax the majority?
3. Do they think people's passions should be different or the same?
4. If they are federalists why do they give examples of the flaws in a republic?
5. Do they believe that people should have equal property?

Quotes:

1.  "There are two methods of curing the mischiefs of faction: the one, by removing its causes; the other, by controlling its effects."
This was an interesting quote because it seems like its trying to take away a person's right to protest against the government.

2.  "There are again two methods of removing the causes of faction: the one, by destroying the liberty which is essential to its existence; the other, by giving to every citizen the same opinions, the same passions, and the same interests."
I chose this because it makes me wonder whethe they are for or against factions in the government.

3.  "It could never be more truly said than of the first remedy, that it was worse than the disease."
I found this interesting because it is referencing the Article of Confederation and how there were flaws with it.

4.  "No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity."
This, I thought was very true because there will always be bias when one's interests are involved.

5.  "The inference to which we are brought is, that the causes of faction cannot be removed, and that relief is only to be sought in the means of controlling its effects."
Does this mean that they can enforce laws that can hinder a person's efforts to protest, even by force?

Movie facts and questions

Facts:

1. National government imposes its will on the states.
2. Idaho argued that they should be able to decide on the return of wolves, not the national government.
3. States usually had the power to catch drunk drivers.
4. National government threatens the states by taken away funding if they do not accept national policy.
5. Devolution is when states take more power.
6. Poverty was growing even with welfare.
7. States are in charge of welfare policies.
8. Poor states can't help the people in poverty.
9. Mississippi covers less then 1/3 of children on poverty.
10. State governments provide most of everyday public services. 

Questions:

1. Should the National government be responsible for taking care of the wolves?
2. Why would the states go against national regulations?
3. Do national regulations really help?
4. Should states be pressured into a decision by the national government?
5. Should the national government be allowed to use carrot or stick methods?
6. Do you think the states should have more powers?
7. Do you think devolution happens a lot?
8. Should the National government in your opinion pass more regulations on issues that the states are usually in charge of?
9. Does the federalist system work effectively today?
10. Do you think the national government should give more powers to the states?

Simile

The American system of separation of powers and the checks and balances is like a maze, three distinct destinations with many different obstacles.  This is true because for a bill to be passed it has to go through two branches of government, the executive and the legislative.  The bill can't pass until both branches of the government can pass it and if its is passed it might be repealed by the third branch, which is the judicial branch, for being unconstitutional.  So the bill has to go through a labyrinth of processes before it can become a law.

 

political cartoon and questions #2

1. Do you think the feelings between the protestors and Wall Street will calm down soon?
2. Do you think this is an accurate view of the current view on Wall Street?
3. Do you think the people will ever fully trust Wall Street again?

Responses to Christine T's questions

Regarding question 17 I believe that American pride, no matter what the situation it is a good thing.  I believe this because we are a nation that supports differences and values many different heritages, but sometimes the people don't relate themselves with being an American citizen instead they associate themselves with their heritage and they become bitter with the nation.  When an incident occurs that makes people forget about their past and celebrate who they really are then I think that is better. 

Regarding question 18 in my opinion "E Pluribus Unum" is stating that the nation was founding by many different people and that they were able to come together and decide on one government to rule over all of them.  Also once decisions are made the entire country which is composed of many different states and ideas puts all of its energy in to achieving that goal an example would be fighting in World War II. 

Frontline Facts and Questions

Facts:

1. President Bush was ready to spend any amount of money to fund the war.
2. The United States wanted to fight a secret war.
3. The CIA started setting up the secret war on 9/11.
4. The CIA studied Al Qaeda more than any other defense or intelligence agency.
5.Greystone was a new way of fighting a war, that didn't apply to any previous military strategy.
6. The CIA went into Afghanistan first and fought through the shadows with the help of locals.
7. This was the largest covert operation since the Cold War.
8. More than a dozen countries were involved in the secret war.
9.Some terrorists were hidden and tortured in a system of prisons operated by the CIA.
10. The Defense Department started do missions that resembled the CIA's operations.

Questions:

1. Will the government stop monitoring phone calls and emails?
2. How does the government keep the hidden security buildings safe and from being discovered?
3. Would a National Intelligence Director be able to effectively monitor every intelligence agency?
4. Why are there so many turnovers with the office of the DNI?
5. Will top secret America ever return to being overt?
6. What countries are involved in the secret war?
7. What made us consider attacking Iraq before the idea of weapons of mass destruction?
8. How do other countries feel about the War on Terror?
9. Will the American public ever know the full extent of the secret war and what the government is involved in?
10. Is the increase of security making our nation truly safe or overly paranoid?

Interview Analysis

I interview one of my friends, Chris, and I asked him questions that concerned how the founding fathers would of liked our current government role and questions that involved the use and significance of the Constitution.  I first asked him if he thought that the founding fathers would like the way we interpreted the Constitution and he responded that they would be satisfied because he feels that they made the document purposely vague so that future generation can come up with solutions on their own. I then went on to ask questions about the workings and possible policies of the government and he felt that the government was not working to the best of his capacity, he feels that the "polarization" between the Republicans and the Democrats has crippled the government to a state of pure ineffectiveness and that the two parties should compromise more with each other to reach a conclusion to a problem. Once he shared how he felt about the politics of the government I asked if he thought that the checks and balances system works when Congress is able to agree to a bill and he responded with yes, he felt that every act made by a government branch was carefully scrutinized and observed by the remaining two. In conclusion Chris felt that parts of the Constitution needed to be clarified and that political parties needed to put aside differences and learn how to compromise with each other, but he also felt that the checks and balances system the founding fathers created works well among the different branches of the government. 

A people's history of the United States Analysis

The article states that the founding fathers although believed by many to be wise and just men with the intention of creating a form of government that represents the people were actually motivated by hidden agendas.  It states that the true reason the founding fathers created a strong, centralized government was to keep the wealth in the hands of the wealthy and the property holders. Also it states that one of the motives in creating a strong government was to protect American businesses by placing tariffs on business trade and foreign merchandise.  The article also noted that the lines "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" which appeared in the Declaration of Independence was changed in the Constitution to "life, liberty, and property" historians have said that this is evidence that the members of the convention were intent on keeping the wealthy class distinct from the poor.  One of the historians also says that certain parts of the Constitution are flexible and other sections are not, the example they give is how John Adams' administration created the sedition act which prevented people from talking bad against the government this appears to be in violation of the first amendment whereas the amendment about taxing was enforced by military might during the Whiskey Rebellion, this historian is saying that the government chooses which amendments should be enforced. 

1. Didn't Washington lead troops against the Whiskey Rebellion and not Hamilton?

2. Why did some founding fathers who held property refuse to ratify the Constitution if it was apparently made to protect the wealthy? 

political cartoon and questions

1. Do you think that a middle class can survive in today's economy?

2. In your opinion was there a visible middle class before the economic troubles?

3. Will a a big distinction between rich and poor and no middle class cause more problems economically and politically?

Chapter 1 reading questions

Do you think Aristotle would still believe his theory on politics if he saw how modern day politics and elections worked?

Why do you think Americans love the ideas of government and not the process of it?

In regards to the amount of compromising that takes place in politics do you think it is the same amount the founding fathers wanted for our system?

Why do you think our immigration system changed from the ways it was carried out on Ellis Island back in the 19th and 20th centuries to today's?

Do you believe that immigration goes through cycles and that this is a time where it is more restricted?

How should the government crack down on immigrants who stay longer than their visas will allow?

Do you think President Bush's plan for illegal Mexicans would have worked if it wasn't put on hold?

Do you think immigration is a pressing problem?

Do you think its okay for the INS to fingerprint and photograph males from certain parts of the world?

Do you think that America would ever shut down its boarders completely from certain nationalities?

Do you think that the census should ask about a person's race of heritage?

How do you think the census should have counted the 2000 census data?

Why do you think the census asks about a person's race?

How would you revise the census?

Do you think it's right for the NAACP to be worrying about the decrease of the count of African Americans?

How do you think the census bureau should deal with interracial families?

Do you think the census should include a space for an Arab American race?

Do you think that the race choices is an outdated system that was only in place to tell the difference between the free population and the slave population?

Why do you think the census changed so much between 1920- 1950?

When do you think white females were lumped together with white men?

responses to politcal issues

Matt T.

I agree with you on many of your ideas, in my opinion the economy should be the main issue of the day and if history has taught us anything it’s that even a popular president can be voted out of office in the economy is in shambles by the end of their first term.  Although, you said that military spending hurts in many ways it helps the economy because the military regulates that military equipment has to be made the United States and this creates jobs for many average Americans and this in turn helps stimulate the economy and brings down the unemployment rate.  Also you said that we should reduce our dependence on oil fuel, which I also believe in, but if we do that the corporations will be sent into a state of panic and they will start laying off workers to save money, so how could we possibly at this time reduce our dependency on oil?  Also with helping in Darfur, which I agree we should help them, but as you said about NATO we are not the only country in the world that is possible in helping others, other countries as well should be helping, the weight of this should not entirely rest on our shoulders.

Ben N.

I agree that the consumer market would go down, but I'm not quite sure what you mean about self-reliance, there are some things in my opinion that can only be bought through a store and cannot be manufactured at home. Is this what you meant by self-reliance that the family will create what they need?  Also in regards to gun control it’s my opinion that most guns are obtained by criminals illegally, I believe that it should be harder to obtain guns, but not by the legal way the government should carefully monitor any possible black markets that would sell guns.

Important Political Issues

I have always found the history of American politics as an interesting and amazing process, but I must admit that I don't know as much about current issues as I would like to.  However, in my opinion the two most important issues that our government faces are the economy and the War on Terror. 
 The economy is one of the most important issues because its state dictates how Americans run their daily lives, and its state also greatly decides how many jobs are made available to the public. The economy goes through cycles and we have caught it at one of its many down slopes, but in my opinion with certain government legislature we can quicken its recovery.  It took many government programs and World War II to get America out of the Great Depression, but with the current recession we are in we should employ different strategies to get us out of the financial slump.  The economy is important to me because soon I will in the work force and if the situation doesn't improve then it will be a lot harder to find a good job. 
The War on Terror in my opinion is the second most important issue within the government because the nation's security is a high priority and without a feeling of calm the government can expect some dissatisfaction within the general public. The War on Terror is important to me because I have relatives that fought in the war and they believe, a long with me that we are helping the current situation and improving the security of the nation.