Facts:
1. Rosen says that the GPS case could be the most important privacy case of the decade.
2. Google has been pressured by the U.S government to remove terrorist videos form Youtube.
3. No amendments give clear answers for the questions of today.
4. The digital world creates an opportunity to invade our privacy.
5. Judge Douglas Ginsburg states that there is a difference between short term and long term surveillance.
6. The Constitution cannot regulate social media.
7. Jeffery Rosen is a professor at George Washington University.
8. We have to assume that we are being monitored 24/7.
9. Germany has greater concern for collecting data than the U.S
10. The PATRIOT Act expanded the amount of surveillance.
Questions:
1. How can the government keep track of online sources without invading privacy?
2. Should the government block certain things online?
3. Is it right for governments to pressure companies like Google to remove certain content?
4. Will a new amendment need to be added to address the Internet?
5. Does the Internet need to be censored like TV or radio?
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Political Cartoon #7
Are the Republicans wishing they had a different Candidate?Is Romney too moderate for the Republican Party?
Would a moderate nominee stand a better chance in winning than having a conservative one?
Monday, January 9, 2012
New York Times Budget Puzzle
I have solved the budget.
46% Savings from tax increases
54%Savings from spending cuts
$627 billion
$1,826 billion
46% Savings from tax increases
54%Savings from spending cuts
$627 billion
$1,826 billion
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Issue of the Week: Defense
1. Should Congress cut defense spending?
2. How much would a cut affect the military?
3. Will a cut help recover the economy?
2. How much would a cut affect the military?
3. Will a cut help recover the economy?
Third Parties
1. 58% of Americans believe we need a third major party
2. Democrats feel that a third party could threaten President Obama's election campaign
3. Both parties are owned by corporate interests
4. Obama betrayed public campaign finance
5. Wall Street was Obama's major source of contributions
6. Has been said that the role of third parties is to "sting like a bee and then die"
7. Nation serves corporations
8. Nation has been coasting since World War II
9. Will a third party bring the other two parties from the far extremes of their parties?
10. Will a third party eventually find itself in the same predicament as the Democrats and the Republicans?
2. Democrats feel that a third party could threaten President Obama's election campaign
3. Both parties are owned by corporate interests
4. Obama betrayed public campaign finance
5. Wall Street was Obama's major source of contributions
6. Has been said that the role of third parties is to "sting like a bee and then die"
7. Nation serves corporations
8. Nation has been coasting since World War II
9. Will a third party bring the other two parties from the far extremes of their parties?
10. Will a third party eventually find itself in the same predicament as the Democrats and the Republicans?
Political cartoon #6
2. Do you think this will help the economy recover?
3. Do you consider this a victory for those in Congress who supported the spending cuts or do you think this will not be taken seriously?
Truths about the American Political System
1. Third parties are not considered competitive against Democrats and Republicans. -
2. Candidates have to appeal to the extremes of their parties if they want to win nomination. -
3. It is difficult of win an election over a sitting president. 0
4. Political parties believe in many different ideas to appeal to a lot of people. +
5. Bureaucracy helps the government in certain activities. +
6. Campaign ads use more sound bites then before. -
7. Candidates focus on some states more than others. -
8. People do not vote due to not knowing enough information. -
9. The executive branch sometimes knows more about foreign affairs than Congress. -
10. We have a checks and balance system. +
11. The size of the House cannot become any bigger even though population has been growing. 0
12. The executive branch has become more powerful over the years. -
13. Office holders focus on winning reelection than on issues. -
14. Congress members vote on party lines. -
15. Some candidates can raise more money than their opponent, giving them an advantage. -
16. Media plays a big part of what information is presented to the public. -
17. It is hard for legislation to pass because there is usually a divided government. -
18. Most media shows bias toward one party or the other. -
19. Politicians may sometimes be influenced by lobbyists.-
20. Interest groups have an influence over the government. -
2. Candidates have to appeal to the extremes of their parties if they want to win nomination. -
3. It is difficult of win an election over a sitting president. 0
4. Political parties believe in many different ideas to appeal to a lot of people. +
5. Bureaucracy helps the government in certain activities. +
6. Campaign ads use more sound bites then before. -
7. Candidates focus on some states more than others. -
8. People do not vote due to not knowing enough information. -
9. The executive branch sometimes knows more about foreign affairs than Congress. -
10. We have a checks and balance system. +
11. The size of the House cannot become any bigger even though population has been growing. 0
12. The executive branch has become more powerful over the years. -
13. Office holders focus on winning reelection than on issues. -
14. Congress members vote on party lines. -
15. Some candidates can raise more money than their opponent, giving them an advantage. -
16. Media plays a big part of what information is presented to the public. -
17. It is hard for legislation to pass because there is usually a divided government. -
18. Most media shows bias toward one party or the other. -
19. Politicians may sometimes be influenced by lobbyists.-
20. Interest groups have an influence over the government. -
Constituent Letter
Dear Senator Toomey,
My name is Alex Ramos and I am a senior at Haverford High School, I am also studying AP Government. I would like to show my support for S. CON. RES. 13 because I feel that it is the least thing the nation can do to show support and honor the members of the Armed Forces. I have several family members that have served in several branches of the military and my family supports and thanks them for all of their distinguished service, I feel that the entire nation should also honor our men and women who made sacrifices to serve our nation. This is an important bill in my opinion because our nation has had a history of sometimes forgetting or underestimating the sacrifice and courage that our soldiers have shown, it can be traced as far back to the War of 1812. This war has been nearly forgotten, but this negligence to history should not be because there were men and women who made sacrifices and they should be honored for their sacrifices. Another more recent war that plagued its honorable veterans was the Vietnam War, at the time there were acts by some Americans that showed disrespect for those soldiers. Thankfully those soldiers today are showed more respect, but that respect should never of been taken away from them in the first place. This is why S. CON. RES. 13 is a necessary bill so that we can show our brave men and women that the nation will support them no matter what the cost. Thank you for listening to my opinion on the matter and hopefully the bill will be passed.
Sincerely,
Alex Ramos
My name is Alex Ramos and I am a senior at Haverford High School, I am also studying AP Government. I would like to show my support for S. CON. RES. 13 because I feel that it is the least thing the nation can do to show support and honor the members of the Armed Forces. I have several family members that have served in several branches of the military and my family supports and thanks them for all of their distinguished service, I feel that the entire nation should also honor our men and women who made sacrifices to serve our nation. This is an important bill in my opinion because our nation has had a history of sometimes forgetting or underestimating the sacrifice and courage that our soldiers have shown, it can be traced as far back to the War of 1812. This war has been nearly forgotten, but this negligence to history should not be because there were men and women who made sacrifices and they should be honored for their sacrifices. Another more recent war that plagued its honorable veterans was the Vietnam War, at the time there were acts by some Americans that showed disrespect for those soldiers. Thankfully those soldiers today are showed more respect, but that respect should never of been taken away from them in the first place. This is why S. CON. RES. 13 is a necessary bill so that we can show our brave men and women that the nation will support them no matter what the cost. Thank you for listening to my opinion on the matter and hopefully the bill will be passed.
Sincerely,
Alex Ramos
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Republican Party
1. Believe that they can achieve peace through strength
2. They believe in common sense health reforms that preserve quality
3. Believe in energy independence.
4. Believe in maintaining a world class primary and secondary education system.
5. They believe in a free market economy
6. Republicans believe that judges in the court systems should interpret the law and not create it from the bench.
7. Party started around the time of the Civil War
8. Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president.
9. People who were against slavery joined the party.
10. The elephant symbol was created in 1874.
11. Abolition and women suffrage were a belief in the party
12. Try to fight for individuals rights.
13. Believe in small government.
14. Believe in federalism
15. Believe the people make the best descisions.
2. They believe in common sense health reforms that preserve quality
3. Believe in energy independence.
4. Believe in maintaining a world class primary and secondary education system.
5. They believe in a free market economy
6. Republicans believe that judges in the court systems should interpret the law and not create it from the bench.
7. Party started around the time of the Civil War
8. Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president.
9. People who were against slavery joined the party.
10. The elephant symbol was created in 1874.
11. Abolition and women suffrage were a belief in the party
12. Try to fight for individuals rights.
13. Believe in small government.
14. Believe in federalism
15. Believe the people make the best descisions.
Monday, December 19, 2011
political cartoon #5
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?
Sunday, December 11, 2011
President Research
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
Thursday, December 8, 2011
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."
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?
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
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?
Monday, December 5, 2011
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
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
Friday, December 2, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Political cartoon #3
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?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
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?
2. What are the methods of execution of a prisoner?
3. What alternatives do we have or could we have to the death penalty?
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