CNN-Senate Pass Controversial Tax Cut Bill
I think that it is good that the Government is thinking about the lower class and trying to make taxes easier on them. But it also seems that with this estate tax it could hurt small-business owners from passing down family businesses. I think that they need to quickly come up with the best plan to make sure the country doesn't go into more debt and do what is best for the good of the people.
Fox News-Government May Shut Down Amid Stand-Off on Pork-Filled Spending Bill
I think that Sen. John McCain was right when he said there needed to be a change in Washington, because all the latest polling says that people are tired of the way things are. If our country is in so much debt how can there be so many little projects getting so much money. Where does this 8 billion dollars for "pet projects" come from. I think that the government needs to start changing the way it is doing things because obviously it hasn't been working.
MSNBC-The Senate's War Over Christmas
I think that it is Senates fault for stalling and taking so much time to put themselves in this situation. I agree that many people work on Christmas and that we pay for them to do their jobs. When they signed up to be Senators they knew that they were going to have to give things up. On the other hand I understand wanting to be home for Christmas and be with their families. If they pass this bill just to get it over with and get home for Christmas that is the wrong thing to do. They need to take just as much time as they would if it wasn't the week of Christmas.
CBS News-Tax Cut Deal Divides Potential 2012 GOP Contenders
I think that all Senators are doing what they think is right for the country and I personally don't have a side because I don't fully understand the bill. I see that both sides say that the taxes will be raised if their way doesn't win. I also noticed it said that in the end its anticipated to cost $900 billion so I wonder where this will come from without raising taxes. I just hope they make the right decision to better the country.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Legislative Preview & How a bill becomes a law
Before today I didn't have very much knowledge about how a bill becomes a law or about the legislative process. I knew that bills had to go through the Senate, House of Representatives, and Governor before it becomes a law. I also knew that the Governor could veto a bill. I didn't know that once it was vetoed that it had such a good chance of still becoming a law. I now see how our country is run by many people, and just because we have a President or Governor doesn't mean they will decide what laws and bills are made. I also didn't realize that there were different commitees that had specific areas that they concentrate on.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Quiz Chapter 7
1. Explain the difference between hard and soft money:
Hard money is given to a certain candidate and it has limits. Soft money is given to a party such as Democratic or Republican and there aren't limits on soft money.
2. What is the electoral process and is this something that you agree or disagree with and why?
The electoral process is that we nominate candidates then have a primary election. The candidates that win the primary election go on and if they win the real election they serve for a certain number of years. I agree with it because with out a nomination process and voting by the people our country wouldn't really be for the people. It also helps us pick the candidate we believe will do the best job.
3. What is the difference between a closed and open primary?
A closed primary is a primary election where only people of the party that is being voted on can vote. An open primary is a primary election where anyone can vote on either party.
4. Explain what absentee voting is and what the positives and negative may be with regards to it:
Absentee voting is voting before the election and it is a ballot that is mailed in. Most people use absentee voting if they can't make it to the polls on election day. The positives of absentee voting are that it gets more people to vote because it is another option. Negatives to absentee voting are that there could possibly be tampering or other ways of messing with the voting process.
5. What changes to your see in the way we run elections ten years from now?
I think that 10 years from now everything will be done electronicly. The machines used will be more tamper proof and possibly just be your own computer at home. It will make voting more efficient and easier.
6. Explain your views on money and elections with regards the amount of money that is spent:
I think that money is important to an election because without advertisements people wouldn't have a good way of knowing who their voting for. But I don't agree with the negative ads people use. I think there should be a cap on how much money a candidate is allowed to spend.
7. Go to cnn.com or foxnews.com and find an article dealing with the election process. Post the article in your blog and provide your viewpoints pertaining to the article.
Election officials say Thursday that Brown fell 18 votes short of Damrow in the recount for the 84th state House district covering Huron and Tuscola counties. Election officials said some precincts could not be recounted mainly because of problems related to sealing containers holding ballots.
Brown said the recount will provide opportunities to improve the election process related to how ballots are handled.
Official election results certified earlier this month had Damrow winning by 30 votes before the recount.
More than 30,000 votes were cast in the race.
Brown was among the Democratic incumbents swept out of office by a strong Republican showing in the 2010 election.
I think that this article shows that the election process isn't perfect, but I don't think that there is a way that it will be perfect. This shows that there are ways to make sure the true winner wins and that people are trying to improve the process.
Hard money is given to a certain candidate and it has limits. Soft money is given to a party such as Democratic or Republican and there aren't limits on soft money.
2. What is the electoral process and is this something that you agree or disagree with and why?
The electoral process is that we nominate candidates then have a primary election. The candidates that win the primary election go on and if they win the real election they serve for a certain number of years. I agree with it because with out a nomination process and voting by the people our country wouldn't really be for the people. It also helps us pick the candidate we believe will do the best job.
3. What is the difference between a closed and open primary?
A closed primary is a primary election where only people of the party that is being voted on can vote. An open primary is a primary election where anyone can vote on either party.
4. Explain what absentee voting is and what the positives and negative may be with regards to it:
Absentee voting is voting before the election and it is a ballot that is mailed in. Most people use absentee voting if they can't make it to the polls on election day. The positives of absentee voting are that it gets more people to vote because it is another option. Negatives to absentee voting are that there could possibly be tampering or other ways of messing with the voting process.
5. What changes to your see in the way we run elections ten years from now?
I think that 10 years from now everything will be done electronicly. The machines used will be more tamper proof and possibly just be your own computer at home. It will make voting more efficient and easier.
6. Explain your views on money and elections with regards the amount of money that is spent:
I think that money is important to an election because without advertisements people wouldn't have a good way of knowing who their voting for. But I don't agree with the negative ads people use. I think there should be a cap on how much money a candidate is allowed to spend.
7. Go to cnn.com or foxnews.com and find an article dealing with the election process. Post the article in your blog and provide your viewpoints pertaining to the article.
LANSING, Mich. —
A recount has upheld Republican Kurt Damrow's narrow victory over Democratic state Rep. Terry Brown of Pigeon in last month's election. Election officials say Thursday that Brown fell 18 votes short of Damrow in the recount for the 84th state House district covering Huron and Tuscola counties. Election officials said some precincts could not be recounted mainly because of problems related to sealing containers holding ballots.
Brown said the recount will provide opportunities to improve the election process related to how ballots are handled.
Official election results certified earlier this month had Damrow winning by 30 votes before the recount.
More than 30,000 votes were cast in the race.
Brown was among the Democratic incumbents swept out of office by a strong Republican showing in the 2010 election.
I think that this article shows that the election process isn't perfect, but I don't think that there is a way that it will be perfect. This shows that there are ways to make sure the true winner wins and that people are trying to improve the process.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Ch 6 Test
1. Provide a paragraph on an important issue of your choice from Section 1:
I think an important issue of Section 1 is the five stages of expanding suffrage. In the beginning only white males of certain religious belief. The first stage was that religious qualifications disappeared. Then citizens weren't supposed to be denied the right to vote because of race or color, but there were other ways African Americans were kept from voting. Third women were allowed to vote, and then African Americans were given a full role in the electoral process in all states. And lastly, no state can set the minimum voting age at more than 18.
2. Provide a paragraph on an important issue of your choice from Section 2:
An important issue in Section 2 was voting registration. It is an important issue because it is what keeps voting organized and fair. Registration is a porcedure of voter identification intended to prevent fraudulent voting. All States except North Dakota use voting registration. It is also useful to have poll books to keep track of qualified voters in each precinct, and they need to be purged every few years to eliminate people who are no longer able to vote.
3. Provide a paragraph on an important issue of your choice from Section 3:
I think that a very important issue from Section 3 is the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This act applied to all elections held anywhere in this country. It made it so African Americans could vote no matter what. It eliminated poll taxes and literacy tests. It also gave the federal government more control to oversee the voting processes.
4. Provide a paragraph on an important issue of your choice from Section 4:
An important issue in Section 4 is the problem of nonvoters. In ancient Athens idiots were citizens who did not vote or take part in public life. Well many Americans don't vote. There are lower numbers in off-year elections. Many people who do not vote, can't. They are resident aliens who are not allowed to vote. There are so many people who just don't vote because they think their vote doesn't matter, but it actually does.
5. Explain voter apathy and what can be done to help it:
Voter apathy is the problem of many eligible voters that don't vote. Our country has the lowest rate of voter participation of any democracy in the world. Many people don't vote because they never have, and their parents never did. They are teaching their children that voting doesn't matter. But what if everyone thought this way, then no one would vote. I think that in school we need to teach kids from a young age how much their vote matters. Show them the consiquences of everyone not voting and what our country could turn into.
6. Explain the qualifications for registering to vote:
Every State has qualifications to vote. One is citizenship, aliens are denied the right to vote in the United States. The Constitution doesn't say that they can't vote, so any State could allow them to at any point. Another qualification is residence. In order to vote, you need to be a legal resident of the State in which you wish to vote in. The third qualification is age. The minimum age for voting can not be any mor than 18. Another qualification in all States except North Dakota is voting registration.
I think an important issue of Section 1 is the five stages of expanding suffrage. In the beginning only white males of certain religious belief. The first stage was that religious qualifications disappeared. Then citizens weren't supposed to be denied the right to vote because of race or color, but there were other ways African Americans were kept from voting. Third women were allowed to vote, and then African Americans were given a full role in the electoral process in all states. And lastly, no state can set the minimum voting age at more than 18.
2. Provide a paragraph on an important issue of your choice from Section 2:
An important issue in Section 2 was voting registration. It is an important issue because it is what keeps voting organized and fair. Registration is a porcedure of voter identification intended to prevent fraudulent voting. All States except North Dakota use voting registration. It is also useful to have poll books to keep track of qualified voters in each precinct, and they need to be purged every few years to eliminate people who are no longer able to vote.
3. Provide a paragraph on an important issue of your choice from Section 3:
I think that a very important issue from Section 3 is the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This act applied to all elections held anywhere in this country. It made it so African Americans could vote no matter what. It eliminated poll taxes and literacy tests. It also gave the federal government more control to oversee the voting processes.
4. Provide a paragraph on an important issue of your choice from Section 4:
An important issue in Section 4 is the problem of nonvoters. In ancient Athens idiots were citizens who did not vote or take part in public life. Well many Americans don't vote. There are lower numbers in off-year elections. Many people who do not vote, can't. They are resident aliens who are not allowed to vote. There are so many people who just don't vote because they think their vote doesn't matter, but it actually does.
5. Explain voter apathy and what can be done to help it:
Voter apathy is the problem of many eligible voters that don't vote. Our country has the lowest rate of voter participation of any democracy in the world. Many people don't vote because they never have, and their parents never did. They are teaching their children that voting doesn't matter. But what if everyone thought this way, then no one would vote. I think that in school we need to teach kids from a young age how much their vote matters. Show them the consiquences of everyone not voting and what our country could turn into.
6. Explain the qualifications for registering to vote:
Every State has qualifications to vote. One is citizenship, aliens are denied the right to vote in the United States. The Constitution doesn't say that they can't vote, so any State could allow them to at any point. Another qualification is residence. In order to vote, you need to be a legal resident of the State in which you wish to vote in. The third qualification is age. The minimum age for voting can not be any mor than 18. Another qualification in all States except North Dakota is voting registration.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Political Parties
Using the Internet, research for a minimum of 15mins- the history of the two major political parties in our government.
Report your findings for both the Republicans and the Democrats.
Then share which party you see yourself supporting in the past, present and future and why you feel you support that party or parties.
When finished you should have around 3-4 paragraphs.
The Democratic party was started many years ago. Thomas Jefferson started the first political party because he thought that the federal government was having too much power. It became known as the Democratic party after Andrew Jackson became president. The Democratic convention is the longest running political organization in the world. The symbol of the donkey has become the "mascot" of the Democratic party.
The Republican party was started because of the conflicts about slavery spreading to the western territories. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 split the two major parties of the time, Democrats and Whigs. There were conventions held to protest the Nebraska act and free soldiers, democrats, and whigs attended. They became the Republican party because they said they were decendents of Thomas Jefferson's Democratic-Republican party. The Republican party is also known as the Grand Old Party or GOP.
From what I have seen and reseached I think right now I would be considered a Republican. I based this on issues that matter to me like abortion. Most Republicans are opposed to abortion and I agree with that. I don't know much about the money issues yet and will base my decision in the future on what I learn. So I think my ideas could change as I get older and more knowledgable.
Report your findings for both the Republicans and the Democrats.
Then share which party you see yourself supporting in the past, present and future and why you feel you support that party or parties.
When finished you should have around 3-4 paragraphs.
The Democratic party was started many years ago. Thomas Jefferson started the first political party because he thought that the federal government was having too much power. It became known as the Democratic party after Andrew Jackson became president. The Democratic convention is the longest running political organization in the world. The symbol of the donkey has become the "mascot" of the Democratic party.
The Republican party was started because of the conflicts about slavery spreading to the western territories. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 split the two major parties of the time, Democrats and Whigs. There were conventions held to protest the Nebraska act and free soldiers, democrats, and whigs attended. They became the Republican party because they said they were decendents of Thomas Jefferson's Democratic-Republican party. The Republican party is also known as the Grand Old Party or GOP.
From what I have seen and reseached I think right now I would be considered a Republican. I based this on issues that matter to me like abortion. Most Republicans are opposed to abortion and I agree with that. I don't know much about the money issues yet and will base my decision in the future on what I learn. So I think my ideas could change as I get older and more knowledgable.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Election Results Due Friday Nov 5th Your blog
Take 15mins and look at the following sites and find election results.
http://foxnews.com/
http://cnn.com/
http://sdpb.org/
http://keloland.com/
Then give your view on the national results and the local results. Both the candidates and the initiative measures.
Two paragraphs minimum.
This years elections were all about balancing power in Washington. I found out that now after elections there are more Republicans than Democrats in the US House, and it is almost equal in the US Senate. Also when I looked at an election map it shows that most states were won over by the Republicans. I agree that our country needs to be balanced. If one party is making a bad decision we now have the right amount of the other party to stop it and discuss other plans.
Our state voted in all Republicans this election. I think by electing Noem as our Congress woman it shows that our state wants change. Also I think that by passing the smoking ban it shows how many people in our state are or want to not smoke. Many businesses fear the smoking ban will hurt their business but I disagree. I don't see why people would stop going out to eat just because they can't smoke there. Now that everywhere is no smoking they will probably draw more customers because they won't leave smelling like smoke.
I also saw that voting turnout was low. It is most likely because people didn't think this was a important election, but in fact it was. It decided who would represent our country and make decisions about taxes and help get our economy back. There were also important initiatives to vote on like the smoking ban and medical marijuana.
http://foxnews.com/
http://cnn.com/
http://sdpb.org/
http://keloland.com/
Then give your view on the national results and the local results. Both the candidates and the initiative measures.
Two paragraphs minimum.
This years elections were all about balancing power in Washington. I found out that now after elections there are more Republicans than Democrats in the US House, and it is almost equal in the US Senate. Also when I looked at an election map it shows that most states were won over by the Republicans. I agree that our country needs to be balanced. If one party is making a bad decision we now have the right amount of the other party to stop it and discuss other plans.
Our state voted in all Republicans this election. I think by electing Noem as our Congress woman it shows that our state wants change. Also I think that by passing the smoking ban it shows how many people in our state are or want to not smoke. Many businesses fear the smoking ban will hurt their business but I disagree. I don't see why people would stop going out to eat just because they can't smoke there. Now that everywhere is no smoking they will probably draw more customers because they won't leave smelling like smoke.
I also saw that voting turnout was low. It is most likely because people didn't think this was a important election, but in fact it was. It decided who would represent our country and make decisions about taxes and help get our economy back. There were also important initiatives to vote on like the smoking ban and medical marijuana.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Federalism Round Up
In your blog: Pick two areas from each of the three sections in Chapter 4. Write a paragraph on those areas and what you have learned in regards to each area. You should have six total paragraphs.
In Section 1 it talks about why our country uses federalism. The framer's of the Consitution were the ones who decided on this type of government. They knew they didn't want a strong central government, and they also knew that the Revolution had been fought for a self-government. Another thing they took into consideration was that the Articles of Confederation had made the government too weak. They realized that they needed a division of powers to have the best government and so today we have federalism.
Also in Section 1 it discusses the powers of the National Government. There are expressed powers like the power to lay and collect taxes, to coin money, to regulate foreign and interstate commerce, and to declare waar. There are implied powers which aren't stated but are suggested or implied by the expressed powers. Some implied powers are that it made federal crimes of moving stolen goods, gambliing devices, and kidnapped persons across State lines. Another is inherent powers like the power to regulate immigration, to deport undocumented aliens, and to acquire territory.
Section 2 talks about the Nation's obligations to the States. It is required by the Constitution to guarantee every State a Republican Form of Government. Another thing the Constitution says is that the National Government must protect each state against invasion, but this isn't much use today because an attack on any State would be seen as an attack on the US. And lastly the National Government is to respect the territorial integrity of each of the States.
Also in Section 2 it tells how new states are admitted. Only congress has the power to let new States into the Union. The admission process is quite short and easy. Sometimes before being admitted a State must agree to certain conditions, but the conditions can not be political. Also the State enters the Union equal to the rest of the States.
Section 3 talks about extradition. If a fugitive charged in a crime flees from Justice and is found in another State they are brought back the the State in which they were charged. This is the process of extradition and it tries to prevent people from escaping justice. Governor's could refuse to return a fugitive until the 1980's.
In Section 3 it also discusses privileges and immunities. Each State has to recognize that people can travel in or become a resident of that State, and they also can buy, own, rent, or sell property; or marry within its borders. The State can require people to live in that State for a certain amount of time before they can vote or hold public office, or before they can be licensed to practice law, medicine, or other professions. And they can also require non-residents to pay higher amounts for hunting or fishing licenses, and higher tuition rates for out-of-state students attending a college.
In Section 1 it talks about why our country uses federalism. The framer's of the Consitution were the ones who decided on this type of government. They knew they didn't want a strong central government, and they also knew that the Revolution had been fought for a self-government. Another thing they took into consideration was that the Articles of Confederation had made the government too weak. They realized that they needed a division of powers to have the best government and so today we have federalism.
Also in Section 1 it discusses the powers of the National Government. There are expressed powers like the power to lay and collect taxes, to coin money, to regulate foreign and interstate commerce, and to declare waar. There are implied powers which aren't stated but are suggested or implied by the expressed powers. Some implied powers are that it made federal crimes of moving stolen goods, gambliing devices, and kidnapped persons across State lines. Another is inherent powers like the power to regulate immigration, to deport undocumented aliens, and to acquire territory.
Section 2 talks about the Nation's obligations to the States. It is required by the Constitution to guarantee every State a Republican Form of Government. Another thing the Constitution says is that the National Government must protect each state against invasion, but this isn't much use today because an attack on any State would be seen as an attack on the US. And lastly the National Government is to respect the territorial integrity of each of the States.
Also in Section 2 it tells how new states are admitted. Only congress has the power to let new States into the Union. The admission process is quite short and easy. Sometimes before being admitted a State must agree to certain conditions, but the conditions can not be political. Also the State enters the Union equal to the rest of the States.
Section 3 talks about extradition. If a fugitive charged in a crime flees from Justice and is found in another State they are brought back the the State in which they were charged. This is the process of extradition and it tries to prevent people from escaping justice. Governor's could refuse to return a fugitive until the 1980's.
In Section 3 it also discusses privileges and immunities. Each State has to recognize that people can travel in or become a resident of that State, and they also can buy, own, rent, or sell property; or marry within its borders. The State can require people to live in that State for a certain amount of time before they can vote or hold public office, or before they can be licensed to practice law, medicine, or other professions. And they can also require non-residents to pay higher amounts for hunting or fishing licenses, and higher tuition rates for out-of-state students attending a college.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Federalism Assignment
1. What does Federalism mean by definition and what does Federalism mean to you?
Federalism is the theory or advocacy of federal principles for dividing powers between member units and common institutions. To mean federalism is the way our government is run and it is what makes the US such a major power.
2. List and describe the three powers of the National Government.
Print money-The National Government are the only ones who can print bills and coins to keep our country in control and do its best to keep out of debt.
Declare war-They also are the only that can declare war because they will make the best decision for the country and this ensures there aren't any wars for no reason.
Establish an army and navy-The National Government makes armies and navies to protect our country and to be ready for disasters or wars.
3. Explain the division of powers and why it is important?
The division of powers is a way of seperating powers between the State and the National government. It ensures there will be power spread through out different governments and the country will not be ruled with an "iron fist".
4. What is the Supremacy Clause and what is its function?
It says that all laws in or added to the Constitution are the supreme law and preside over all others. It's function is also to make sure the US is never under a bad ruler and our power is spread out.
5. Find a site on the Internet that deals with Federalism. Take 10 minutes and review that site. Provide the link and provide some of the useful information that you found to help you better understand what Federalism is and how it works.
http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_fedr.html
Federalism is chosen for two reasons-the size and diversity.
Two types of federalism-dual and cooperative.
The Constitution gives specific powers to both the state and the federal government.
Federalism is the theory or advocacy of federal principles for dividing powers between member units and common institutions. To mean federalism is the way our government is run and it is what makes the US such a major power.
2. List and describe the three powers of the National Government.
Print money-The National Government are the only ones who can print bills and coins to keep our country in control and do its best to keep out of debt.
Declare war-They also are the only that can declare war because they will make the best decision for the country and this ensures there aren't any wars for no reason.
Establish an army and navy-The National Government makes armies and navies to protect our country and to be ready for disasters or wars.
3. Explain the division of powers and why it is important?
The division of powers is a way of seperating powers between the State and the National government. It ensures there will be power spread through out different governments and the country will not be ruled with an "iron fist".
4. What is the Supremacy Clause and what is its function?
It says that all laws in or added to the Constitution are the supreme law and preside over all others. It's function is also to make sure the US is never under a bad ruler and our power is spread out.
5. Find a site on the Internet that deals with Federalism. Take 10 minutes and review that site. Provide the link and provide some of the useful information that you found to help you better understand what Federalism is and how it works.
http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_fedr.html
Federalism is chosen for two reasons-the size and diversity.
Two types of federalism-dual and cooperative.
The Constitution gives specific powers to both the state and the federal government.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Assignment #1
What are your views on the latest political ads on TV? What candidate(s) do you like or dislike and why?
In the political race between Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Kristi Noem for S.D House Seat has become the "hottest" race of the year. I have seen many ads on TV where one of them is bashing the other. I think that it has become too much about throwing the other under the bus and not enough about what they are going to do for our state. I don't pay much attention to politics, but from what I know I think Stephanie Herseth has done a good job so far for our state and think people will re-elect her. I dislike that she brought up Noem's speeding tickets though, because I don't see how that has to do with representing our state in Washington.
What role do you feel that you will play in politics and government in the future? What ways are you participating currently?
In the future I think I will try to stay up to date with what is happening in politics and government so that when it is time to vote I know what I think is best. By staying up to date I will know what certain people have done for our state or country and be able to decide who to vote for. I will vote at every election because I know that every vote counts. Currently I am not very up to date on politics. I don't pay much attention and would be able to make a good decision on who to vote for. I think that I will start paying more attention to our government.
In the political race between Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Kristi Noem for S.D House Seat has become the "hottest" race of the year. I have seen many ads on TV where one of them is bashing the other. I think that it has become too much about throwing the other under the bus and not enough about what they are going to do for our state. I don't pay much attention to politics, but from what I know I think Stephanie Herseth has done a good job so far for our state and think people will re-elect her. I dislike that she brought up Noem's speeding tickets though, because I don't see how that has to do with representing our state in Washington.
What role do you feel that you will play in politics and government in the future? What ways are you participating currently?
In the future I think I will try to stay up to date with what is happening in politics and government so that when it is time to vote I know what I think is best. By staying up to date I will know what certain people have done for our state or country and be able to decide who to vote for. I will vote at every election because I know that every vote counts. Currently I am not very up to date on politics. I don't pay much attention and would be able to make a good decision on who to vote for. I think that I will start paying more attention to our government.
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