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.

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.

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.