S. 174: Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention America Act
-Emily
H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011
- Abby
S. 1500: Ensure Children Have Health Care Act
- Eli
I have chosen to use Ensure Children Have Health Care Act for my constituent letter.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Interpreting the Constitution in the Digital Era
facts:
1. None of the existing amendments give clear answers to the most basic questions people have today.
2. We can't only rely on judges enforcing the existing Constitution to protect the values that the Framers took for granted.
3. We can be permanently tarred for one mistake we made on the Internet.
4. There's a bill pending in Congress right now that is a bipartisan geolocational privacy bill.
5. There is no expectation of privacy on the street in the US.
6. The United States v. Jones Supreme Court case is considering whether or not policemen need a warrant from a judge before attaching a secret GPS monitor to a car to track a suspect around the clock.
7. An argument is the 4th Amendment only bans searches without warrants in private spaces and the GPS is an extension of human surveillance.
8. Rosen believes the GPS case has the potential to be the most important privacy case of the decade.
9. Google has been under pressure from the US government to remove terrorist videos from Youtube.
10. Twitter was pressured to remove pro-Taliban tweets
Questions:
1. Will the internet ever be completely censored by the government?
2. Will this negatively or positively affect social networking sites?
3. Is anything protected when you put it up on the internet?
4. Who watches the public monitors?
5. Should it be a violation to monitor people in public?
1. None of the existing amendments give clear answers to the most basic questions people have today.
2. We can't only rely on judges enforcing the existing Constitution to protect the values that the Framers took for granted.
3. We can be permanently tarred for one mistake we made on the Internet.
4. There's a bill pending in Congress right now that is a bipartisan geolocational privacy bill.
5. There is no expectation of privacy on the street in the US.
6. The United States v. Jones Supreme Court case is considering whether or not policemen need a warrant from a judge before attaching a secret GPS monitor to a car to track a suspect around the clock.
7. An argument is the 4th Amendment only bans searches without warrants in private spaces and the GPS is an extension of human surveillance.
8. Rosen believes the GPS case has the potential to be the most important privacy case of the decade.
9. Google has been under pressure from the US government to remove terrorist videos from Youtube.
10. Twitter was pressured to remove pro-Taliban tweets
Questions:
1. Will the internet ever be completely censored by the government?
2. Will this negatively or positively affect social networking sites?
3. Is anything protected when you put it up on the internet?
4. Who watches the public monitors?
5. Should it be a violation to monitor people in public?
Issue of the Week: National Debt
1. How much has the debt increased in the past few years
- The national debt is currently approximately $15 trillion and is continuing to increase. Each year it increases more and more. In 2008 national debt was $10 trillion and in 2004 it was $7 trillion.
2. How much of the blame can actually be put on the presidents that we have had during the rescission?
- People can blame the president because his actions factored into our debt. For example, Bush's decision to go to war with Iraq. That requires a lot of funding for troops and weapons. The presidents aren't the only ones at fault, but they definitely contributed to the problem.
3. How does our debt compare to other countries with debt?
-The US has the most National debt, which is $15 trillion that is still increasing. But other countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany also have a lot of debt like $9 trillion and $5 trillion.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2079.html
http://theweek.com/article/index/217524/what-caused-the-national-debt-6-culprits
- The national debt is currently approximately $15 trillion and is continuing to increase. Each year it increases more and more. In 2008 national debt was $10 trillion and in 2004 it was $7 trillion.
2. How much of the blame can actually be put on the presidents that we have had during the rescission?
- People can blame the president because his actions factored into our debt. For example, Bush's decision to go to war with Iraq. That requires a lot of funding for troops and weapons. The presidents aren't the only ones at fault, but they definitely contributed to the problem.
3. How does our debt compare to other countries with debt?
-The US has the most National debt, which is $15 trillion that is still increasing. But other countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany also have a lot of debt like $9 trillion and $5 trillion.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2079.html
http://theweek.com/article/index/217524/what-caused-the-national-debt-6-culprits
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Political Cartoon 5
1. Is getting an education viewed as not worth it anymore?
2. Are many people joining the army because they doubt they can get jobs?
3. How many people have given up on an education so they can join the army instead?
Electoral College Reform
Facts:
1. As of the year 2000, 10 states account for 54% of the US population
2. The law can't prevent a candidate from voluntarily withdrawing from the race
3. Electoral college meets every 4 years
4. George W. Bush was the first Southern conservative since before the Civil War
5. The existence of the electoral college is bad for the third parties because they are very unlikely to win electoral votes
6. There are a total of 580 electoral votes
7. Only a vote of 270 is needed for an election
8. The smallest number of electoral votes in a state is 3
9. The electoral college is not a college and it never meets as a single entity
10. The electoral college greatly influences the character of the parties, the nominating process, and the outcome of an election.
Questions:
1. Why did we decide to use the electoral college in the first place?
2. Are many people for it or against it?
3. How does it negatively affect elections?
4. How does it positively affect elections?
5. Do many people want to get rid of the electoral college and just go by the popular vote?
In my opinion, the system would be more fair without the electoral college. It doesn't seem right that the electoral college votes are the one's that determine the presidency. If a candidate wins the popular vote, that basically means he is favored by a majority of the American's who voted. Therefore, that person should become president.
9. The electoral college is not a college and it never meets as a single entity
10. The electoral college greatly influences the character of the parties, the nominating process, and the outcome of an election.
Questions:
1. Why did we decide to use the electoral college in the first place?
2. Are many people for it or against it?
3. How does it negatively affect elections?
4. How does it positively affect elections?
5. Do many people want to get rid of the electoral college and just go by the popular vote?
In my opinion, the system would be more fair without the electoral college. It doesn't seem right that the electoral college votes are the one's that determine the presidency. If a candidate wins the popular vote, that basically means he is favored by a majority of the American's who voted. Therefore, that person should become president.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
New York Times Budget Puzzle
-How much did you save?
In 2015- $363 Billion
In 2030- $719 Billion
-What percent came from tax increases? 62%
-What percent came from spending cuts? 38%
Reflection:
Most of the decisions I made were very simple. I easily decided to cut military costs by reducing the amount of funding there would be for weapons. What I had a difficult time with, however, was deciding on changes for social security and medicare. In my opinion, those are both huge and important and deserve funding.
In 2015- $363 Billion
In 2030- $719 Billion
-What percent came from tax increases? 62%
-What percent came from spending cuts? 38%
Reflection:
Most of the decisions I made were very simple. I easily decided to cut military costs by reducing the amount of funding there would be for weapons. What I had a difficult time with, however, was deciding on changes for social security and medicare. In my opinion, those are both huge and important and deserve funding.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Thomas Jefferson Lessons Learned
http://sc94.ameslab.gov/tour/tjefferson.html
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/thomasjefferson
http://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/brief-biography-thomas-jefferson
http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/jefferson.htm
1. It helps to be acquainted with the military
2. Always do what's best for the country
3. Associate yourself with people who you can easily communicate with
4. Always continue to fight for what you believe in
5. Education is important for success
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Political Cartoon 4
1. Are too many Americans not compelled to vote?
2. Are more Americans concerned with television and the internet than they are with politics?
3. What can be done to ensure that more Americans focus on the real issues in our country?
Campaign Ad Analysis
1) The ad tries to frighten voters about the opposing candidate so they don't want to vote for them. http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1964. I don't think this is very effective because it doesn't say why they should vote for anyone it just says why they shouldn't vote for the other person, but it doesn't make the other person seem that great.
2. Discussing beneficial education and the future of Children because most families really care about those issues. http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1996 I thought this was effective because the future of children is an issue that many people care about. Many families are more compelled to vote for someone who will help their family.
3.) The ad uses facts and statistics to support the candidate’s policies http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/issue/taxes
It's not very effective because the statistics could be made up and it's not very persuasive.
4. The ad insults the candidate’s opponent to convince voters not to vote for the opponent- http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/curator
Not effective because some people do not believe these ads and it will just make the other candidate fight back with an insulting ad.
2. Discussing beneficial education and the future of Children because most families really care about those issues. http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1996 I thought this was effective because the future of children is an issue that many people care about. Many families are more compelled to vote for someone who will help their family.
3.) The ad uses facts and statistics to support the candidate’s policies http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/issue/taxes
It's not very effective because the statistics could be made up and it's not very persuasive.
4. The ad insults the candidate’s opponent to convince voters not to vote for the opponent- http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/curator
Not effective because some people do not believe these ads and it will just make the other candidate fight back with an insulting ad.
5. The ad makes uses cartoons to demonstrate the ideas. http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1952
This is effective because it really captures everyone's attention and makes every really listen.
6. Comparing the difference between the candidate's policies
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1984This was effective because it informed viewers about the candidate's ideas so they would be better informed to vote. It's very effective because it's all true and viewers know that the information wasn't made up. Assertions:
1. When advertisements really inform viewers they are effective
2. If advertisements are extreme and sound made up people will not listen to them
3. Advertisements can be very persuasive when done right
Electoral College
Facts:
1. Bush received 50.5 million votes in the 2000 election
2. Gore received 50.5 million votes in the 2000 election
3. Each state gets 2 Electoral College votes
4. There are laws requiring electors to vote for candidate who chose them
5. There have only been 10 electors that have violated their pledges to a candidate
6. The Electoral College is undemocratic
7. Federal judges are not elected
8. Electors are determined by popular vote
9. The 2 party system does not work for the Electoral College
10. Electors are required to vote for the candidate that selected them.
Questions:
1. Is the Electoral College a fair system?
2. Are there any plans to get rid of this system?
3. Would it positively affect the Electoral College if there were more than 2 parties?
4. Are many people in favor of the system the way it is now?
5. How can we improve this system?
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
2 Articles
http://www.taxpayer.net/resources.php?action=issues&proj_id=4832&category=National Security&type=Project
1. 1/6 of the $200 billion spent on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan was lost to waste
2. Supplemental and Cost of War Execution Reports are documents that break down the cost of the war on terrorism
3. On June 6, 2002, President George W. Bush unveiled his plan for a new Cabinet-level agency that would consolidate responsibilities and funding for nine different departments
4. The defense budget has more than doubled.
5. DHS is the Department of Homeland Security
http://www.taxpayer.net/resources.php?category=&type=Project&proj_id=4984&action=Headlines%20By%20TCS
1. Since 1789, the federal government has provided tax subsidies to domestic coal suppliers in order to ensure the competitiveness of the industry
2. In the past 60 years, the coal industry has received more than $70 billion in subsidies and tax breaks
3. Coal prices have steadily increased since 2002
4. Prices of coal bought by electric utilities rose 38.6% from 2004-2009
5. Alpha Natural Resources has become the second largest coal supplier in the United States
1. 1/6 of the $200 billion spent on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan was lost to waste
2. Supplemental and Cost of War Execution Reports are documents that break down the cost of the war on terrorism
3. On June 6, 2002, President George W. Bush unveiled his plan for a new Cabinet-level agency that would consolidate responsibilities and funding for nine different departments
4. The defense budget has more than doubled.
5. DHS is the Department of Homeland Security
http://www.taxpayer.net/resources.php?category=&type=Project&proj_id=4984&action=Headlines%20By%20TCS
1. Since 1789, the federal government has provided tax subsidies to domestic coal suppliers in order to ensure the competitiveness of the industry
2. In the past 60 years, the coal industry has received more than $70 billion in subsidies and tax breaks
3. Coal prices have steadily increased since 2002
4. Prices of coal bought by electric utilities rose 38.6% from 2004-2009
5. Alpha Natural Resources has become the second largest coal supplier in the United States
Monday, December 5, 2011
Issue of the Week: Death Penalty
1. How much does the death penalty cost?
- The cost is different depending on which state you are in. In some states it is more expensive than in others, but it is pretty expensive no matter what state you are in. In general, it costs more for the death penalty than it does to put someone in jail.
2. How many states have banned the death penalty?
- About 139 countries have banned the death penalty, but by 2010, only one country had banned it for every crime. For awhile, only 9 countries had banned it for ordinary crimes.
3. How many people were killed that were actually innocent?
- There is no exact number of innocent people who were put to death. However, I found that over 130 people have been found innocent and released from death row in the last 35 years.
http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/FactSheet.pdf
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0777460.html
- The cost is different depending on which state you are in. In some states it is more expensive than in others, but it is pretty expensive no matter what state you are in. In general, it costs more for the death penalty than it does to put someone in jail.
2. How many states have banned the death penalty?
- About 139 countries have banned the death penalty, but by 2010, only one country had banned it for every crime. For awhile, only 9 countries had banned it for ordinary crimes.
3. How many people were killed that were actually innocent?
- There is no exact number of innocent people who were put to death. However, I found that over 130 people have been found innocent and released from death row in the last 35 years.
http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/FactSheet.pdf
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0777460.html
Pending Bills
1. HR 1895: Do Not Track Kids Act of 2011- The purpose is to extend provisions relating to the disclosure of personal information of children and also to establish other protection in order to protect the personal information of minors. Status: just introduced.
2. HR 2865: 9/11 Memorial Cross National Monument Establishment Act of 2011- Purpose is to erect a cross memorial at the National 9/11 Memorial Museum. Status: the bill has been referred to a Committee.
3. S 1722: Early Learning Proficiency Act- The purpose is to improve early education. Status: first step in the legislative process
Examine Further: S 1722: Early Learning Proficiency Act
details:
1. This bill is in the first step of the Legislative process
2. It is a bill to improve early education
3. No later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education will issue guidance to local educational agencies
4. This bill was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
5. This bill was introduced in the Senate
questions:
1. Are there any negative aspects that would come with passing this bill?
2. How many States would this affect?
3. How much would this be helping the local educational agencies?
2. HR 2865: 9/11 Memorial Cross National Monument Establishment Act of 2011- Purpose is to erect a cross memorial at the National 9/11 Memorial Museum. Status: the bill has been referred to a Committee.
3. S 1722: Early Learning Proficiency Act- The purpose is to improve early education. Status: first step in the legislative process
Examine Further: S 1722: Early Learning Proficiency Act
details:
1. This bill is in the first step of the Legislative process
2. It is a bill to improve early education
3. No later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education will issue guidance to local educational agencies
4. This bill was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
5. This bill was introduced in the Senate
questions:
1. Are there any negative aspects that would come with passing this bill?
2. How many States would this affect?
3. How much would this be helping the local educational agencies?
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Political Cartoon 3
1. Do you think there is any hope in getting jobs within the next few years?
2. How many people are unemployed this year as opposed to how many there were a few years ago?
3. Are there any parts of the country in which unemployment rates aren't that bad?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
PA's Congressional Districts/ 2008 Presidential Election
PA's Congressional Districts Facts:
1. The 1st district has a lot of Democrats
2. The 9th district is the most Republican in the state
3. Washington county was named after George Washington
4. Philadelphia county is the most populous in the state
5. The 7th Congressional District is 98.56% urban and 1.44% rural
6. The 3rd Congressional District is located in northwestern PA
7. Delaware County was created on September 26, 1789
8. Delaware County was named after the Delaware River
9. Delaware County is the 7th Congressional District
10. The current 16th district was created after 2000
2008 Presidential Election:
1. Barack Obama received 54.7% of all Pennsylvania votes
2. John McCain only received 44.3% of all Pennsylvania votes
3. This was the 5th straight presidential election in which Democrats won Pennsylvania
4. McCain spent about 3 times as many days campaigning in Pennsylvania as Obama did
5. Obama received 2,988,473 votes
1. The 1st district has a lot of Democrats
2. The 9th district is the most Republican in the state
3. Washington county was named after George Washington
4. Philadelphia county is the most populous in the state
5. The 7th Congressional District is 98.56% urban and 1.44% rural
6. The 3rd Congressional District is located in northwestern PA
7. Delaware County was created on September 26, 1789
8. Delaware County was named after the Delaware River
9. Delaware County is the 7th Congressional District
10. The current 16th district was created after 2000
2008 Presidential Election:
1. Barack Obama received 54.7% of all Pennsylvania votes
2. John McCain only received 44.3% of all Pennsylvania votes
3. This was the 5th straight presidential election in which Democrats won Pennsylvania
4. McCain spent about 3 times as many days campaigning in Pennsylvania as Obama did
5. Obama received 2,988,473 votes
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
3 Death Penalty Questions
Questions:
1. How many states have banned the death penalty?
2. How much does it cost to put someone to death?
3. How many people were killed that were actually innocent?
1. How many states have banned the death penalty?
2. How much does it cost to put someone to death?
3. How many people were killed that were actually innocent?
Monday, November 28, 2011
How Washington Works
Facts:
1. Washington DC has a population of 3.5 million people
2. DOT= Department of Transportation
3. Some people believe that Washington DC is disconnected from the rest of the country
4. HUD= Department of Housing and Urban Development
5. Many people associate the word politician with the word hypocrisy
6. Washington DC is open to newcomers
7. Washington DC is different from other places because its one passion is politics
8. Congress works a short week in Washington
9. Although many people believe it is disconnected, it is not.
10. Potomac fever is the incurable addiction of wielding political power or feeling at the political center
Questions:
1. How many newcomers are in Washington each year?
2. Should Washington be more isolated?
3. Is there anything else that Washington is passionate about besides politics?
4. Should it have any other passions?
5. Why do many people think of politicians as hypocrites?
6. How many people visit Washington each year?
7. Why does Congress work a short week?
8. Are most people that live in Washington involved in politics?
9. Is Washington wealthier than other states?
10. Why is everyone capable of catching the Potomac fever?
1. Washington DC has a population of 3.5 million people
2. DOT= Department of Transportation
3. Some people believe that Washington DC is disconnected from the rest of the country
4. HUD= Department of Housing and Urban Development
5. Many people associate the word politician with the word hypocrisy
6. Washington DC is open to newcomers
7. Washington DC is different from other places because its one passion is politics
8. Congress works a short week in Washington
9. Although many people believe it is disconnected, it is not.
10. Potomac fever is the incurable addiction of wielding political power or feeling at the political center
Questions:
1. How many newcomers are in Washington each year?
2. Should Washington be more isolated?
3. Is there anything else that Washington is passionate about besides politics?
4. Should it have any other passions?
5. Why do many people think of politicians as hypocrites?
6. How many people visit Washington each year?
7. Why does Congress work a short week?
8. Are most people that live in Washington involved in politics?
9. Is Washington wealthier than other states?
10. Why is everyone capable of catching the Potomac fever?
Sunday, November 20, 2011
How Birth Control And Abortion Became Politicized
facts:
1. The first birth control clinic opened in 1916
2. Condoms were created in the 1850's
3. The initial purpose was to control the size of families so they wouldn't become too large
4. Sanger was accussed of being an eugenist
5. The clinic was operated by Margaret Sanger
6. Sanger founded the American Birth Control League which allows doctors to talk about contraception
7. Roe v. Wade made abortion legal
8. Sanger's Birth Control League was renamed the Planned Parenthood Federation of America
9. In 1936, a federal appellate court removed contraception from the obscenity category
10. Condoms were very expensive
questions:
1. Why was it illegal to give out such information?
2. Why were condoms so expensive?
3. Are abortions still unsafe?
4. Were there a lot of abortions back then even though it was illegal?
5. Are there any forms of birth control that are still illegal today?
6. Is the decline in birth rates negatively or positively affecting our country?
1. The first birth control clinic opened in 1916
2. Condoms were created in the 1850's
3. The initial purpose was to control the size of families so they wouldn't become too large
4. Sanger was accussed of being an eugenist
5. The clinic was operated by Margaret Sanger
6. Sanger founded the American Birth Control League which allows doctors to talk about contraception
7. Roe v. Wade made abortion legal
8. Sanger's Birth Control League was renamed the Planned Parenthood Federation of America
9. In 1936, a federal appellate court removed contraception from the obscenity category
10. Condoms were very expensive
questions:
1. Why was it illegal to give out such information?
2. Why were condoms so expensive?
3. Are abortions still unsafe?
4. Were there a lot of abortions back then even though it was illegal?
5. Are there any forms of birth control that are still illegal today?
6. Is the decline in birth rates negatively or positively affecting our country?
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Lost in Detention
Facts:
1. About 400,000 immigrants were detained/deported this year.
2. 3 million immigrants have been put in detentions where they are kept until they are sent back to their originating country
3. ICE is the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement
4. Less than 20% of illegal immigrants have been convicted of serious crimes
5. ICE has offices in all 50 states
6. ICE's goal is to get 400,000 illegal immigrants every year
7. The number of illegal immigrants found has increased during Obama's presidency
8. The Secure Communities program was set up to target and deport dangerous criminal immigrants
9. 36% of undocumented people that live in the U.S. have a family and lived in the U.S. for at least 11 years
10. 195,000 immigrants were removed from the US last year
Questions:
1. Why do so many people come illegally?
2. How do other countries deal with the issue of illegal immigration?
3. Can people who were deported ever come back to the US as a citizen?
4. Can laws be made to protect children with illegal immigrants as parents?
5. Does anyone try to help illegal immigrants?
1. About 400,000 immigrants were detained/deported this year.
2. 3 million immigrants have been put in detentions where they are kept until they are sent back to their originating country
3. ICE is the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement
4. Less than 20% of illegal immigrants have been convicted of serious crimes
5. ICE has offices in all 50 states
6. ICE's goal is to get 400,000 illegal immigrants every year
7. The number of illegal immigrants found has increased during Obama's presidency
8. The Secure Communities program was set up to target and deport dangerous criminal immigrants
9. 36% of undocumented people that live in the U.S. have a family and lived in the U.S. for at least 11 years
10. 195,000 immigrants were removed from the US last year
Questions:
1. Why do so many people come illegally?
2. How do other countries deal with the issue of illegal immigration?
3. Can people who were deported ever come back to the US as a citizen?
4. Can laws be made to protect children with illegal immigrants as parents?
5. Does anyone try to help illegal immigrants?
Committees
Bob Casey is on the Joint Economic Committee.
1. Has an equal number of Members from each party
2. One of four standing joint committees of the US Congress
3. Responsible for reporting the economic condition of the United States and making suggestions to improve the economy
Andrew Roberts is on the House Committee on Armed Forces and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Armed Forces:
1. Responsible for funding and oversight of the Department of Defense (DOD)
2. Created by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1964
3. When Republicans took control of the House of Representatives in 1994, the committee was renamed the Committee on National Security, but was then later renamed the Committee on Armed Services
Education and the Workforce:
1. From 1947-1994 and then again from 2007-2011, it was known as the Committee on Education and Labor.
2. The committee was founded on March 21, 1867 following the end of the Civil War.
3. Oversees the No Child Left Behind Act.
1. Has an equal number of Members from each party
2. One of four standing joint committees of the US Congress
3. Responsible for reporting the economic condition of the United States and making suggestions to improve the economy
Andrew Roberts is on the House Committee on Armed Forces and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Armed Forces:
1. Responsible for funding and oversight of the Department of Defense (DOD)
2. Created by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1964
3. When Republicans took control of the House of Representatives in 1994, the committee was renamed the Committee on National Security, but was then later renamed the Committee on Armed Services
Education and the Workforce:
1. From 1947-1994 and then again from 2007-2011, it was known as the Committee on Education and Labor.
2. The committee was founded on March 21, 1867 following the end of the Civil War.
3. Oversees the No Child Left Behind Act.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
West WIng Episode #2
Facts:
1. Filibusters only happen in the Senate
2. A cloture ends the filibuster
3. If the Senator stops talking or sits down, that ends the filibuster
4. The Senator can talk about anything, even if it doesn't have to do with the bill
5. 60 votes are needed to decide on a bill
6. The longest filibuster was a little bit over 24 hours
7. The word "filibuster" comes from a dutch word
8. The person who has the floor can only pause if a question is asked
Questions:
1. Why aren't there filibusters in the House?
2. How can someone stall the voting process in the House?
3. What rules must the other Senators follow while the filibuster is going on?
4. How often are filibusters used?
5. Are filibusters generally successful or unsuccessful?
1. Filibusters only happen in the Senate
2. A cloture ends the filibuster
3. If the Senator stops talking or sits down, that ends the filibuster
4. The Senator can talk about anything, even if it doesn't have to do with the bill
5. 60 votes are needed to decide on a bill
6. The longest filibuster was a little bit over 24 hours
7. The word "filibuster" comes from a dutch word
8. The person who has the floor can only pause if a question is asked
Questions:
1. Why aren't there filibusters in the House?
2. How can someone stall the voting process in the House?
3. What rules must the other Senators follow while the filibuster is going on?
4. How often are filibusters used?
5. Are filibusters generally successful or unsuccessful?
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Issue of the Week: Illegal Immigration
What happens if illegal immigrants have children that were born in the US?
- I found that children who are born in the US are considered citizens even if their parents are not. If their parents are illegal immigrants, those families could be forced to part. The children could be placed in foster care. However, in some cases, if the children are lucky, they can live with another family member.
How many illegal immigrants are currently living in the US?
- I found that, as of March 2010, there were approximately 11.2 million undocumented immigrants living in the US. This number has come down over the years because in March in 2007, there were about 12 million undocumented immigrants living in the US. Undocumented immigrants make up about 3.6% of the total US population.
Are there advantages or disadvantages to the economy when hiring an illegal immigrant?
- If an employer were to hire an illegal immigrant, he would have the advantage of money. He would not have to pay the illegal immigrant as much to work, and he would, therefore, be making more money.
links used:
http://roygermano.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/how-many-illegal-immigrants-live-in-the-united-states-and-where-do-they-come-from/
http://immigration-law.whocanisue.com/illegal-immigrant-new-borns/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/18/breaking-undocumented-immigrants-can-stay-in-us_n_930668.html
- I found that children who are born in the US are considered citizens even if their parents are not. If their parents are illegal immigrants, those families could be forced to part. The children could be placed in foster care. However, in some cases, if the children are lucky, they can live with another family member.
How many illegal immigrants are currently living in the US?
- I found that, as of March 2010, there were approximately 11.2 million undocumented immigrants living in the US. This number has come down over the years because in March in 2007, there were about 12 million undocumented immigrants living in the US. Undocumented immigrants make up about 3.6% of the total US population.
Are there advantages or disadvantages to the economy when hiring an illegal immigrant?
- If an employer were to hire an illegal immigrant, he would have the advantage of money. He would not have to pay the illegal immigrant as much to work, and he would, therefore, be making more money.
links used:
http://roygermano.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/how-many-illegal-immigrants-live-in-the-united-states-and-where-do-they-come-from/
http://immigration-law.whocanisue.com/illegal-immigrant-new-borns/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/18/breaking-undocumented-immigrants-can-stay-in-us_n_930668.html
Sunday, November 13, 2011
electoral college
Facts:
1. California has the most electoral votes in the country
2. 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.
3. Under the current system, the winner of the statewide popular vote receives all of the electoral votes from that state.
4. A new system was proposed
5.Democrats have won Pennsylvania in the last five presidential elections
6. A secretive, nonprofit group called All Votes Matter has been pushing the electoral vote scheme since May
7. Republicans in Nebraska want to join the winner takes all system again
8. Reapportionment would benefit Democrats
9. Nebraska and Maine have already abandoned the winner-take-all system
10. In the new system, if a candidate wins a congressional district, he or she will receive one electoral college vote.
Questions:
1. Why did Pennsylvania decide to propose this idea now?
2. What can Obama do to prevent it?
3. Would this negatively or positively affect the country?
4. Do most people agree or disagree with the new plan?
5. What would the reason be for making this change?
1. California has the most electoral votes in the country
2. 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.
3. Under the current system, the winner of the statewide popular vote receives all of the electoral votes from that state.
4. A new system was proposed
5.Democrats have won Pennsylvania in the last five presidential elections
6. A secretive, nonprofit group called All Votes Matter has been pushing the electoral vote scheme since May
7. Republicans in Nebraska want to join the winner takes all system again
8. Reapportionment would benefit Democrats
9. Nebraska and Maine have already abandoned the winner-take-all system
10. In the new system, if a candidate wins a congressional district, he or she will receive one electoral college vote.
Questions:
1. Why did Pennsylvania decide to propose this idea now?
2. What can Obama do to prevent it?
3. Would this negatively or positively affect the country?
4. Do most people agree or disagree with the new plan?
5. What would the reason be for making this change?
Thursday, November 10, 2011
John Boehner
Facts:
1. Boehner is a republican
2. He is the Speaker of The House
3. Represents Ohio's 8th Congressional District.
4. Boehner failed to cut a multi-trilliondollar deficit-reduction deal with President Obama.
5. Boehner’s Republicans have used the leverage of controlling a single chamber of Congress to slash $1 trillion from the budget over the next decade.
1. Boehner is a republican
2. He is the Speaker of The House
3. Represents Ohio's 8th Congressional District.
4. Boehner failed to cut a multi-trilliondollar deficit-reduction deal with President Obama.
5. Boehner’s Republicans have used the leverage of controlling a single chamber of Congress to slash $1 trillion from the budget over the next decade.
6. He has a reputation of always voting no
7. Thinks it's important to spend less money
8. His leadership frequently blows up in his face
Questions:
1. How much power does he have over the House?
2. Has he had a negative or positive impact on the House?
3. How is the Speaker of the House chosen?
4. How much support does he have?
5. What could he do to be more successful?
Is the US House too small?
Facts:
1. The German Bundestad has 613 members
2. There were 65 members in 1789
3. The U.S.House population is 12.8% black and 14.4% Latino
4. The U.S. House of Representatives has had 435 members since 1911
5. The average U.S. congressional district now has 640,000 citizens, as opposed to about 200,000, which was the average in 1911
Questions:
1. Why does it matter if our House is bigger or smaller?
2. Would it be better or worse if our House was bigger?
3. Is a smaller or bigger House more efficient?
4. Would the Senate be made bigger as well?
5. How many seats would we need to add?
In my opinion, it would be beneficial to the country if the House of Representatives was larger. We have such a diverse country, and since there are few representatives, not everyone can be well represented. Also, if there were more representatives, there would be more people's view points added, which could add a new and beneficial perspective.
1. The German Bundestad has 613 members
2. There were 65 members in 1789
3. The U.S.House population is 12.8% black and 14.4% Latino
4. The U.S. House of Representatives has had 435 members since 1911
5. The average U.S. congressional district now has 640,000 citizens, as opposed to about 200,000, which was the average in 1911
Questions:
1. Why does it matter if our House is bigger or smaller?
2. Would it be better or worse if our House was bigger?
3. Is a smaller or bigger House more efficient?
4. Would the Senate be made bigger as well?
5. How many seats would we need to add?
In my opinion, it would be beneficial to the country if the House of Representatives was larger. We have such a diverse country, and since there are few representatives, not everyone can be well represented. Also, if there were more representatives, there would be more people's view points added, which could add a new and beneficial perspective.
Personal Finances of Congressmen
Bob Casey- his net worth is between $160,020-$578,000, which ranks 84th in the Senate. He has 14 assets and 3 transactions.
Robert Andrews- his net worth is between $66,005-$206,000, which ranks him 346th in the House. He has 5 assets and 1 liability.
I agree with the author. Since so many of our congressmen are millionaires, it can make them difficult to relate to and it can make them have a hard time relating to the common people as well. When they make decisions it could be hard for them to make decisions based on the view points of common Americans. Instead, their views could be distorted due to the fact that they have such different lifestyles than most do because of how much money they have.
Robert Andrews- his net worth is between $66,005-$206,000, which ranks him 346th in the House. He has 5 assets and 1 liability.
I agree with the author. Since so many of our congressmen are millionaires, it can make them difficult to relate to and it can make them have a hard time relating to the common people as well. When they make decisions it could be hard for them to make decisions based on the view points of common Americans. Instead, their views could be distorted due to the fact that they have such different lifestyles than most do because of how much money they have.
3 immigration questions
1. What happens if illegal immigrants have children that were born in the U.S.?
2. Are there advantages or disadvantages to the economy when hiring an illegal immigrant?
3. How many illegal immigrants are currently living in the US?
2. Are there advantages or disadvantages to the economy when hiring an illegal immigrant?
3. How many illegal immigrants are currently living in the US?
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Due Process
Facts:
1. It takes 25 years from the time of a death sentence to an execution
2. DNA is used to decide cases
3. Only 5% of cases have biological evidence
4. Rojas spent 4 and a half years in jail for a crime he did not commit
5. They can be working on a case for 10-15 years
6. Rojas was charged with murder because of the color of his jacket
7. Jim McCloskey has freed 44 innocent people in the last 30 years
8. Eye witnesses can be unreliable
9. Some evidence was never examined
10. Texas has more executions than any other state
Questions:
1. Should eye witnesses have to use a lie detector?
2. What changes have been made to the system since this case to prevent it in the future?
3. Why does the process of execution take such a long time?
4. How much can eye witnesses affect the decision of the case today?
5. How many innocent people are in jail today?
1. It takes 25 years from the time of a death sentence to an execution
2. DNA is used to decide cases
3. Only 5% of cases have biological evidence
4. Rojas spent 4 and a half years in jail for a crime he did not commit
5. They can be working on a case for 10-15 years
6. Rojas was charged with murder because of the color of his jacket
7. Jim McCloskey has freed 44 innocent people in the last 30 years
8. Eye witnesses can be unreliable
9. Some evidence was never examined
10. Texas has more executions than any other state
Questions:
1. Should eye witnesses have to use a lie detector?
2. What changes have been made to the system since this case to prevent it in the future?
3. Why does the process of execution take such a long time?
4. How much can eye witnesses affect the decision of the case today?
5. How many innocent people are in jail today?
Justice Stevens
Atkins v. Virginia
Facts
-The eight amendment was used
- It was decided in a 6-3 majority vote
- Supreme Court ruled that executing mentally retarded people was unconstitutional
- Stanford v. Kentucky was used as a precedent for this case
- Daryl Renard Atkins was convicted of abduction, armed robbery, and capital murder
- A forensic psychologist testified that Atkins was mentally retarded.
Questions
- What is the public's attitude toward the ruling of this case?
- Should there have been more than one witness?
- What are punishments for people who are mentally retarded today?
- Were any mentally retarded people executed before this case?
Facts
-The eight amendment was used
- It was decided in a 6-3 majority vote
- Supreme Court ruled that executing mentally retarded people was unconstitutional
- Stanford v. Kentucky was used as a precedent for this case
- Daryl Renard Atkins was convicted of abduction, armed robbery, and capital murder
- A forensic psychologist testified that Atkins was mentally retarded.
Questions
- What is the public's attitude toward the ruling of this case?
- Should there have been more than one witness?
- What are punishments for people who are mentally retarded today?
- Were any mentally retarded people executed before this case?
Saturday, November 5, 2011
US Supreme Court
1. President George W. Bush appointed John G. Roberts JR. as Chief Justice
2. President Barack Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor
3. Antonin Scalia was appointed Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia circuit
4. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was instrumental in launching the Women's Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union.
5. Anthony M. Kennedy was nominated as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and took seat on February 18, 1988
6. What experience is needed in order to be able to serve on the Supreme Court?
7. How long is it from the time a Justice is nominated until they actually get to serve on the court?
8. Do presidents always choose to appoint people who are similar to them?
9. When do most Justices retire?
10. How long does it take to replace a Justice who has retired?
2. President Barack Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor
3. Antonin Scalia was appointed Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia circuit
4. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was instrumental in launching the Women's Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union.
5. Anthony M. Kennedy was nominated as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and took seat on February 18, 1988
6. What experience is needed in order to be able to serve on the Supreme Court?
7. How long is it from the time a Justice is nominated until they actually get to serve on the court?
8. Do presidents always choose to appoint people who are similar to them?
9. When do most Justices retire?
10. How long does it take to replace a Justice who has retired?
Court Cases
1: United States vs. Eichman (1989)- Congress passed the Flag Protection Act, which made it a crime to destroy an American flag. Eichman set a flag ablaze on the steps of the U.S. Capitol while protesting the government's domestic and foreign policy. The decision was a 5-4 majority vote for Eichman. This stood out to me because I do not understand why someone would want to burn something that stands for so much of what makes our country great and powerful.
2. Coleman v Maryland Court of Appeals (2011)-A man requested to have off from work because he was sick and was fired for requesting that. He claimed it was against the Family and Medial Leave Act. The case was dismissed. This case really caught my attention because it does not seem fair to be fired for asking to be off when you're sick.
2. Coleman v Maryland Court of Appeals (2011)-A man requested to have off from work because he was sick and was fired for requesting that. He claimed it was against the Family and Medial Leave Act. The case was dismissed. This case really caught my attention because it does not seem fair to be fired for asking to be off when you're sick.
3. FAA v. Cooper (2006) Stanmore Cooper told Social Security that he was HIV positive so he could receive medical benefits. Social Security gave his information to the FAA, which caused Cooper's license to be suspended. The decision made was in favor of Cooper. This stood out to me because I could not believe Social Security gave out his medical records. In my opinion, Social Security was definitely wrong.
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