Georgia Senate Race 2014

According to the ABC News' '14 for '14 story, a Republican primary can lead an opening for Democrat Michelle Nunn against her candidate Republican David Perdue. With Georgia being a red state Democrats are fighting hard to obtain the seat in the Senate from retiring Senator Saxby Chambliss.

David and Michelle have both taken different approaches to the race giving them both advantages and disadvantages. David Perdue began the race going against opponent Republican Jack Kingston. They both dispersed negative ads about each other all over the media. Jack Kingston came at David Perdue with all the negatives such as job loss but David still managed to become the winner in the public opinion. Michelle Nunn has several advantages seeing as she is the daughter of former Senator Sam Nunn and she is able to raise a lot of money through her connections such as EMILY's list. But some voters still see her as being "lightweight, "too liberal", and "not a real Georgian."

Over the past week there was a shift in poll percentage. David Perdue has taken a three point lead over Michelle Nunn, giving him a 48% and her a 45%. Just last week Michelle was on the lead with a two point lead, giving her 46% and him 44%. Perdue had trailed by 13 points with women, but this recent poll shows the number is now at 2. David is also ahead of Michelle with voters who said they already returned a ballot by 10 points. Even though David is ahed of michelle, she's not tailing by that much. The Georgia race is one of the special Democrat opportunities to get a Senate seat.

Michelle may have one thing that can help her secure a seat in the Senate. Due to the latest racial prejudice issue with Michael Brown, the South has been in an up roar. The Democratic campaigns in the South are now towards racism, and a way for the problem to be diminished. The minority community in the South are looking towards people who will benefit them in this issue of racial prejudice. If Michelle can use the issue of racism, she may be able to secure the Black vote if they feel like someone is out there to help them. The Democratic Party is mixing racism with behind the theme of having a black president to "protect the legacy of the first African American president." Michelle has to strongly stand behind this if she really wants to try to secure the minority vote.

Georgia is a close race this year with a Republican and a Democratic candidate neck to neck. It's all in the hands of the public opinion and a definite answer won't be known until November 4, 2014. Until that day, polls will continue to change as people see the candidates for who they really are.

• http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/abc-news-14-14-2014-midterm-election-races/story?id=21659968
• http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/28/david-perdue-up-three-in-georgia-senate-race-poll/
• http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/30/us/politics/from-democrats-election-focus-on-racial-scars.html?_r=0

Texas Governor Race

Texas Governor Race 2014 - Midterm

Political Culture

• Texas is the most reliable Republican state since it is a red state. In the 2012 presidential election, 57% of voters voted for Mitt Romney over Obama.

Incumbent or Open Seat

• Rick Perry is stepping down from the his spot making in it an open seat. He makes the history by being the longest reigning Texas governor since 2000. 

Significance

• What makes this race so much more significant than many races throughout the country is the fact that the Hispanic and young vote is rising and since this is a new candidate taking office it is unpredictable on who may take office. Also the fact that Wendy Davis is very supported by women in Texas for fighting an abortion bill in the state that made her a Democratic Celebrity. 

Key Issues

To an extent a very important key issue in this race is the whole abortion issue since that is what brought Wendy Davis as a candidate against Greg Abbott. Another key issues has been education and how Abbott has cut educational funds in the past. Education seems to be a very important issue since this is where Wendy Davis is attacking off of and that's a part of her strongest point while also attacking him on a personal level. Greg Abbott has stayed calm about the issue since he is a Republican and they are on a reliable red state.

Polls

Republican Greg Abbott has been dominating the state of Texas by a great difference of 53% against his
 not so republican opponent Wendy Davis having 35%.

Impact for next year

This can be the first time in over 2 decades that we see a Democrat in the government position for Texas but it does not really seem likely but since it is an open seat it will add more concepts to think about within state. 

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/texas-governor-race-2014-abc-news-14-14/story?id=22270229

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/07/08/rick-perry-texas-governor-president/2497773/

http://www.latinpost.com/articles/24702/20141030/texas-governor-race-polls-2014-wendy-davis-down-20-percent.htm

Key Races to Watch in 2014

As of right now in Senate there are 8 seats up for grabs. Those 8 seats will determine whether the Senate will be controlled by the Democrats or Republicans. This race is too close to call. Right now any party could win control over Senate. Who do you think will control Senate or will it finally be an equal balance? In recent years Democrats have held the majority in Senate, this could finally be the year that Republicans take control over Senate which would be a devastation to the Democratic Party, and a huge win for Republicans who feel math and history are on their side.
Currently Democrats hold a 55-45 advantage. Republicans need a net of 6 seats to gain control and majority of Senate. Democrats unfortunately have to defend 21 out of 36 seats up for grabs this year. As many as 7 Democratic seats are up for grabs this year as well, in states carried by Mitt Romney in 2012. The states that can go either way and are up for grab are Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, and North Carolina. Which party will claim which? This is the question many citizens are wondering and anticipating. This possible overturn in Senate could be the best thing or possibly the worst. How this all plays out will soon come to a final head in the 2014 Midterm Elections.

Sources:
CNN Key Races to Watch 2014

Shawn Luzzi: North Carolina Senate Race - Kay Hagan v. Thom Tillis

Shawn Luzzi

North Carolina Senate Race
Kay Hagan v. Thom Tillis

Link to article - CLICK HERE!

Reading this article, heat is raising up in North Carolina as the Senate race between Kay Hagan and Thom Tillis as both Democrats and Republicans are neck-and-neck. Firstly, It is told that President Barack Obama was able to ride Kay's victory due to the presidents coattails* back in 2008, and in 2012, North Carolina fully became Republican. After a while in office, her republican challenger, Thom Tillis, came to oppose Kay and the seats in senate.

The outlook from this is that Democrats and now lagging whilst the Republicans are opposing Barack Obama, and that while money has been pour and pour into both sides of the race, North Carolina's race is still the same as when this race started, neck-and-neck with one another.

*coattails - the tendency for a popular political party leader to attract votes for other candidates of the same party in an election.

N.C. voters consider clashing messages in high-stakes Senate race

Link to Video - CLICK HERE!

As from watching this video, the political culture still seems to be a consensual political culture, as no real hate is thrown between the people that are voting this year. However, there has been some frequent mudslinging going on between the two candidates, and it's especially shown with the commercials trying to stick stigmas on both Incumbent senator Kay Hagan and candidate Thom Tillis.

When it comes to who might win this election, and knowing what kind of state North Carolina is, which is a Red/Republican State, My imaginary money would go to Republican Candidate Thom Tillis, if only because a Republican State would indeed want to have Republican Senators to uphold their party. If this would become so, North Carolina would become 100% republican with republican senators representing the states.

Midterms: Voters are Angry

This article is mainly about the out look on the midterm elections from a more national view. This article tells us about the enthusiasm of some voters, and it even tells us how there are voters who are very angry with the way things have been looking for these elections. With all the things that have been going on in our nation, like the Ebola crisis, and then the whole ISIS situation it's said that incumbents may be in trouble when it comes time to vote, even democrats in general. This race is crucial and with the democrats wanting to stay in office and keep their seats the ten point percentage on the enthusiasm rate has to go up. There is 26% of democrats who are somewhat enthusiastic about voting and then there come the republicans which have a 36% of enthusiasm to vote coming these elections. 

One of the key issues in this race is Deffeintly whether or not the democrats actually stay in office. It's said that the 10% difference in the enthusiasm rate can be somewhat drastic and cad effect the democrats. Democrats currently control the Senate by a 55-45 margin with two of those seats held by independents that align themselves politically with Democrats. And with the word going around that it's dangerous for the incumbents this time around in elections is making democrats think and trying to get down to the root of the problem to try and gain votes considering that in the south there are three democratic incumbents battling for re-election in Arkansas, Louisiana, and North Carolina it may not be looking too good for them. Republicans are also trying to hold an open seat in Georgiaas well as protect Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell in Kentucky, considering the president has a 52% disapproval rating. According to how things are looking in the polls it's falling in favor of the Republican Party and they have a pretty good advantage with all these things like incumbents running, the democratic enthusiasm voting rate being down 10% and there being a 52% disapproval rating on the president who is also Democratic. Lastly, this race is significant because our Senate can most likely be changing once again to the opposing party it is now, which is from Democratic to Republican.

Korina DeFelice

National Concern and Politics in Louisiana

Article

As of now in Louisiana the political culture is not even focused on Louisiana as many citizens would say. Many people who live in Louisiana are starting to notice that their elections aren't even about the state of Louisiana anymore. So then what are their elections about exactly?
Edwin W. Edwards is a popular candidate for a seat in house right now, Edwards was a 4 year term governor and a 8 year former federal inmate. People just can't wait to vote for him. However, people believe that the race will come down to incumbent senator Mary L. Landrieu, a 3 year Democrat and Republican Bill Cassidy who are likely to face off in a runoff. Another possibility is Rob Maness a hard-right Tea Party favorite and a retired Air force colonel who is also running.
Although, many admit his chances are quite slim. This race is significant because who ever wins the seat brings more power or representation to their party. The key issues of this case in Louisiana are that the national concerns are draining Louisiana of 'color' in their politics. Issues of the case all lead back to Louisiana's troubles, from a series of hurricanes to the BP oil spill which in turn lead to their politics becoming nationalized. The impact of the election will change the course of Louisiana next year, for better or worse it is still too soon to tell.

Wisconsin Governor Race 2014

According to ABC News' "14 for 14" Project, the race for Governor of Wisconsin is one to watch this year.  Wisconsin is a complicated state politically.  It is not clearly a blue state or a red state.  In fact, Wisconsin claims a Democrat Senator (Tammy Baldwin) and a Republican Senator (Ron Johnson). In addition, there are three U.S. Representatives for each of these two major parties.  Congressional representation is evenly split between red and blue.  However, in the two most recent presidential elections, Wisconsin's electoral votes went to the Democrats and Barack Obama.  In fact, the last time Wisconsin's electoral votes went to a Republican candidate was for Ronald Reagan in 1984.

Currently, the incumbent Scott Walker is seeking re-election.  As ABC News points out, "Scott Walker is the only governor in American history to win a gubernatorial recall election, and he's governed as a budget-cutting, union-breaking conservative in a purple state."

A local school board member, Democrat Mary Burke, is running against the incumbent, Governor Walker.  This election highlights how divided the political culture remains in Wisconsin; especially after the controversial protests against Walker throughout his first term and his ability to battle through them and remain in office.

As NPR's Melissa Block highlights, Mary Burke is not afraid of the Obama Effect and is campaigning with the President's help in Wisconsin cities like Madison and Milwaukee.  This is interesting because while other Democrats actively avoid association with the President during the campaign season, Mary Burke recognizes that the President can help her ground game in African-American districts that turned out for Obama in the past.

The key issue of this race connects back to Governor Walker's controversial signing of anti-union legislation that limited the collective bargaining rights of union members in the states.  In addition, political pundits are watching this race closely.  If Walker, a conservative, can win again in a purple state, it shows potential for him as a Republican candidate in the 2016 presidential election.

According to Real Clear Politics, there is no clear leader in this race.  While Governor Walker held a strong lead in the polls back in May, they are in a dead heat.

Not only will we find out Wisconsin's future governor on Election Day, we will also find out about Walker's chances of throwing his hat into the ring in 2016.

SOURCES:

• http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wisconsin-governor-race-2014-abc-news-14-14/story?id=22270185
• http://www.270towin.com/states/Wisconsin
• http://www.npr.org/2014/10/28/359632675/in-wisconsin-election-gov-scott-walker-fights-to-hold-on
• http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2014/governor/wi/wisconsin_governor_walker_vs_burke-4099.html

Mid Term Elections

Battle For Senate Narrows to Six States

Link: Battle For Senate Narrows to Six States By: Nate Cohn

Brief Summary of Main Points:

• The midterm election is quickly approaching and the Democratic and Republican territories are being determined for the Senate.
• Although most states have marked as either Democratic or Republican there are a few states that could go either way.
• Although it seems that all of these states would be swing states: New Hampshire, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Colorado, these states only consist of two swing states: Colorado, and Iowa, while the other states are Kansas, Louisiana, Alaska, and Arkansas which are usually Republican states.
• The current standings of how politicians are doing in the race now is important because it will have an affect on the results of the midterm election.
• The race between the Democratic and Republican parties is very close, and the Republicans could very well take control of the Senate.

Connection to the Questions:

• The article relates to separation of powers because the debate among the politicians running is focused on what the executive and legislative branch have done, while working together.
• The Republicans are saying that the executive branch and the Democrats in the Senate have not done enough.
• The Democrats are saying that there has been progress made while the President has been in office and they have been working with him, but things take time.
• Based on this article and related research  think that the Legislative branch has the most power. Although the Legislative Branch may be a big figure in the federal government the debates seem to give the Legislative Branch more power.
• The Republicans say that the Democrats in the Senate have not done enough. Meanwhile Democrats have been focusing on what progress has been made.
• Overall, each party in the midterm election race is claiming what they can do in the Senate on national issues, such as the economy, making it seem like they have the most power.

Opinion:

In my opinion I think that the Republicans will gain the power in the Senate. It seems that they have more in their favor. For example a survey of about 1,100 people was taken showed that 52% of them will be using their vote to send a message to Obama, more of them opposing him and his party, than supporting them. Also, the Republicans only have to fill six seats to gain power, leaving Democrats only a small space for any errors during their campaigning. Lastly, the midterm effect could help put the Republicans in power.

Questions for Readers:

1. What political party do you think will have control of the Senate after the midterm elections? Why?
2. Which party do you think the current swing states will be won by? Why?
3. If you could vote, would you base it off sending a message to the President? Why?

Background Information:

The Electoral Map: Building a Path to Victory (New York Times)

The 5 Closest Swing States (Washington Post)

Economy Improving, but muddled progress could hurt Democrats in midterm elections (Washington Post)

Obama Factor in 2014 Vote Similar to 2010 (GALLUP Politics)

"The First Amendment's Limit: The Supreme Court's Plaza."

Link to the Article

Key Points:

• The United States Supreme Court does not allow much freedom of speech on their plaza, despite their heavy endorsement of it.
• People have been asked to remove things ranging political from small political buttons to large signs that read "U.S. Gov Allows Police to Illegally Murder and Brutalize African-Americans and Hispanic People", things that would be protected under the First Amendment anywhere else in the country.
• The main reason for this rule is so that the would-be protests outside the building would not influence or sway the opinions of the Supreme Court Justices.
• The excuse that the Justices (specifically Justice Thurgood Marshall) had for not allowing protest is that protesters can still protest on the sidewalks and edges of the plaza.
• The Court doesn't even keep consistency on how it treats speech in the plaza; it allows attorneys and political parties to talk to the media and also allows occasional "commercial or professional filming on the plaza," said Timothy Dolan, deputy chief of the Supreme Court's police force back in 2012. 

Connection to Questions:

• This is a clear violation of the basic First Amendment of freedom of speech. The Supreme Court is not allowing the practice of free speech to the people for, quite frankly, foolish reasons.

Opinion on the Matter:

• Personally, I think this is absolutely ridiculous. The First Amendment more or less states that people are allowed to their own free speech, and that is a right that cannot be infringed upon by the government, which is what is happening here. I think that this needs to change, because if the government can just decide where freedom of speech is allowed or not; well, I think that's somewhat of a characteristic of tyranny, is it not? If they can decide that the plaza is not allowed freedom of speech, then what's stopping them from deciding if anywhere else is not allowed freedom of speech? The excuse that the Justices can be influenced by such a decision is ridiculous as well. This is a serious issue that, in my opinion, needs to be addressed immediately.

Questions:

• What do you think about this rule? Do you think that it should be changed?

First Amendment Limit

First Amendment Limit

BRIEF SUMMARY OF MAIN POINTS:

• The first amendment states that laws can not be made that will hinder citizens freedom of speech and power to petition and gather together. 
• In 2011 at a fallen soldiers funeral, there was a hateful protest going on outside. The Supreme Court told the soldiers father that the first amendment protects "even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate". 
• The Supreme Court is trying to ban free speech on its plaza due to a 2011 incident in which a Maryland student wore a sign to the plaza saying "U.S. Gov. Allows Police to Illegally Murder and Brutalize African Americans and Hispanics". 
•  A federal judge tried to get rid of the ban because he said its "irreconcilable with the first amendment." But Pamela Talkin appealed the ban and gave her argument in front of a judge panel last month.

CONNECTION TO THE QUESTIONS 

• Seeing as it's the Judical Branch's job to interpret and make judgements on the law, it shocks me that they can try to put restrictions on the amendment especially since freedom of speech is a right given to us. If they allowed protestors to do a hatful protest at a funeral and another hateful protest to happen at an abortion clinic,why can't one happen at the Supreme Court? It's not as special as the White House. One of the commenters on the article said it best, "a law for me, and a law for thee." We as a nation have laws and privileges that everyone is entitled to and I don't that just because the Supreme Court is a higher rank of power, they can say you can protest anywhere but here. That is a total misinterpretation of what the first amendment says.

QUESTIONS

• Do you think the Supreme Court is wrong for trying to ban protests in the plaza?
• Are there any places that you think a protest should not be allowed to happen?

Debate Within a Party: Was Attacking ISIS Justified?

Link: Some Democrats At Odds Over Obama's Claim to Airstrike Authority

Brief Summary of Main Points:

• Obama neglected asking Congress for permission to launch airstrikes against the terrorist group, ISIS, in late September. There is controversy as to whether that was legal or not.
• Fellow Democrats in Congress are upset by President Obama’s actions, and legal experts and other legislators are doubtful about the validity of what Obama did.
• Some of Obama’s defenses included the airstrike authorizations approved due to the 9/11 attack and to overthrow Saddam Hussein.
• Obama’s opponents, some fellow Democrats, countered his defenses by stating that those authorizations were for those situations only, to attack Al Qaeda and topple Saddam Hussein, respectively.
• The airstrikes may also be violating international law; technically, they’d only be allowed if the attacking government was in imminent danger as a form of self defense. This is not the case.

Connection to Questions:

• Despite the general negativity, President Obama has a great deal of congressional support for his actions; however, the constitutionality of his actions is what is being questioned, and that is decided by the Supreme Court.
• This may turn into a large internal conflict between the branches of government. If the Supreme Court (Judicial) declares Obama’s actions (Executive) unconstitutional, Congress (Legislative) might rebel and check the Supreme Court in the future by removing some of its judges or passing laws strengthening executive power. While that is unlikely, it is a possibility.
• At the current moment, the Executive Branch seems to have the most power, and is gladly using that power to its fullest extent; however, the Judicial Branch could easily topple the Executive Branch by declaring its actions unconstitutional, in which case Judicial will have a ton of power.

Opinion:

Despite the disapproval within the Democratic Party of President Obama’s executive action, the Supreme Court seems to not be taking any action. I partially agree and partially disagree with Obama’s actions; while ISIS is certainly a threat to many countries across the globe (including the United States), it is not an immediate threat, and Obama should have brought the idea to Congress before acting on his own. Also, the Democrat’s disapproval of the President they nominated—perhaps it has something to do with the midterm effect?

Questions:

1. Do you think President Obama's recent attacks on ISIS were justified, legally and morally?
2. Why are Obama's fellow Democrats showing so much disdain to him? Is it because of the midterm effect?
3. The United States is inevitably being drawn into the ISIS conflict by the rest of the world, so how do you think that the U.S. should act towards the young yet radical terrorist group?

Background Information:

Executive Branch

ISIS/ISIL

Gay Republican congressional candidate accused of sexual harasssment

Main Points:

• Carl DeMaio has won national name recognition as a "new generation Republican."

• Todd Bosnich is a former campaign staffer accusing DeMaio of sexual harassment. 

• DeMaio says Bosnich's version of events is a cover story for a suspected criminal.

• DeMaio is challenging Rep. Scott Peters, a vulnerable first-term Democrat. 

Opinion:

My opinion is that Carl DeMaio should no longer be able to run. This is not the first time he has been accused of sexual harassment. There has been multiple people making this claim in the past, it's clearly a big issue that needs to be resolved by people of higher authority. 

 Connection:

This connects to the three branches because we vote for who represents is as states. If a man running for a position has been repeatedly accused for sexual harassment why would we even want him to be able to run? Is that who we want to represent us? 

Questions:

1. What do you think they should do about the accusations against DeMaio? 

2. Do you believe there is enough evidence to prove DeMaio guilty? 

3. How trustworthy do you believe Bosnich is considering he is under investigation by the San Diego Police Department for breaking into DeMaio"a campaign headquarters, smashing computers, and cutting phone lines just days before the primary? 

Will the Midterm Elections End on Election Day?

Possibilities For the Outcomes of the Major Battles

Midterm Election Battles

Summary:

• The midterm elections in Louisiana, Kansas, and Georgia could be very close and end up in runoffs.
• This means that not all the representatives would be decide on by January 6th, three days after the inauguration day for the new Congress.

Connection to Questions:

• This article connects to separation of power because the people,  not the government, choose who we want to represent our ideals and ensures that Congress isn't controlled by any presiding elected officials in other branches.
• If the Republicans win both the Senate and the House then the Legislative branch might have the most power because they can basically get around any veto the president throws at them with a 2/3rds vote and they can deny the president any judges that would benefit him on the Judicial branch.

Opinion:

• In my opinion it looks like Republicans are going to take Louisiana and Kansas, but Georgia is so close that anyone could take come election day.

Questions:

• Are midterm elections usually this close?
• Why not make time for the runoffs if they do occur, so all of Congress is inaugurated at the same time?

Democrats are Having More Trouble Keeping 2012 Voters

New York Times Article

Main points:
The main points of this article are Democrats are having problems maintaining support, most polls show Republicans with a lead, and 15 percent of Obama voters support Republicans compared to 11 percent of Romney voters who had supported Democrats.

My Opinion:
In my opinion, this might be a change for the better. Maybe this country needs a change. The past few years things have gone downhill and they aren't getting better and I question what is being done to change it?

How it Connects:
This connects to the 3 branches, because it affects the Executive branch, and what party will take the presidential seat next. The branch that holds the most power in government most of the time is the Executive Branch, but in this case I don't know which branch holds the most power.

Questions:
1.) What will Democrats do to turn things around in the polls?
2.) What do Democrats hope to accomplish before Obama leaves office, to keep the Democratic party in the Presidential seat?

Judge Rules Ferguson Violated the Constitution

Judge Rules Ferguson Violated the Constitution
Main Points:
The main points of this article are that a federal judge ruled that the Ferguson police violated the constitution, the judge issued a preliminary injunction that forbids law enforcement from dispersing crowds, and several agencies have adopted this policy.

My Opinion:
In my opinion, this policy can go either way. The people love to love it and love to hate it. The policy keeps our constitution rights in tact, but it can also cause problems with protests by letting it get out of hand if law enforcement are only able to do so much.

How it Connects:
This article connects to the how power is shared among the 3 branches, because a judge in the judicial branch ruled that law enforcement violated the Constitution. The branch in the government that hols the most power is Executive as supported by this article, those who enforce the laws have too much power.

Questions:
1.) How will people react to this policy?
2.) Will anoth branch use their check on the judicial branch to check this decision?

Shawn Luzzi: Supreme Court reignites same-sex marriage as campaign issue before midterms

Article Source

Main Points:

• Virginia, Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina, and West Virginia could now or soon have gay marriage legal.
• Representation of West Virginia: "My voting record and my personal belief is that marriage is between a man and woman." but will "abide by what the state of West Virginia decides in this matter."

Connection to the guiding questions:

• I think that the most power belongs to the legislative branch since the legislative branch has the power to rewrite laws in the first place, which is why gay marriage is becoming legal in these states. 

Personal Opinion

I, for one, is happy to hear that gay marriage is becoming legal in multiple states now, seeing that I am all for gay marriage and pro-homosexuality. I honestly hope all the states in the U.S. opens up like this for all of the homosexual folk so that they can embrace their sexuality instead of hide it away from society in fear.

Question(s):

• Has the people running this campaign caught massive flak from those against gay marriage?

 

Test 1 2 3 4

NYT Article

FREE HIGHER EDUCATION

Click here for the link - http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/germany_makes_college_education_free_american_students_drown_debt_20141004

Main Points

~ Last week, the last state in Germany, Lower Saxony, was the 7th and last state to abolish Tuition fees from its area.for higher education (college and university)

~ This is also open for international students

~ Americans are in a trillion dollar debt hole over college tuition

My Opinion

I'll be more than honest I'm super excited over this fact as not only does it open new doors for myself but millions of people. I've always been one to be discouraged over college because I don't want to pay back money for the rest of my life. Now that this is in place I'm honestly trying by all means to learn German.

Questions

~ Do you think the US should do this on a government level, despite the fact it really can't do do?\

~ If our government were to do this what would be pros and cons over this issue?

~ Are you now considering going to Germany? :)

Protesters In Hong Kong

Links: 

http://m.wsj.com/articles/hong-kong-police-use-of-tear-gas-on-pro-democracy-protesters-is-questioned-1411991105?mobile=y

Comments/ Concerns: 

this topic of human rights I something that I am very interested in. This riot also reminded me of the Ken State incident. Where student protesters were also tear gassed by police. The lens of human right violation brings along a bigger question which in my mindset would be at what point does is it ok to violate human right? And how can this harm or benefit the higher power? In Hong Kong protestors are not only being harmed by police officers but also other civilians mainly business owners that live there. For instance one woman named Christine Wong was sexually assaulted by a man against the protest when he attacked her grabbing her Breast and screaming in her face. At no point is this ok whether she was walking down the street or protesting against something she strongly believed in. This type of assault should not be tolerated by protestors nor police officers. 

Questions: 

What were the reactions of the government after this violent riot? 

What has the government done to value the concerns of the protesters?

Government Uses Woman's Identity for Facebook Page

http://www.buzzfeed.com/chrishamby/government-says-federal-agents-can-impersonate-woman-online#28qnarb

Key Points:

• A federal agent created a Facebook page using Sondra Arquiett's identity without her knowledge.
• Sondra has been arrested not to long ago because of belief that she was involved with a drug ring, the DEA agent said that this was a way for him to catch other people that he may think was involved with her.
• Facebook deleted the page saying this was violating its terms and the issue caught the attention of civilians creating an even more negative view of the government.

Connection to Questions:

• The government is doing everything in its power to defend the agent's actions, even though he posted personal pictures such as Sondra in her bra and underwear. This shows us how much the government can do in our lives. Everyday someone is a victim to an identity theft and this woman was a victim by someone who was suppose to protect us from it. The more sickening part is the government is hiring lawyers and going above and beyond to defend this agent.

Questions:

• Do you think that the government is wrong in this situation? Why or why not?
• How would you feel being the victim of this situation?
• How much do you trust the government after this?

"Idaho, Nevada Gay Marriage Bans Struck Down By Federal Appeals Court"

Key Points:

• Idaho and Nevada's state bans on same-sex marriage were ruled unconstitutional by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. It also ruled that laws that discriminated based off of sexual orientation were unconstitutional.
• Almost "two-thirds of same-sex couples in the United States will soon live in states where they can marry".
• Stephen Reinhardt, a judge on the court, stated that the two states' marriage laws imposed "profound legal, financial, social, and psychic burns on numerous citizens of those states". 

Connection to Questions: 

• The branch that has the most power in this situation is clearly the Judicial branch, who repealed the bans and stated that they were unconstitutional, which is one of the checks that the Judicial branch possesses. 

My Opinion on the Matter:

• Personally, I think this is fantastic. The tides are turning in the fight for gay marriage, and more and more people are of the opinion that people should be able to love who ever they want. This is a huge step going forward for gay rights, because something has to be done at some point, right?
• Link to Source

Tasered Man says " My Civil Rights were thrown out thte window" By Elaine Negron

Main Points :

• This couple were pulled over because driver didn't have her seat belt on. 
• The police men asked for identification, the couple gave it to them and the registration /insurance of the car.
• then the police men puled out their guns and ordered Jamal Jones (the drivers boyfriend) out of the car
• Jamal started to refuse saying there was no particular reason for him to get out if he gave them an ID. 
• Lisa (the driver) started dialing 911 because the policemen started getting using excessive force with her boyfriend 
• Right when the phone started ringing, one of the men shattered the  passenger side window and used a taser on Jamal
• Lisa's children were in the back seat and her 14 year old son recorded the whole thing. 
• In fact the glass actual gave the kids minor cuts, but they were in fear and crying in the video

Opinion:

     I honestly when i watched the video, my mouth just dropped seeing how this policemen just broke the window with what seem to kind of resemble a hammer and just tase this man in front of his family. The only reason being Jamal didn't want to get out the car because he knew the police had no reasonable reason to ask him to stop out in the first place. Also, to me it seemed like the policemen were just picking on them and purposely giving the couple a hard time. the couple in fact, even told the officers they were going to see a ill family member in the nearest hospital. The whole thing wasn't far, this act went against the Fourth Amendment: The right of people be secure on themselves and in their homes, etc. 

Questions:

1. What do you think will happen when this case is brought to civil court?
2. Will policemen start to get different training or counseling on how to deal with citizens?

Connections:  This tyrannical government is overriding the rights of the people by going over the constitutional, which is the foundation of this country. 

Constitution,  4th Amendment was being violated.

Backgrounds links:

 Link to New York Daily News: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/indiana-couple-sues-police-excess-force-video-incident-article-1.1966474

Link to explanation of Bill of Rights: https://www.aclu.org/united-states-bill-rights

    

Shawn Luzzi: Majority believe U.S. can stop major ebola outbreak

Link: http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/219913-poll-majority-believes-us-can-stop-major-ebola-outbreak

Major Points: 

• 57% of the people who voted believe that the U.S. is able to stop this Ebola outbreak
• 32% of the people are afraid that the ebola will affect their lives
• Republicans were "prompted" to question if the Federal Government is able to take on such a dangerous virus without a mass spread.
• Half of the republicans surveyed said they had not much confidence in the governments ability to contain the virus.
• 69% of democrats were confident about containment

Connection to the guiding questions: 

• Honestly, it's hard to point out here which government branch has the most power or how it's power is shared in this article since it's simply about the opinions of the American people on the Ebola virus and the infected American people being sent back on U.S. soil.

General Opinion:

Why do we even have infected U.S. citizens being brought here in the first place? Can't we do what we are trying to do back in Africa in one of their hospitals, with maybe bringing some equipment that would be needed for this? Honestly, this news of people contracted with Ebola being on U.S. Soil really scares me, because I'm afraid of a large-scale outbreak from whatever the government is trying to do. The last thing I'd want to do is get off'd from a deadly virus that would've been more contained in the other country.

Questions:

• What stops doctors from treating Ebola-stricken patients in other hospitals besides ones in the U.S.?
• If equipment is needed, why can't we ship equipment outside of the U.S. to those treatment locations?

 

Deana Tavares Current Event

Key Points:

• The Supreme Court declines to wade into marriage battles in five states. 

• As a result, lower court rulings stand and same-sex couples can now marry in those states. 

• The Supreme Court is initially handed reporters a set of orders that was missing 30 pages. 

• It's refusal to tackle the marriage cases was contained within those 30 pages.

Connection to Question, ways power is shared among the three branches:

• Judicial Branch 1. Enforces the laws 2. Makes the laws 

• Supreme Court: Rejects appeals in 5 states, now allowing gay marriage. 

Opinion:

• I believe it's great that the Supreme Court rejected the appeals for gay marriage. I mean it's not really a constitutional matter anyway.  And in my opinion I believe everyone should love whoever they want to love.  We're in a day and age where liking the same sex is normal and I think everyone should get that memo again and just accept people for who they are. We are all meant to be equal with equal rights. And marrying whoever you want should be a natural right. 

Questions:

• Do you think that the Supreme Court should have heard the appeals/cases or do you agree with them rejecting the cases? Why or why not? 

• Do you think cases that are this debatable and controversial should be left to the lower courts decision? Why or why not? 

Background Info:

• http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/06/politics/scotus-surprise-gay-marriage/index.html?hpt=po_c1

Current Event Assignment Alyssa Beckam

Link : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/02/ruth-bader-ginsburg-poll_n_5923254.html


Brief Summary :  

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 81 years old and some people think Ginsburg should retire while President Obama is in office so that he can replace her with another liberal justice . But other people think she should stay in office for however long she wants.

Opinion : I feel Ruth Bader Ginsburg should retire whenever she wants she shouldn't have to listen to other peoples opinions and how they think she should retire while President Obama is in office so he can replace her with liberal Justice. 

Questions :

1.Should Ginsburg retire whenever she wants ?

2. Should Ginsburgs retire while President Obama is in office ?

War With ISIS

War Powers

Main Points:

1. Senator Kaine, a long time supporter of Obama, believes that if President Obama wishes to go to war with ISIS then he has to ask Congress.
2. A perennial issue in the U.S. is which branch has the power to declare war and what responsibilities do the executive and legislative branches have to each other on matters of war and peace.

Connection to Questions:

1. This article connects to the power shared between the three branches because the federal government is debating who has the power to declare war and who has checks and balances over them to keep everything in order.
2. At this point in time I would argue that the Executive Branch has the most power because they can more or less go to war without Congresses approval because of the 2002 authorization of force.

Opinion:
I think that Senator Kaine is correct, this legislation that was passed in 2002 is no longer needed and it grants the Executive branch too much power. For the U.S. to declare war we need to be certain of it and not just run in blind.

Questions:

• If we pulled all our troops out three years ago, why is this authorization still in effect?
• Why has this clear violation of the checks and balances been ongoing for so many years?

War Powers Act of 1973

Current Event Assignment Katie Sullivan

Only 36 Percent of Americans Can Name The Three Branches of Government

Link: By Reid Wilson September 18 

Brief Summary of Main Points: 

• Wednesday- September 17th was constitution Day, the 227th anniversary. Only 36 percent of Americans could actually name the three branches of government that was created by the constitution. ( Three branches are Executive, Legislative and Judicial) 

• A new survey from from the Annenberg Public Policy Center took place in order to see how well Americans understand politics and how much they are involved in our government today

• Only 38 percent know that the Republican Party controls the U.S. House of Rep. while 17 percent think that the Democrats are still in charge. However, the number of people who knew Republicans were in charge has dropped 17 percent since the last time Annenberg asked, back in 2011

• Annenberg’s 2011 survey, found just 15 percent of Americans correctly identify the chief justice of the United States, John Roberts. Only 13 percent knew the  Constitution was signed in 1787

•  27 percent knew it takes a two-thirds majority of the House and Senate to override a presidential veto

CONNECTION TO QUESTIONS:

Various ways power is shared among the three branches of government are:

• Veto- A bill passed by congress, can be vetoed by the President. However Congress can override the veto with a 3/4 majority vote to pass it.
• Impeachment; Congress can impeach a president but requires 3/4 majorities in both houses.
• Judicial Review is the only way the Judiciary check on the two other branches. This is a important function however as it can rule something to be unconstitutional over the House and President.

The Branch of Government that holds the most power is the legislative because they are not appointed but elected by the people, they legislate laws that govern the nation and lastly if the president vetoes their bills they can override with 2/3 vote of a yes. 

This Connects to the Three Branches of Government and Separation of power because it discusses how much the world today knows today about the government and politics.

 

OPINION:

 

 I feel that the new generation(AKA class of 2015-2016 and on) will know more about politics because in high school and college they offer more classes based on conflict, politics, and the society around us today.

QUESTIONS(ask your readers at least two relevant and thoughtful questions)

1). What is one way that you can help spread the awareness about the Separation of Powers and the Three Branches of Government. 

2). What is one fact that you know about this topic?

 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION(LINKS)

• Congress for kids and what the Three Branches of Gov are
• Separation of Power
• How the Three Branches of Government were Formed

No One Forced Him Out: But Republican Congressmen Say Otherwise

LINK:  Eric Holder: No one forced me out

BRIEF SUMMARY OF MAIN POINTS:

• Soon after Attorney General Eric Holder (executive branch/federal level) announced his resignation, Republican members of Congress used both traditional and social media to criticize Holder's work as the nation's top prosecuting lawyer.   

• Republican Congressman from Califorina, Rep. Darrel Issa, tweeted: "Eric Holder is the most divisive U.S. Attorney General in modern history."

• However, in typical fashion, Holder responded to his critics stating, "If they couldn't force me out during the first term, with all of the things that they did - all the mistakes they made - they certainly weren't going to do if after what I think has been a relatively good period where we have moved on criminal justice reform, we've initiated the fight for voting rights, we've done a a lot of good things around the issues of LGBT equality."   

• Despite the clear conflict between political parties, Attorney General Holder believes that Democrats and Republicans can come together in the future on issues like criminal justice reform.  

• It is still unclear when exactly Holder will step down and who will take his place.  

CONNECTION TO QUESTIONS:

• This current events article connect to separation of powers because it is clear that members of Congress seek to have an impact on what is done at the Executive level.  
• There is conflict between the Republicans in the House of Representatives and members of Obama's cabinet like Attorney General Holder.  

• It is hard to say which branch has more power here. While representatives in Congress can criticize him in the media, the Attorney General still can set the agenda as the top law enforcement officer.
• However, if Congress can successfully communicate that they forced him to step down, they are exerting a great deal of power. In addition, Congress will have to approve President Obama's next nominee for the position.

OPINION:

I think Holder's resignation is further evidence that Obama's administration is struggling to maintain control. In addition to the midterm effect and the distance that candidates are keeping from the President during this election season, Holder is also moving away from the President.  

QUESTIONS:

1. What impact do you think the tweeting and soundbites of Republicans in Congress has on the effectiveness of the Obama administration?
2. What kind of person will Obama nominate for the position of Attorney General? Will he try to find someone that even Republicans in the Senate can approve of? Is it possible?
3. What issues should the new Attorney General focus on?  

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Office of the Attorney General (Department of Justice website)

United States Attorney General (Wikipedia)

Welcome to AP Gov & Politics: Conflict and Compromise

Current Events. Conflict. Resignations. Midterm elections. Editorials.  Opinions. The headlines are relentless. There is no dearth of topics when it comes to U.S. Government and Politics. And for students like you, working to increase your expertise on today's topics and trends, this blog will be a great resource.  

Your task this weekend is to peruse reliable news sources to find and read an article that relates our most recent content topic: Separation of powers and the three branches of government.

Please note that you should use the "Reliable News Sites" in the sidebar to the left to find articles. This will help focus your research on well-reported topics related to politics.

You will post the link to the article and write a brief summary of the main points. Then, you will explain how this topic connects to these guiding questions:

• How is power shared among the three branches of government?
• Which branch of government holds the most power?  

Then, you will express your own opinion about the topic you post and ask your readers at least two relevant and thoughtful questions.

Finally, you will include related links to help your readers develop background knowledge on the topic/issue that you discussed in your post.  

Check out my example post to help you.