Study Suggestions Final Exam

The following are some key areas to focus on for each chapter. I hope this helps in your overall review of material reviewed this summer session.

(Painting from Norman Rockwells "Four Freedoms" series: Freedom from Fear)


1 Citizenship

• What are examples of your civic life vs. your private life?
• Can you name some newer opportunities for citizen participation that states have provided?
• Have Americans become one class, or do major divides still exist between us? What are some of these differences?
• What's the most common reason given by 18-25 year olds for not voting?

2 Constitution

• What is meant by the principle of "consent of the governed", and what is a good example of how we regularly demonstrate our consent or dissent?
• What were the basic elements of the "Great Compromise" in 1787?
• What are the 3 basic principles embodied in the Constitution that control how each branch relates to each other, and how the national government relates to the states?

3 Federalism

• Why didn't the framers select a unitary model for how the government would function?
• What effect did the 1857 Dred Scott decision (before the Civil War) by the Supreme Court have on federal and state relations?
• Did states or the national government gain power during the bulk of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Administration?

4 Civil Liberties

• Do most of the Bill of Rights apply to actions by the states as well as the national government?
• What are the two (2) basic clauses of the First Amendment pertaining to religion?
• What are the three (3) basic elements of the Miller Test, and what happens when an activity or object does not meet all the criteria in the test?

5 Civil Rights

• The North won the Civil War. But, why did Jim Crow laws take hold in the South, and what form did they take?
• Chief Justice Earl Warren and the unanimous court spoke clearly through their words and vote re: the need to eliminate the post Civil War approach of "separate but equal" in the Brown v Board of Education decision (s). What was the essence of these decisions?
• What were the main implications of the Bakke v Regents of California Supreme Court case?

6 Public Opinion

• What are the "agents of political socialization"?
• What are some differences between men and women in political opinions?
• The word "salience" in political opinion refers to what personal aspect of various issues and topics?

7 Political Participation

• "What's the "rational actor" theory?
• To participate in the political process, what three (3) conditions must be met for you to do so?
• What are some of the factors affecting voter "turnout"?

8 Interest Groups

• The practice of influencing public decisions for largely private purposes is referred to as _______?
• People often do not make a "rational" choice re: being involved with an interest group vs. being "free rider". What is meant by this?
• Does the White house lobby Congress, or vice versa, or do both lobby each other?

9 Parties and Political Campaigns

• What is the process of identifying potential political supporters and designing a customized messages and mobilizing them to come out for an election is called:
• Why do we only have two main parties in the United States?
• Splinter, single issue and ideological parties: examples of each

10 Media

• Characteristic of young persons and the "news"
• Limits placed on television and radio is managed by what agency?
• Two (2) lessons learned by the first presidential debate in 1960 that are still significant today

11 Congress

• Inherent advantages incumbents in Congress have in getting reelected
• How often does reapportionment occur? Why?
• What's the difference between the "delegate", "trustee" and "politico" role of a Congressperson? Can they be performing with all 3 pf these hats?

12 The Presidency

• When do parties select their candidates for the Presidential election?
• What is the significance of the "unit"rule in the Electoral College?
• When can the President exercise the "line item veto" in signing legislation presented to him/her for signing?

13 Bureaucracy

• Key differences between public and private bureaucracies
• What's the main role bureaucrats play in the policy making process?
• What's a "proxy administration?

14 The Courts

• Do judges in our system have some discretion in following precedents in the law?
• What is the principle of "standing" in being heard by a court?
• Basic principles for nominating a Supreme Court justice

15 Public Policy

• Basic stages in policy making and different parties involved
• Characteristics of the uninsured
• National debt vs. the federal deficit: which is greater? How much greater?

16 Foreign and Defense Policy

• Realism, liberalism, idealism and neo-conservatism: how do these apply to foreign policy?
• Key "producers" of foreign policy?
• Why have we maintained cordial relations with China recently, even though we have major issues with this country?
• If you were goig to take a "premptive" action agaist someone, what type of initiative would you take in relation to the other person?

Oops! My Bad

I Forgot to give Quiz #4. Got carried away with my lecture......!

Can take it this Monday, if you wish with Test #4. Or, I'll let you not take it and that won't count against you. Either option, I'll drop lowest quiz grade. OK?

bf

Oral Report Schedule

Let me know if any corrections:


Wednesday, November 25

• Jennifer and Jon-Volunteering and Citizen Engagement
• Andrew, Michael and Kimberly-Teenage Suicide

Monday, November 30

• Darnell And Chris F.-Smoking in Public Places
• Osha and Shiela-Decriminalization of Prostitution-Pros and Cons
• Jon, Ben and Brittany-Why Vote?

Wednesday, December 2

• Alexis and D'Aundria-Do Seniors Behave Badly?
• Jackie-Is Racism Dead?
• Lee, Justin and Casey-Health Care, Past and Present

Friday, December 4

• Matt, Jeff and Sherifatu-Is Marriage a Thing of the Past?
• Donisha, Cherita and Britt-Violence in the Media
• Ian Moran-Is Racism Dead?

Republicans: Who's In/Out for 2012?

"The Insider" Trailer (Whistleblower Against Big Tobacco)

Obama Approval Rating Update

China, our "Frenemy"?

Wow! How times have changed. Richard Nixon altered the world's international balance by visiting Red China when he was President, one of his final great accomplishments. China was viewed then with great anxiety and mystery, as a militaristic adversary filled with millions of mechanized persons working in the rice fields and the gun factories chanting slogans worshipping their Communist Party (actually, this describes what little we know now of North Korea).

Now, China is a world economic superpower on a par with the United States, exporting billions of dollars of goods overseas, and purchasing debt in foreign countries like the United States.

Presient Obama's current visit to China provides an opportunity to review our areas of differences and mutual agreements. What will our respective roles be 10 years from now? Stay tuned! Our lives will be increasingly affected by this evolving relationship. Read the article and watch the brief video.

Obama's Visit to China; NY Times Article and Video

Final Exam Info

Wednesday, December 9
12PM-1:55PM
Room 424

Study Guide Chapters 13-16

Here's some key elements for the Chapters 13-16 to make sure you know. These are not actual test questions, but will give you an idea how well you know the material. Use this study guide in addition to your notes from the text and lectures and the web resource for your text (chapter notes).



Chapter 13 Bureaucracy-Citizens As Owners and Consumers

• Who ultimately controls the bureaucracy?
• Who owns it? Are we just "customers"?
• When and why did the biggest expansion in the bureaucracy occur?
• Patronage and spoils: what do these terms mean? Which President used these systems of filling jobs?
• Is patronage dead?
• Pendleton Act of 1883
• What is the "merit system"?
• Republican vs. Democratic orientation towards the bureaucracy
• What's "RIP"?
• 4 differences between public and private bureaucracies
• Political vs career bureaucrats
• What's the "proxy" administration?
• Who was Frances Perkins?
• What do bureaucrats do? Rule making and adjudicating disputes
• What is the "Federal Register"?
• Know the 6 major structures within the Federal bureaucracy
• How can Congress limit the bureaucracy?
• What is as good example of Congressional "oversight"?
• Can Congress eliminate a rule approved by an agency? How?
• What role can the President play?
• What is "SES"
• What role does the OMB play (Office of Budget and Management)
• Role of Courts
• Are whistle blowers protected?

Chapter 14 The Courts-Judicial Power in a Democratic Setting

• States and Federal "dual" court system
• What do Federal district Courts deal with?
• How many Courts of Appeals are there nationwide?
• What are "en banc" hearings?
• What is meant by "precedent"?
• Significance of Marbury v. Madison case re: judicial review
• Two types of law and differences. Can you cite examples of each?
• Types of jurisdiction and judiciability
• What is meant by "standing" Can you give an example of not having standing to submit a case?
• Why was Roosevelt upset with the Supreme Court?
• What is now the emphasis on cases heard in the Supreme Court?
• Rule of 4 and "writ of certiorari"
• How many writs are received vs. heard each year?
• How could you be an "amicus curiae"?
• Types of opinions issued?
• 3 types of populations affected by decisions
• What are some external factors that can affect a decision being implemented?
• Judicial activism vs. Judaical restraint
• Qualities of nominees: professional, doctrinal and representational
• Choosing lower court appointees: some issues that have come up re: politicization of the process
• Senatorial courtesy definition
• What are some measures that have enhanced access to the Courts?
• Judges aren't elected. Isn't that undemocratic?

Chapter 15 Public Policy-Responding to Citizens

• Public policies are responses to what?
• Who is ultimately affecteed by social and economic struggles in certain sectors
• What is "public policy"?
• What are 2 basic limits are placed on public policies?
• Various steps in policymaking. Who plays a role in each step (they're different in each step)
• Types of outcomes based on cost and benefits (chart in book...check it out)
• Which policy outcomes are easiest/more difficult to maintain?
• When did the big push on environmental regulation begin?
• What's a "cap and trade" program?
• What was the emhasis in the Rio and Kyota Environmental Protocols?
• Have states gone their own way with environmental regulation?
• How many people are poor, and what % of total population?
• What are TANF restrictions?
• What segment of the population is most vulnerable to the recession?
• What % of the population is uninsured?
• Fiscal policy: Keynsian and supply side: differences?
• What is our national deficit? How much is it projected to be this year? ($1.8 trillion!)
• What % of the budget goes to pay off the debt (9%)
• Monetary policy: who's in charge?
• Reserve requirement, discount rate, open market operations???
• What's easier to fight? Recession or inflation?
• Two opposites: free trade or protectionism: pros and cons
• What is NAFTA. What does the WTO do?

Chapter 16 Foreign and Defense Policy-Protecting American Interests in the World

• Was our country initially desiring to be deeply involved in foreign affiars? Why not?
• What was significance of Roosevelt Corollary (to the Monroe Doctrine)?
• What effect did WWs I & II have on our international perspective?
• Starting with Truman, "containment" was a policy to contain whom or what?
• Did the "MAD" principle work? Is detente a good thing?
• Who became our internation "enemy" after the Cold War?
• What does "preemption refer to?
• What did the "Bush Doctrine" have as it's 3 elements?
• What's the most important element of national interests?
• What 3 components of this element are vital in making national security decisions?
• Liberalism, rerlaism, idealism, and neoconservatism in foreign policy: characteristics?
• Who is, no doubt, the foreign policy chief? (Hint: his initials are BHO)
• The NSC and State Department
• Are the views of the Secretary of State (eg., Hillary Clinton) always reflected in policy?
• Department of Defense and the Intelligence "Community"
• Who gathers intelligence beside the CIA
• Can your phone be wiretapped? When?
• How is Congress involved in foreign policy? Various tools at their disposal are....
• What % of national budget is spent on defense?
• Are you a "cognitive miser"? How does this manifest itself?
• Significance of various tools of foreign policy
• Military power: do other countries spend more based onGross Domestic Product (GDP)?
• Diplomacy: various forms it takes
• Foreign aid: How big a part of budget? Is it worth it?
• International Organizations (UN, NATO, World Bank) Was the US able to get the support of the UN to invade Iraq? Why not?
• Threats
• Terrorism: how do you deal with it: a criminal act? Or, remove their areas of operation? Or, ground fights?
• Nuclear Danger? Who belongs to the nuclear "club"? What is a "missle defense system"? Does it work?
• Regional conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, and elsewhere. What's the 2-state solution proposed by former President Bush? Carnage in Darfur, Rwanda (Hutus and Tutsis). What are rusks of ignoring these areas with constant conflicts? What is "gencide"? Define it.
• China: Friend or foe? Why is their economy so strong?
• Book notes China is second largest debt holder behind Japan...that is now reversed; two flashpoints are what?
• Alternatives to force: soft power! Would you like to be a volunteer to assist those in need overseas? You'll be spreading the good word
  

Leftover Campaign $$$$$$$$$$$$

Can't use it for personal items, travel, gifts, etc. in Federal elections. Local and State laws vary.

FactCheck.org Info

Question re:Impeachment of Clinton

Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives on December 19, 1998. He was acquitted in the Senate on Febraury 12, 1999. He left office in January, 2001. A day before his term was over, he agreed to a 5-year suspension of his law license in Arkansas as part of an agreement to end the investigation of his conduct.

Whistleblower Movie: The Insider

If interested, rent this movie on an insider in the tobacco industry with Russell Crowe...

Tips for Oral Reports

Oral Report Tips and Suggestions (half your oral report grade is on quality of presentation; the rest is on quality of content)

Pitfalls

Speaker

* No eye contact

* Seems like a robot

* Hides behind the lectern

* Speaks too loud/soft

* Sways/fidgets/paces

* Rambles or loses his/her place

* Never gets to the point

* Fumbles with notes, visuals or PowerPoint

* Too much material



Visuals

* Nonexistent

* Hard to see

* Hard to undertand

* Out of sequence

* Shown too rapidly

* Shown too slowly

* Typos and errors

* Too wordy, no pics



Setting

* Too noisy

* Too hot or cold

* Too large or small

* Too bright for visuals

* Too dark for your notes

* Missing equipment

* Broken equipment

* Ridiculously complicated equipment



Planning Your Presentation

* Two-three sentence “purpose of your presentation”

* Analyze your listeners

* Analyze your speaking situation

* Select appropriate delivery method

* Memorize-only if necessary

* Impromptu-off-the cuff

* Scripted-if very technical

* Extemporaneous with notes-best



Preparing Your Presentation

* Research your topic

* Simplicity & conciseness

* Anticipate Questions

* Outline your presentation

* Plan your visuals

* When will you show certain visuals?

* Which ones work best

* How many visuals are best?

* Are your visuals achievable? What hardware is available?

* What medium is best for your presentation (overheads, PowerPoint, handouts, foam boards, etc.)

* Prepare your visuals

* Be selective

* Easy to read & understand

* 1 point per visual

* Readable to audience

* Limit material on a visual

* Fewest words possible

* 18-24 point sans serif type best

* Each visual a title

* Use color sparingly

* Label diagrams

* Proofread!!!

* Check Room beforehand

* Rehearse Delivery



Delivering Your Product

* Work the “audience” They’re your friend!

* Know your audience!

* Display enthusiasm and confidence

* Be reasonable and considerate of others

* Don’t preach. You’re not a preacher. Avoid jokes and wisecracks….not cool.

* Keep your listeners oriented. Let them know where you’re going.

* Introduce your topic clearly

* Establish common ground

* Provide good transitions between points

* Give examples!

* Review and interpret what you’ve said

* Leave people with something to remember

* Thank your listeners!

* Ask for any questions

This is Different.............

What's it like being President vs. running for President. Big differences. How is Obama adapting? Read the NY Times article below.

Being vs. Running

Study Guide Chapters 9-12

Here's some key elements for the Chapters 9-12 to make sure you know. These are not actual test questions, but will give you an idea how well you know the material. Use this study guide in addition to your notes from the text and lectures and the web resource for your text (chapter notes).


Chapter 9-Parties and Political Campaigns

What's "microtargeting"?

What functions do political parties serve?

Are parties described in great detail in the constitution?

Why only 2 main parties?

Single-member districts, plurality Electoral College and Duverger's law: define

Are parties that are radical in philosophy often successful? Why or why not?

Who regulates parties and elections?

Pluses and minuses of public financing

Five major party eras: Federalist/Anti-federalist, Whig/Democrat/Republican, Republican/Democrat machine politics, Populist Reform, New Deal, (Post New Deal)

Gender gap between parties

Realignment shifts: what causes them?

What are "critical elections"? What happens?

Are we in a period of "dealignment"?

Hard and soft money....what's the difference in politics?

What's a party platform and how is it decided? When?

Are convention delegates just like most of us? Or not?

What do elected politicians in "safe seats" do with extra money they have?

What political unit is closest to the voter?

Splinter parties, ideological parties and single issue candidates:

What do third parties' success signal?

What does it mean that elections are "candidate-centered"?

What do PACs and 527 groups do? How are they financed?

Are people of more modest means increasingly contributing to campaigns?

Various types of primaries

Earned (free) media vs. paid media

Pluses and minuses of "attack" campaigning

Characteristics of last election: changes and continuity

Young voters: did they vote in huge numbers? Who did they vote for?

What's more likely: prospective or retrospective voting?

Bradley effect

Importance of personal characteristics in a candidate: can we relate to them?


Chapter 10 Media-Tuning In or Tuning Out

Trends in traditional media consumption

Emphasis on infotainment and combative journalism

Role of newspapers before the revolution

Early close relationship between politics and the press

Who's the "Yellow Kid"? What's "muckraking"?

Shift early in twentieth century away from interpreting the news, and focusing on "facts"

Radio and TV's role: growth of news consumption

Growth of "narrowcasting"

1/3 of young say they have no knowledge about any "news"

Huge growth in options to the public to gain knowledge

Private ownership of broadcast and print outlets

Ownership of multiple outlets (print, broadcast) now legal

News as spectacle...what is meant by this?

Is local or national news more popular?

Is the press too "soft" on political leaders? When did a reporter "rough up" a candidate?

Is there political bias among journalistic reporting?

Free (earned) media: candidates' actions broadcast as "news"

Who has more to gain in debates? The incumbent or the challenger.

What's the "living room" test?

Pluses and minuses of getting political info from "bloggers".

"Game-like" coverage of political races

Shifts in election-night coverage due to problems occurring

Acrimonious relationship between President and the press

How does an administration make sure all staff talk with the same voice?

According to the authors, how does the press treat coverage of Congress and it's problems and accomplishments?

Unique aspects of Supreme Court coverage; what is focus of media coverage?

What are "news grazers"?

Chapter 11 Congress- Doing the Peoples Work

What was the "Great Compromise"

Enumerated and powers denied

Reduction in party powers over the years

Changes in Congress in the 1950s and 1960s

Practice of sharing resources in safe districts with less safe districts

Power of the incumbency: some examples

How are mid-term elections unique? What happens to the President's party?

Redistricting, reapportionment, minority/majority districts and gerrymandering

Delegate, trustee and politico role: define

How well represented are minorities and women?

How much does a Congress member make in salary?

What kind of restrictions are there on Congress members of taking favors from lobbyists?

Standing, select, joint and conference committees: role of each?

What is a "pork barrel" project? Are they legal?

Partisan politics....why can't we all just get along?

House and Senate leadership: who heads each? What's a "whip"

How important is the "chair"?

Discharge petitions, filibustering, holds and cloture:define

What's a "pocket veto"? Markup?

Role of Congress in declaring war/the War Powers Resolution: what does it say?

How can Congress stop a war?

Impeachment: who starts it? What are standards for impeachment?

What was a "legislative veto"?

Who starts the budget process?

Various manifestations of "advise and consent" with Senate

Chapter 12-The Presidency-Power and Paradox

What happened to Bush's huge mandate in 2004 from the voters? Why?

Why does the President have to be "natural born"?

Authority granted by Article II of the Constitution

Shifting role of President over the years: early strength in early years, followed by more modest est role after Civil War. Early part of twentieth century showed public looking to President again

Role of public financing, and problems

What's a "caucus" used to select candidates?

How have Presidential conventions changes? What are they now: all show and no substance?

Electoral college and the 'unit rule". Who chooses a President if no majority?

What's a "faithless" elector?

Secure the base and win the battleground states strategy

Expressed, delegated and discretionary powers of the President

When would you use a "recess" appointment if you were President?

Can the President "impound" funds he doesn't want to spend?

Line-item veto and the Supreme Court. What did they decide?

How extensive are the "emergency" powers of the President?

Can you name some Presidential doctrines? What's the "Bush Doctrine"?

When do Presidents have an easier time getting their agendas passed by Congress?

Signing statements a "back door" line-item veto?

Who's in the Cabinet? What do they do?

EOP, NSC, OMB: Who the heck are they?

Party On!

• The Unity Party of the United States-Darnell Roberts


• Religious Combo Party (?)-Kimberly Gibbons


• Equal Rights Party-Harvey Smith


• Trinity Party-Andrew Farmer


• Women's Progressive Party-Jacquline Boware


• Come Together Party-Brittany Bretz


• Positive Advance Party-Sherifa


• Sparkly Vampires Party-Lee Beavers


• Workers Party-Jennifer Hageman


• Optimistic Party-Jonathan Morris


• Free Health Care for Students-Ohsha Cloyd


• Come Together Party-Alexis Burlingame


• Republican Liberation Party-Britt Reining


• Live Longer Party-Casey Church


• Teen Rights Party-D'Aundria Dukes


• Women Walking Tall-Shiela Disler


• Party of The Mind-Justin Price


• TFUIOA (abbrev.) Party-Matt Hazlett

Interstate Insurance Sales

Darnell asked a question whether you can buy an insurance policy from another State where it might be cheaper. Now, you can't. Maybe you could with health care reform.

Buy Insurance Elsewhere

Minnesota may be the first state to pass a law allowing this practice.

Pawlenty Proposal

Beacon Journal Endorsements

In case you want to see who the paper recommends:

 Beacon Recommendations

What's Up with the Mayor's Car?

What does a car tell the public about their chief executive? How does Mayor Plusquellic's car comapre with President Obama's car? Is this car issue newswothy? Why is this being covered now? Is there a story here?

Mayor's Car Story in Beacon Journal

Useful Site to Keep Up-to Date on Health Care Policy Reform

http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/

Penny Paper Excerpt-Boston Evening Transcript 1892

click on image to enlarge

I will be sending a link to the research blog I have created titled "Is Marriage Dead?" I would appreciate everyone taking a look and giving some feed back of the comments

Thanks for your time!

http://ismarriagedead.blogspot.com/2009/10/back-ground.html#comments

How's He Doing?

Hold your mouse over a dot for a particular poll's results. Overall currently Approval 50.5 Disapproval 45.4

The White House Now a "Frat House"?

Read this article to:

1/ Learn more on this subject
2/ Decide for yourselves if the media's (NY Times) putting this subject on the front page unfairly biases readers to consider this subject is a "fact" of "high" significance.
3/ Is it worth the print to discuss this?
4/ Comments Welcome

Frat House or No

2008 Election Results: New Orleans

Oops. New Orleans (post Katrina) did go substantially for Obama vs. McCain in 2008 Presidential, although the Staste of Louisiana was won easily by McCain. I was struggling with the geography along the coast (note that Orleans County is coterminous with New Orleans. Look at how fragile New Orleans looks even on this map, being adjacnet to the tidal basin). Check it out..........

Election Results by County

Assignment #5 "Do It Yourself" Party

Develop your own political party, based on a real or imaginary ideology

Include the following 6 components (you can include the subheadings I’ve included or add your own):


1/ Founder (your name plus anyone else who is a co-founder)
2/ Name of Party
3/ Basic Statement of Overall Principles

4/ Basis of Ideology (is there an historical person who is the “spirit” of the party? (E.g., MLK, Gandhi, Lincoln, Jesus, Lenin, Bill Gates, Bono, Caesar Chavez)
5/ Party Platform
*National Defense (terrorism, democracy, changing military, homeland security from internal or external threats
*Economy (jobs, energy development, local manufacturing vs. overseas, decline of traditional industries, poverty, etc.)
*Families (health care, education environment)
*Community (safety, urban sprawl, neighborhoods, segregation
*Government (more or less, taxes, Federal, state, local relationships, election reform)
*Other??
6/Target audience (Angry unemployed workers, frightened moms, energized youth, disenfranchised youth, concerned seniors, folks with no insurance, religious group or sect or some other part of our nation’s population)

Add your party online as with the previous assignment. Remember to prepare your entry in advance so you don't "lose" it online in the process of posting. Due Monday.

More About 527s

More About 527s (click here)

Logo is for the Swiftboat Vets and POWs for Truth 527 organization that contributied to derailing John Kerry's run for the Presidency in 2004

Under federal election law, coordination between an election campaign and a 527 group is not allowed. The heavy spending of key 527 groups to attack presidential candidates brought complaints to the Federal Elections Commission of illegal coordination between the groups and rival political campaigns. These formal complaints included:

2004 Election

"On May 5, 2004, the Republican National Committee accused MoveOn.org, The Media Fund, America Coming Together and America Votes of coordinating their efforts with the John Kerry campaign.
On August 20, 2004, John Kerry's campaign accused Swift Boat Veterans for Truth of coordinating their efforts with the George W. Bush campaign.
Several people who are involved with both organizations have removed themselves to avoid the appearance of conflict. Attorney Benjamin Ginsberg pointed out that it was not uncommon or illegal for lawyers to represent campaigns or political parties while also representing 527 groups. For example, Washington attorney Joe Sandler simultaneously represented the Democratic National Committee and a 527 group airing anti-Bush ads, the MoveOn.org Voter Fund.

In 2006 and 2007 the FEC fined a number of organizations, including MoveOn and Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, for violations arising from the 2004 campaign. The FEC's rationale was that these groups had specifically advocated the election or defeat of candidates, thus making them subject to federal regulation and its limits on contributions to the organizations.) (Source: Wikipedia) (Note: this info `not be reliable as it is from an "open source", subject to alteration addtion and deletion by many)

Interest Groups

Decent Summary of Interest Groups:

Interest Groups

Health Care for Your Generation

What Congress Plans for the Young Invincibles (You)

Missing?????????? as of October 15

Missing Topics

Research Paper/Project

Christ
Fellenstein
Gibbons
Hinkle
Olsen
Smith
Watkins
Williams

Oral Report


Moran
Hinkle
Williams

16/17 Year Olds Voting: Your Responses

Here's your replies to the question "Should 16 and 17 year olds have the right to vote? (5 Yes, 16 No)

• I don't think it should be changed


• Yes


• No


• No, don't change the voting age to 16


• No, I don't think they should be allowed. They can be manipulated too easily


• No, because I don't think high school students have the maturity or even knowledge to vote for someone in an election


• Yes!


• No, it would add more complications such as poll problems and other ????


• No


• No, will go with popular vote (what their friends or parents) are saying. Will not have thir own ideas. Too impressionable.


• No


• No


• No, because more issues would probably be hot topics. example being drinknig age, cigarette buying age, etc.


• No, I don't feel 16 year olds should be allowed to vote. I feel that the majority are too immature. Also, it might influence their legal status in court.


• No, most parents hav e the most infuence in the choices their kids make


• Absolutely not. Children at thge ripe age of 18 are also too young. Too many peole like this last edlection voted solely on the fact that Obama was the first African-American President. They could easily vote primarily on whom their parents and family talk about. Bad. Bad, Bad idea!


• Yes, I think it would give younger peole more interest in politics, therefore bringing forth a better future for us


• Yes


• No


• Yes


• No, on the one side, it would let them feel like a part of the whole system and empowered; on the other side, they only have their parents/church giving them clues
  

Extra Credit Civic Participation Assignment

This Extra Credit opportunity will give you 8 extra points on your average quiz grade if done properly.

Attend a public meeting in your community. It can be a City/Village/County Council meeting, a ward meeting, a Township Trustee meeting, A county Commissioner meeting, a neighborhood watch meeting, a block watch meeting, a neighborhood organization meeting, a local school board meeting, a University of Akron-sponsored public meeting, a political party meeting (often monthly), a local or regional planning board meeting, a local park board meeting, a board of zoning appeals meeting, or any similar or related meeting of a public or non-profit body. Consult your local newpaper (daily or weekly) to see what meetings are scheduled in your area. Ask me if you're not sure if your meeting qualifies.

After attending, write a 1 page minimum journal article of your experience, with highlights and/or lowlights. Indicate whether attending made you more or less likely to be involved in local community groups.

Assignment is due on day of final exam.

Extra Credit Voting Assignment in November

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 6:30AM-7:30PM

Vote in your community (if you're registered). Earn 5 extra points on your average Quiz grade. There may be statewide issues on the ballot, and local offices in Akron and other communities. A summary of the statewide ballot issues is available on an earlier post on this website. You'll be guided to visit the Beacon Journal to find summaries of local officials and issues on the ballot and the newspaper's endorsements.

To earn credit, bring proof of voting (most polling places have round "I Voted!" stickers). Or have a polling place employee sign a sheet of paper you provide with date, time and location of polling place.

If you're too young to vote, or are not legally able to registe, submit a summary of one of the ballot issues or a candidate for public office in your community, and you're views on this issue or candidate (if applicable)(at least one page in length). Due Wednesday after election (no later).

Should the District of Columbia Have a Representative in Congress?

Representation issue: currently stalled.........

Why Did He Win?

Members of the Committee Making the Decision

http://nobelpeaceprize.org/en_GB/nomination_committee/members/

Assignment #3-First Amendment Rights and Dog Fighting Videos

For this Assignment, read the following article from CNN. Warning: the embedded video has images that may be very disturbing. The article itself may be very disturbing.
After reading the article, and reviewing your textbook material on Amendment #1 Freedom of Speech, esp. as pertains to obscenity, do you feel the existing Federal law (1999) prohibiting the sale and marketing of videos depicting animal cruelty (except if produced for religious, political, scientific, journalistic, educational, historical or artistc value) should be upheld.

Post your comment by clicking on the comment link below and following the instructions provided. You may need to create a Google, AOL or Yahoo account if you don't have one. You may comment on someone elses's post if you'd like. Provide your answer and the reasons for it. Due next Monday. All students and the public will view your comments.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/06/scotus.dogfighting/

Question in Class-What If.....

Here's some info I found re: what if a law changes, and the crime you committed is no longer an offense:

ABA Family Legal GuideCriminal Justice
Court Procedures
Appeals of Criminal Cases
What if the law changes after a court convicts me?
"If a court convicted you for something that is no longer a crime, you might be able to have your conviction overturned. This also might be possible if a trial court denied you a right that the U.S. Supreme Court later rules is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Your rights will depend on whether the new rule or law is retroactive, that is, applied to past court decisions. As a general rule, a change in the law would be retroactive to your criminal case if the case has been appealed but not resolved at the time the law is changed. If, on the other hand, your case on appeal has been resolved, the change in the law would not be retroactive to your case, unless the change is one that directly enhances the accurate determination of your guilt or innocence."

State of Ohio Ballot Issues-November 2009

1/ Amend Constitution to Provide Compensation for Certain War Veterans

2/ Amend Constitution to Create The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board

3/ Amend Constitution to Allow Casino Gambling in Ohio (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo) and Distribute Revenue to All Ohio

Overview of Issues

Study Guide for Test #2

Here's your study guide for Test #2 a little early to help you prepare as soon as possible.

Here's some key elements for the Chapters 5-8 to make sure you know. These are not test questions, but will give you an idea how well you know the material. Use this study guide in addition to your notes from the text and lectures and the web resource for your text.



Chapter 5 Civil Rights-Toward a More Equal Citizenry

What is the focus of civil rights vs civil liberties?

What are the implications of the Dred Scott case?

What 3 key civil rights Constitutional Amendments passed after the Civil War, and what did they involve?

Jim Crow laws: what were they?

Plessey vs. Ferguson case: what was decided and implications?

Role of NAACP

Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education decisions: implications for schools and society

Dejure and defacto segregation: differences

Civil Rights Act of 1964 and EEOC; Voting Rights Act of 1965

Judicial tests for equal protection under the 14th Amendment: rational basis, intermediate scrutiny and strict scrutiny: how are they applied and when

Affirmative Action's purpose and impact on education

Reverse discrimination

Differences in civil rights efforts for Native Americans, Hispanics and Asians

Civil rights for disabled, gays and lesbians and seniors; know the key civil rights elements for each of these 3 sectors of the population and key legislation

Equal rights for women: historical context and relationship with

African American movement; key milestones, including 3 key events that spurred on the "second" women's rights movement

Male vs. female earnings differences past and present

Comparable pay: what is this? Pros and cons

Burden of proof in sexual harassment cases; who is responsible

Changing nature of role in the military for women

Environmental vs. quid pro quo harassment definition

Chapter 6 Public Opinion-Listening to Citizens

Are voters swayed by something as basic as their use of language?

What values does our politcal culture contain?

Do politicians value more the opinions of certain people on certain subjects?

Opinions vs. judgment: differences

What's a "straw poll"? Push poll? Worm poll?

Who designed the first "scientific poll"?

Surveys are "ubiquitous". What does this mean?

Life cycle and generational effects on political socialization

Family, educational and religious influences

Are most churches fully integrated?

According to authors, does the media have a strong or minimal effect on our political views? Does this surprise you?

Racial and gender differences in political views. Is there a gender gap? A racial gap?

Where is political involvement for women greatest?

3 strains of political culture in most states: what are they (p.134)

Direction, salience, intensity, stability apply to what?

Push and exit polls....definitions please

How do you achieve random sampling in a poll?

What happens if you have a large sampling error?

What's a leading question? Give me an example

4 basic ideologies (p. 142)

Is there a close relationship between public opinion and public policy?

Is confidence in our institutions on the rise? How about trust?

Chapter 7-Political Participation-Equal Opportunities and Unequal Voices

The "rational actor" theory: what does it say?

Are you a "free rider". Explain

Amount of info conveyed and variation in frequency and strength are key aspects of political action in a democracy

What are 5 factors having to do with access to resources for effective political activity?

Dimensions of political engagement: internal and external efficacy, political information, and strength of identification

Does voting increase with age, and then drop off eventually?

Who votes the least in terms of age? Gender? Race? Employment? Education? Income? and Region?

Do we vote in large relative numbers when looking at # of registered voters in other countries?

Our 2 party system stifles participation; we focus on appealing to everyone, and thus lose many

What causes "voter fatigue"?

"Checkbook Democracy" a sign of the times?

What are some ways to improve voter participation?

Public schools are abandoning what traditional function of public schools as related to our democratic heritage?

Chapter 8 Interest Groups in America

Inside vs. outside strategies used by lobbyists

What is an interest group? What do they seek to influence?

How have they been viewed historically? Glue for society or a bunch of passionate rebels who need to be managed?

How are interest groups and political movements different?

Economic, ideological or public interest types

Why have interest groups exoloded over the last several decades?

Where did the practice of "lobbying" get it's name?

Change in character of interest groups over time (role of citizens more passive: relegated to writing checks vs local organization).

Who's the biggest?

Who has the cash?

Who's unrepresented? Why?

Why you join: material, solidary, purposive, assessing motives. What's the strongest reason of these to join?

Give some examples of leadership as a strategy to get traction for an issue. Can you name a leader who has been visible for some causes. Michael Jackson?

Who are the lobbyists?

Why do elected Congresspersons like many lobbyists? What are some of the benefits lobbyisits supply?

Does the White house have lobbyists? Why? Who do they lobby? If Congress won't listen, who can lobbyists turn to?

Agency "capture", "iron triangles" and "issue networks". What are they?

Reulating lobbyists-some examples

What are PACs? What limits are on them?

What are "527" groups? Are they well regluated?

"Political disadvantage theory"

Who is mobilized when you mobilize the "grass tops"?

Coalitions and protests: how effective. Who protests?

What types of groups are young people like you interested in joining?

Hate Speech on Campus

This brief article reviews the pros and cons of campus speech codes. Note, a public university, like the University of Akron, is limited in having hate speech codes vs. private universities who are more free to regulate hate speech:

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/iie/v5n2/codes.html

And this article reviews trends in campus speech codes:

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/speech/pubcollege/topic.aspx?topic=campus_speech_codes

Hate Speech and Violence

An interesting view on hate speech and violence by U. of A. law professor Will Huhn, emphasizing the narrowness of what is considered unprotected free speech in America.

Hate Speech, Violence and the Constitution

Assignment #2 Emmett Till Case

Review the Look Magazine article written after the trial of J.W. Milan and Bryant, which revealed to the public the details of the murder of Emmett Till in 1955. Some say this incident started the national Civil Rights Movement.

How would you have reacted if you went back in time and you lived in Money, Mississippi and learned of the killing and the trial that freed the alleged perpetrators Bryant and Milam? Due Monday.

Look Magazine Article

The 2005 picture is of the store in Money, Mississippi where Till was pistol whipped and beaten

Cuyahoga Falls man on death row seeks stay of execution in wake of state's aborted attempt

It was inevitable.

Cuyahoga Falls man on death row seeks stay of execution in wake of state's aborted attempt

Shared via AddThis

Hummer Owners Speak Out!

Defending American Values, or Clueless, Wasteful Consumers?


http://zikkir.com/science/2987

Feds Probe Census Worker's Hanging in Kentucky

Feds probe Census worker?s hanging in Ky. | Wilkes-Barre News | The Times Leader

Shared via AddThis

Couple of Things

Assault Rifles Status: Assault Rifles
Miranda Rights: From Wikipedia:"Due to the prevalence of American television programs and motion pictures in which the police characters frequently read suspects their rights, it has become an expected element of arrest procedure. In the 2000 Dickerson decision, Chief Justice William Rehnquist wrote that Miranda warnings had "become embedded in routine police practice to the point where the warnings have become part of our national culture." Dickerson v. United States 530 U.S. 428 (2000). However, police are only required to warn an individual whom they intend to subject to custodial interrogation at the police station, in a police vehicle, or when detained. Arrests can occur without questioning and without the Miranda warning—although if the police do change their mind and decide to interrogate the suspect, the warning must then be given.

In some jurisdictions, a detention differs at law from an arrest, and police are not required to give the Miranda warning until the person is arrested for a crime. In those situations, a person's statements made to police are generally admissible even though the person was not advised of his or her rights. Similarly, statements made while an arrest is in progress before the Miranda warning was given or completed are also generally admissible.

Because Miranda applies only to custodial interrogations, it does not protect detainees from standard booking questions: name, date of birth, address, and the like. Because it is a protective measure intended to safeguard the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination, it does not prevent the police from taking blood without a warrant from persons suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol."

Right to Bear Arms: Per Wikipedia: "Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia in 2008 wrote that the right to bear arms is not unlimited and is subject to reasonable prohibitions and regulations and subsequently federal court rulings have upheld existing gun prohibitions and regulations" (emphasis added)

Bill of Rights Summary

Amendment I- Freedom of religion (practice/separation of church & state); speech; press; assembly; petition government

Amendment II-Well-regulated militia, the right of the people to bear arms

Amendment III- No quartering of soldiers in a house in peacetime without consent or war in a manner prescribed by law

Amendment IV-No unreasonable search & seizures; no warrants without probable cause, w/supporting documentation

Amendment V-Grand jury required for capital offense; no double jeopardy for a crime allegedly committed; no self-incrimination; Miranda rights; property rights for private land in a public taking; no loss of life, liberty or property without due process

Amendment VI-Speedy, impartial trial by jury held where crime committed; confront witnesses; right to counsel and process for favourable witnesses

Amendment VII-Right to a trial by jury in a civil case at the Federal court of certain types of cases (based on English common law)

Amendment VIII-No excessive bail, nor excessive fines, nor cruel and unusual punishment

Amendment IX-Enumeration of certain rights does not deny others retained by the people

Amendment X-Powers not delegated to U.S. or denied to States, shall be reserved to States, or to the people.

Double Jeopardy on Death Row?

If you were on death row, and faced the executioner...............and survived, can the State try to kill you a second time, or have you escaped Death? Ohio law requires executions to be "quick and painless". Does the Constitution's standard in the Bill of Rights against "cruel and unusual punishment" apply here?

This article provides a summary of ther current Ohio case where State of Ohio technicians failed to find an "adequate" vein in Romell Broom's arm or leg, and the procedure was stopped after 2 1/2 hours, to be tried again soon (unless the courts intervene).

What do you think should happen? This situation has only happened once before.

From Wikipedia: "Cruel and unusual punishment is a statement implying that governments shall not inflict suffering or humiliation on the condemned as punishment for crimes, regardless of their degree of severity. It was founded in the English Bill of Rights, which was signed in 1689 by King William III and Queen Mary II who were then the joint rulers of England, Scotland, and Ireland following the 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688.

These exact words later appeared in the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution (1787). The British Slavery Amelioration Act of 1798 also used the term, forbidding slave owners from using "cruel and unusual punishment" on slaves in the British Caribbean colonies. "

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Ohio's delayed execution of Romell Broom of East Cleveland today was based on the principal of "cruel and unususal punishment in the 8th Amendment to the Constiution. The Supreme Court recently declared lethal injection as appropriate, in spite of argument's about it's flaws as a means of captial punishment.

Listen to the audio below for a good overview of the issues with the use of lethal injection.


NPR Audio on Lethal Injection

Ohio Military Reserve

Most military activities fall under the Federal government. But the Ohio Military Reserve is state-based. Here's some more information:

Ohio Military Reserve
I Am A State Soldier

Color guard of the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry with the national colors of their regiment, ca. 1863-1865. The regiment, composed of soldiers from Ohio, mustered in for Civil War service with the Union Army on June 11, 1861 at Camp Chase, Franklin County, Ohio. They mustered out on July 26, 1865 at Cumberland, Maryland. (www.ohiohistorycentral.org)

Super Essay: Assignment #1

Many varied opinions on the trash-talking blogger; more than I expected. This particular response was clear and to the point: Good job everyone!

"My opinion on the issue is that the woman was wrong for slandering the model in the way that she did. She may have sent the comments anonymously, but she still sent them.
The model is in her rights to sue for Defamation of Character because that's exactly what the blogger did: she made up lies and rude comments that she didn't know were true or not.
The woman blogger does have the right to speech, but when your right to speech impedes on someone else's rights, then you have to be punished for that. The comments that were written were there for the masses to see and access. This could potentially be dangerous for the model.
First amendment rights only count when no one else is being negatively affected."

Study Guide for Test #1

Here's some key elements for the Chapters1-4 to make sure you know. These are not test questions, but will give you an idea how well you know the material. Use this study guide in addition to your notes from the text and lectures and the web resources for your text.

Chapter 1 Citizenship in Our Changing Democracy

• Who belongs to the "millennial generation? How are they different?
• What are the 3 natural rights?
• What is "politics"?
• Where did democracy have it's beginnings?
• Is politics voluntary or mandatory?
• What's a "representative" democracy?
• What's "direct" democracy?
• Majority rule and protections for _______rights.
• Ruling elite vs. pluralism: what do they mean?
• Is it important to have citizen participation in a democracy?
• What are referendums, initiative petitions and recalls?
• What are basic elements of a liberal democracy?
• Know the 3 essential aspects of liberal democracies
• Is American society growing in diversity? Why is this happening?
• What are challenges for governing a society with an aging population?
• Do large economic divisions still exist in our society?
• Are some states using voting by mail to increase participation in the political process?
• Role of the Internet in politics and community organizing
• Are there responsibilities that go along with our freedoms?
  
  

Chapter 2 The Constitution: The Foundation of Citizen Rights

• First permanent British colony was in _________?
• What caused American rebellion against Britain?
• Early political participation was limited to whom?
• Articles of Confederation: weaknesses: name a couple
• What were Shay's Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion about?
• Elements of the "Great Compromise" at the Continental Congress
• "3/5" Compromise: what was this about?
• Separation of powers and "checks and balances"
• What's federalism?
• What did first 3 Articles of Constitution deal with?
• What's the "supremacy clause"?
• The Bill of Rights: who wanted them?
• What were the "Federalist Papers?
• 2 methods for changing the Constitution? Who makes final decision? Congress or the States?
• Importance of Marbury vs. Madison case
• Expansion of the franchise occurred through amendments to the Constitution: who benefited?

Chapter 3 Federalism: Citizenship and the Dispersal of Power

• Unitary and confederal forms of government vs. federalist
• Enumerated powers, concurrent and prohibited powers
• Pluses and minuses of federalism
  
• Is federalism static or dynamic over time?
• What was significance of the philosophy of nullification?
• McCullough v Maryland and Gibbons v Ogden cases' significance
• Dual federalism aspects: Dred Scott decision significance
• Shifting trend towards strengthening federal role in 1900's
• The New Deal and growth of national power
• Cooperative federalism: federal/state partnerships up to 1960; marble-cake federalism
• Creative federalism in 60s and 70s: Brown v Board of Education decisions; targeting funds to local governments to eradicate poverty; revenue sharing
• New Federalism and devolution of power: Regan and beyond; will we return to a patchwork of rights?
• Grants-in-Aid and, block grants, categorical grants, program and formula grants
• Mandates and unfunded mandates: what are they about?
• Forms of cooperation and competition: full faith and credit provisions, compacts and business competition
• Innovation by the States: who dominates?
• Opportunities for participation enhanced with federalism

Chapter 4 Civil Liberties: Expanding Citizens' Rights

• Freedom of Religion: Free Exercise and Establishment Clause
• Early provision of rights prior to Constitution
• Arguments against having a Bill of Rights
• What's the "Lemon Test"?
• Accomodationists: who were they?
• Religion in schools: prayer and "intelligent design"
• Aid to religious schools: Cleveland voucher case key
• Freedom of Speech issues: political speech (clear and present danger test and bad tendency test, campaign speech (is money "speech"?)
• Symbolic and commercial speech (what is commercial speech?)
• Obscenity issues: the Miller test; who controls what's obscene? States or Federal government?
• Defamation (slander and libel, the Sullivan rule) ; and hate speech (prejudicial and hostile)
• Freedom of the press: prior restraint (censorship); government role with controlling the media: radio, TV, print
• Freedom of Assembly and Association: civil rights era emphasis
• Right to Keep and Bear Arms: citizens vs. the militia: DC v Heller case (discussed in class)
• Rights of Accused in 14th Amendment: unreasonable search and seizures w/ probable cause; warrantless searches: what are they?
• Self incrimination and the Miranda Rights; Right to counsel and a trial-by-jury
• Capital punishment & cruel and unusual punishment clause; is death by injection constitutionally prohibited?
• Right to privacy: implied right dealing with birth and death issues
• Civic engagement in civil liberties cases: many opportunities: ACLU, Jehovah's Witnesses; test cases, amicus curiae and "friend of the court" briefs; protection of advocacy
  
  

Objecting to the President Talking to America's Schoolchildren

Interesting article on what we discussed this AM. Should his talk online and on TV be cancelled? Should students be allowed to take the day off if they don't want to hear what the President has to say? Should students be exposed directly to what the President wants them to hear? Or should it be filtered through their parents or teacher first?

Objections to President Obama's Plan to Talk to Schoolchildren

Dying in War and the First Amendment

The Beacon Journal, among some other newspapers, published a picture of a dying American Marine on the battlefield in Afghanistan. The Dad of the young man protested printing the photo, and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates pleaded with the Associated Press not print the photo because of the family's objections. The AP released the photo anyway, saying it shows the grimness of war.

What do you think? Does Freedom of the Press apply here or not?

Article on the photo



Photo is of dead soldiers from World War I

Andrew Sullivan's Take on Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

I like this personal definition of the basic elements of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. He says it better than I could. Listen online or read his comments.

NPR-Andrew Sullivan

Primary Election Next Tuesday September 8

Check out the two information sites in this article to find out who's runnning in this primary election next week (we're picking people from our party to run in the general election in November for local offices).

Ward Races Heating Up

Revised Syllabus on Springboard

Please note a revised syllabus with revisions to dates for assignments is now on Sprinboard under course "Content". Make sure you use this for scheduling your work and studying for tests, etc.

Class Question: Where Does Obama Go to Church?

The Obamas Find a Church Home � Away from Home

Class Question:Pork Barrel Spending:What Is It?

From Wikipedia:

"The term pork barrel politics usually refers to spending that is intended to benefit constituents of a politician in return for their political support, either in the form of campaign contributions or votes. In the popular 1863 story "The Children of the Public," Edward Everett Hale used the term pork barrel as a homely metaphor for any form of public spending to the citizenry. After the American Civil War, however, the term came to be used in a derogatory sense. The Oxford English Dictionary dates the modern sense of the term from 1873. By the 1870s, references to "pork" were common in Congress, and the term was further popularized by a 1919 article by Chester Collins Maxey in the National Municipal Review, which reported on certain legislative acts known to members of Congress as "pork barrel bills", and claimed that the phrase originated in a pre-Civil War practice of giving slaves a barrel of salt pork as a reward and requiring them to compete among themselves to get their share of the handout (emphasis added). More generally, a pork barrel (presumably holding the less-perishable salt pork) was a common larder item in 19th century households, and could be used as a measure of the family's financial well-being. For example, in his 1845 novel The Chainbearer, James Fenimore Cooper wrote, "I hold a family to be in a desperate way, when the mother can see the bottom of the pork barrel."

Assignment #1 Busted!

Maureen Dowd's opinion piece in today's New York Times is pretty interesting for us. An Australian Vogue model, Liskula Cohen, is trashed anonymously online by someone calling her a "skank" and a "ho" and the winner of a Skankiest in NYC award. Shocked, the model decided to fight back , hired an attorney, and managed to get the nasty blogger's email and identity from Google. The nasty blogger climed she was protected by the First amendment to the Consitution, guaranteeing free speech.

Read Maureen Dowd's opinion piece below (click on the line below).

Stung by the Perfect Sting

Do you think the nasty blogger should be protected online, or should she be prosecuted in a civil case for defamation of character.

Give your opinion on this case, indicating why you feel the way you do. Due Monday in class.

Thanks!