Chapter 14

Read online bio's of the U.S. Supreme Court Justices.  What do you find interesting about their backgrounds?  Pick one of the Justices, read about cases this Justice has written (majority or dissent) and explain whether you agree or disagree with his/her judicial philosophy.

I find it so interesting that people that President Reagan nominated to be justices are still there today. I know in the things you read it often says they serve for life but it just doesn't seem real until you realize a great president like Reagan nominated people who are still serving today! Being a woman I decided to look up information on Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Based on looking through her cases it was clear she was for woman's rights. Which obviously I firmly believe in! 

Is Judicial Review a power that should be exercised regularly or sparingly?  Why?

I think like many other things its better in moderation. I believe it is wonderful because it can ensure that unconstitutional aren't passed. This is all about checks and balances. I believe this power should only be used when necessary. 

Is it the job of the High Court to apply the Constitution in light of the intent of the framers of the Constitution (strict construction) or should they interpret the Constitution in light of changes in society/technology (living Constitution)?  Why?

Shew this is a tough one. I believe some things need to be in strict and stay the same. Like our basic freedoms. Speech and right to own guns, those type of things. However things are different since the Constitution was created. I think it is appropriate for some things to change with the times. It's not the same world it was then. 

The Bureaucracy

Research federal agencies and explain which one you feel is the most important one and why?

I feel one that is really important would be The Food and Drug Administration. The FDA protects public health by making sure human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical equipment, food supply, and cosmetics. They also make medicines more effective and affordable. I think the list of what they do already shows the importance of what the FDA does. What we put into our bodies is so important, and knowing what we are getting is vital.

Which federal agency could be terminated with the least impact (if any) and why?

I don't think any one agency should be terminated. Each agency was set up for a specific purpose. Just because one person may not find what someone is doing as important as another doesn't mean it isn't.

Are any new agencies needed?  In other words, if you were president would you create new agencies?  If so, in what area(s)?

I think there should be an agency that regulated assistance programs better. I know some states have passed the drug testing, I think this should be mandatory for anyone to receive government assistance. I know people receive these benefits and don't use them in the way they should, and I find it absolutely ridiculous.

The Presidency

What makes a great President (not which Presidents have been great) . . . what qualities are essential to greatness? Why?


I believe for a president to be considered great they have to have a strategic vision and direction in which they want to lead our country. They genuinely need to be concerned about the people, with that they need to be concerned with the big issues. They need to explain there vision and what they plan to do so we Americans know why they are doing what they are doing. They should instill there confidence on the American people. They should be confident in there own abilities.


Other than Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, which two Presidents have been the greatest and why?


I think Franklin Delano Roosevelt is the greatest president we've ever had! Firstly all the programs he implemented to get America out of the depression. Also just the hope he gave Americans. Not only that but his leadership through World War II. Ronald Reagan is also consider to be great. He believed there should be less government programs and he made tax cuts.


Research a President that you're previously unfamiliar with - list at least three things you learned. Was this President effective? Why or why not?
I looked up information on our 37th President Richard Nixon.

• -He was the only president to resign, he resigned because the Watergate scandal.
• -He served two terms, and was in office during Vietnam.
• -He was vice president for Eisenhower.

"The people's right to change what does not work is one of the greatest principles of our system of government." -Richard Nixon

I think Nixon was a crooked man, like I believe many of our politicians are. He just got caught. I think he did do some wonderful things for our country. For example he started the Environmental Protection Agency. He also signed environmental bills. He also passed many women's rights bills. In face he signed the title IX bill which allows things like girls sports to get as much funding as boys. At the time he also helped reduce tensions with China.

Congress

Who are your Senators and your Congressman?

Representative Diane Black is my representative for the 6th District, and she is a republican. Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander are our senators here in Tennessee, both of which are republican.

Research the areas they champion and find one you support.  What is it and why do you also support it?

“I am committed to safeguarding the rights of law-abiding American citizens, and in the Senate I will be a consistent voice for the second amendment and fight attempts to weaken those rights that are granted in the Constitution.” - Senator Bob Corker Well I am most defiantly for protecting my rights to bear arms, and I support it because I believe its our right to be able to have a gun. Corker is also for improving health care, which I am for. I disagree in some areas however. From what I've read it seems to be good ideas! 

Find an issue one of your Senators or Congressman champions that you disagree with.  Why do you disagree?

Congressman Diane Black is for the Defund Planned Parenthood. "I will not rest until we put  a stop to Planned Parenthood’s blatant abuse of taxpayer dollars to subsidize its big abortion business." I ride the fence on this issue. I don't quite know where I stand. I don't think it is necessarily right but I've never been put in the type of position where I'd have to make that kind of choice. So in my mind I'd like to say it's wrong but I am undecided. I do however agree with Mrs. Black's point about it being an abuse of the taxpayer dollars, but I'm still on the fence. 

Political Parties

1. Which political party do you most identify with?  Why?  Are there things in the party platform with which you disagree?

I suppose I identify with both parties. I identify with the Republican party the most. Mainly because I believe with there stance on on social and human ideas which individual rights and justice. I believe it is individual responsibility to take care of oneself. I agree with the death penalty and increased spending on military issues. If I had to disagree with anything it have to be the opposition of gay marriage.However I don't find this to be of that much importance, as it doesn't effect me.

2. Does America need political parties?  The founders originally hoped that American politics would operate without need of parties?  Would that work today?  Why?

I think in some ways America would would be much better without political parties. I think to many people get wrapped up in the parties and not the actual politics. They vote for someone because they are republican or democrat rather than what the person stands for. I think people have become to dependent upon these parties and our system wouldn't operate well without them.

3. Please research lesser known political parties - which one do you most identify with?  Why?

I came across the America First Party, which promotes economic growth and independence. I identify with this party because I feel economic growth is so important right now. It also encourages the traditional  values of faith, family, and responsibility. I think that is wonderful.

Interest Groups

I chose the National Education Association (NEA), which is the nation's largest employee organization. It's primary goal is to advance public education. They believe everyone should have the opportunity to a public education to better there lives, future, and education. There website states, "NEA also believes every student in America, regardless of family income or place of residence, deserves a quality education. In pursuing its mission, NEA has determined that we will focus the energy and resources of our 3.2 million members on improving the quality of teaching, increasing student achievement and making schools safer, better places to learn." I whole-heartedly believe in this cause. I differ on the no child left behind stance in some way however, I feel like some students with special needs that need to be placed in a certain classroom so they can get the attention they need to learn. I know from experience that they still get left behind and it furthers others around them. 

I found an interest group I really related to and it is the Gun Owners of America. They have been working since 1975 to preserve and defend the rights of the second amendment. I find there position on issues persuasive because I believe it's our right as Americans to be able to have a gun. Whether it is for protection, or if you just enjoy it for recreational use. People say guns kill people, I disagree with that statement. People kill people. Even if they are made illegal people with still be able to get them, just like drugs! 

I don't think as a majority interest groups have to much power. In some cases i'm sure they do. I believe it's wonderful that people can join with a group of people they relate to on an issue and fight for the things they believe.  

Media and Objectivity

I feel objectivity most defiantly still occurs in media's coverage of politics. It's sad to say but Fox News is defiantly pro-republican and it's very obvious. I think all stations though are pro something. I would absolutely love a news station that reported news weather it was good or bad for the republicans or democrats. Just honest raw news. What you need to know, not what you want to hear.

I don't listen to talk radio. I get so annoyed when it comes on. It's just a personal preference. It annoys me to no end! The prefer to see the person who is speaking weather it be on TV or in person. So I supposed it doesn't really affect my views, because I avoid it at all costs.

Of course media objectivity is important! I want to hear the facts not someone's opinion! I think this is very hard to achieve however. Almost everyone has an opinion and is in some way going to be biased. I do think it is so important to hear the facts though. I think you needs facts first! Then it's always good to get an opinion from both sides of the spectrum. I've you've never been in a situation you may not understand it. Other people's thoughts and opinions can sometimes help educate you also.

Public Opinion

I feel that its the news job to put these polls out there. Do I think they are all necessary, no. I still believe however it is appropriate to report on these polls. It is important for Americans and our leaders to see which was the country is feeling about certain topics.

I come from a long line of Republicans. I however am more open minded than my grandparents and my parents. I think that it is important to be a part of a party that shares the same interests as you. The problem with me being I'm still learning. I entered the work force two years ago and since that time my views have changed immensely on a number of topics. Two years ago things that sounded wonderful to me are absolutely ridiculous to me now. As I'm getting older and having more life experiences were the government decisions effect me first hand I can see my self following in my families republican foot steps. The majority of my friends are older and things like this are very important to them, the younger ones however don't put much thought into anything besides there wants right now. My grandparents and parents political party identification is very important to them. Our government shapes our lives and can change it dramatically, I believe this is why it is of such importance to them to stand behind their party and their beliefs.

My opinion of politics is most defiantly influenced more by economic issues. As I said previously before I entered the work force I hadn't realized the importance but now I most defiantly do. I think it is so important to me because I see more and more people going for things like handouts when the don't get out there and try to make it. It burns me up, we all need help now and then but to many people just live off the government. It gets old working 60+ hours a week and going to school time trying to make something of myself and struggling and seeing people on welfare who don't have a care in the world and are spending my hard earned money without making an effort to do anything with themselves. End of rant. This is why it is most important to me however.

Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

Now were getting into the nitty gritty. I don't mean to offend anyone this is just my take on what the government is doing.

Well after reading our book I think the government has gone along way to prevent racial discrimination. I almost believe it is to much now a days. There is so much focus on this. The reason I say this is because for instance in the Trayvon Martin case if the kid hadn't of been African American don't think such a big deal would've been made. I believe things like this happen often. Everyone has equal rights today, so I believe its time we start working towards other problems. I believe to many people live in the past and focus on what they didn't have.

I honestly believe that as far a gender discrimination goes I wouldn't say the government does to little or to much. I know in some cases as a female we are perceived as not being able to do what men can do in some circumstances, but personally I haven't encountered to much gender discrimination in my school or workplace. I have been able to do the same jobs. Make the same as the guy standing right next to me. I'm sure there are instances of gender inequality but I think the government has come along way.

Sexual orientation is a tough one. I think the government could be doing more. Some states are allowing same sex marriages now. I think America as a whole is more open to these things then it ever thought about being 50 years ago. I believe live and let live. I may not chose to live a lifestyle, but who am I to hinder someone else who does, especially when it has no effect on me? I was raised to believe it is wrong and immoral, but I know if I had family who had different sexual preferences than me I would still love them the same.

I think the United States has come a long way in all these areas, but there is still room for improvement.

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Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, and Criminal Procedure

Freedom of Speech is very important to me, as I think every citizen would agree it very important. I suppose the Freedom can go to far. There is a fine line between expressing yourself and your beliefs and inflicting intentional pain on people. Everyone has probably recently heard about the Phil Robertson statements about homosexuality. I think that people knew what his response would be based on his faith, but they still asked the questions. Do I think he was wrong, No. He was expressing his freedom of speech. Did his statement affect some people in negative ways, more than likely. Ultimately this is going to happen though, you ask hard questions and your going to get answers you may not want to hear. I can't say for sure when it shouldn't be protected but I think it would have to be a lot worse of a situation than the one above.

I suppose in today's society it is necessary for the two to be separate, or it would be unfair. The way of life for many people have changed since the time our government was first created. I however think that the Declaration of Independence and other documents show the appearance of God, and his influence on the men who created these documents. I personally miss the days when we got up everyday in school and pledged allegiance to the flag and used the phrase "one nation under God", and said a prayer.

I believe it is most defiantly necessary for defendants to have rights. You are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. People have been accused of things, and not been guilty. I would hope that if I was falsely accused of something I would still have rights. I believe in some ways our system is flawed and there are too many rights, but without them the system would be chaos.

Federalism

The first topic of discussion is whether a strong national government is necessary or should state governments have an equal share of power. I favor more with the share of power. I absolutely agree with a lot of the national laws and such. I believe it the United States wouldn't be "United" without things like the Bill of Rights. However I believe it is necessary for states to share that power. People's needs are different, and I believe the states having their own laws is a way for the state to protect its people. I also think the state government having power keeps the national government from obtaining to much power.

During the Great Depression the nation needed help. Everyone was in trouble and it was necessary for the government to step in and help them. Reagan sought to reduce power as he agreed with New Federalism, and the voters were weary about the amount of power the government had. He viewed government as the problem, and not the solution. I believe the shift was appropriate according to what was going on in America at the time.

I think education should be the responsibility of regulating education should be in the national governments hands. Do I think they are necessarily doing the best job at it, no! I think it makes the most sense for them to regulate it. That way everyone has an opportunity for a good education. I believe all states standards should be the same. I went to school in Indiana for four years, and when I got there I was so behind. They had learned things I hadn't even heard of. Clearly they had received a better education. When I came back to Tennessee I was repeating things in the eleventh grade that I'd done in the eighth and ninth grade.

Blog Assignment 2

Chapter 2

The Articles of Confederation is weaker then the Constitution because of the vital components it lacked. Firstly congress couldn't tax citizens or products, it only allowed requested revenues from the state. Under the Articles it was simply hard to govern the people. No matter what size your state was you were allowed one vote, which didn't really represent the people's needs as a whole. Also at this time there were only 13 states and 9 had to approve something before it was passed, which was incredibly hard. It also lacked the three vital branches of government. Had the Articles stayed intact and the Constitution been created the government power would severely been lacking , in a bad way. There were few limits on state authority.

These articles are very interesting to read. I learned a couple things I wasn't aware of. Firstly, that the Vice President is President of the Senate, but has no vote unless they are equally divided. I was also unaware of the Presidents listed duties, power, and lack there of power according to the Constitution.

The ruling of Marbury vs. Madison established judicial review. This case made it possible for the Supreme Court to declare legislation unconstitutional. It's so important because federal courts are able to void acts of Congress that are in conflict with the Constitution.

I believe ultimately our government is more like the Anti-Federalist envisioned. It's hard to say one or the other, but I think a lot of the Anti-Federalist worries have come into play over the expansion of our government. Like take for instance it's obviously a good thing we have the Bill of Rights, because without it congress could abridge our freedom of speech. Another thing to think about is the health insurance, I personally think what's going on right now proves in fact that our government has to much power.

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Chapter 1 Blog

Hello my name is Kristen. My life currently consist of working two jobs and being a full time student. There isn't much time left for anything other than work and school. I love almost anything pertaining to history, especially American history. This is why I've chosen to take this class, my appreciation for American history has also made me quite interested in American Government. I figured this would be an opportunity for me to become more informed on exactly how things work in our system. I work in a Senior Behavioral Unit as a MHT. I love my job, and have found the health field so rewarding. However while being employed at the hospital I've seen the direct hits that a hospital takes when government changes policies. When had such a low census I didn't get to work for two months straight. Also I see older people who need help, and cannot get it. This makes me want to become more educated on how exactly our government works. For my future plans I would like to become on optician's assistant, and then obtain a bachelors of science in medical management.