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.