Sunday, July 3, 2011

Summer Current Events #1

There's a lot going on right now in the world of government. Here are some articles that will help you will these current issues:

Gay Marriage Article

Whether you agree or disagree with gay marriage, the issue is great for illustrating the concept of federalism. This is one of the first ideas we will cover when we return in the Fall. Federalism allows for a national government and state government to operate at the same time. This means that states can determine for themselves who can marry.

Supreme Court Article

The Supreme Court tends to release the most controversial decisions at the end of their session. The Supreme Court session ends right about when our school year ends. So, here is a controversial decision for you to read about.

Whitey Bulger Article

I don't think current events would be very current if I didn't include an article about the FBI finding Whitey Bulger. Look for how the government is involved in this story that you've probably read a lot about.

Debt Ceiling Article

The questions about the debt ceiling and budget are going to be debated all summer. So, I am sure this is the first of many articles about this subject I will send you.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Obama's Deal

Here is the link to "Obama's Deal" the video we watched in class on Friday and Monday (March 18, 21). Here are the questions about the video:

Directions: Answer the following questions on a piece of lined paper. Be sure to use supporting details from the film and thoughtful analysis in your response.

1. Describe the Obama administration’s strategy for holding the May 2009 health care reform meeting with the President and all interested parties. Based on lessons learned in the past, what was the administration trying to accomplish?

2. Karen Ignagni and the heath insurance lobby wanted the final health care reform bill to require everyone to buy health insurance and not include a public option. What does Ignagni’s role indicate about the role of lobbyists in the legislative process? Do you think their work helps or hurts the process? Why?

3. In what ways were the demands of the health insurance lobby in opposition to the health care reforms candidate Obama proposed during the 2008 campaign? Why do you think President Obama agreed to the requests from the lobbying groups? Do you think this type of political compromise is in the best interest of Americans? Explain.

4. What were some of the reasons why many in the Obama administration felt Senator Max Baucus was the least likely person to bring comprehensive health care reform?

5. Why were health care reform activists like Dr. Margaret Flowers angry with Sen. Baucus during the committee hearings?

6. Do you feel the legislative process works reflects the wishes and desires of the American people? If so, how? If not, how would you change the system to reflect the will of the people effectively?

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Inside the Meltdown

Here is a link to the video we watched in class Inside the Meltdown. You can use this if you missed the video in class or if you need to check on an answer to your questions.

Credit Crisis Video

The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

AP Test Payment

As you know, taking the AP exam in May is one of the requirements of this course. Additionally, you are ALL in a great position to pass this exam. While the exam may seem like a lot of money, it is a great deal cheaper than college tuition.

If you haven't made your payment you need to:

Pick up an AP request form from Ms. Gomez in Room 021 or in guidance
Bring a check made out to "Boston Latin School" for $97 or $10 if you are eligible for free or reduced lunch
Give your request form and check to Ms. Gomez by March 4 (the date of the presidential inauguration until the 20th Amendment changed it to January 20)

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Gay-Straight Alliances and Government

New York Times Article on GSAs in Utah

Hi everyone, here is an interesting article that shows the connections among interest groups and legislation and high school clubs. What is very interesting is the "unintended consequences" that can come from legislation. You can really see many of the concepts we discussed in the first four months of class in this article.