Presidential Address on Libya

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?

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.

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)

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.

Busy Times in Current Events

Hopefully you are following the news on your own. But, just in case you want to read some articles that illustrate what we are studying in class here are some articles I thought you might find interesting.

Redistricting in Massachusetts

The results of the 2010 census are out. As we thought, Massachusetts lost a seat.

New York Times Census Summary

Here is an article about the overall changes noted in the census.


Lame Duck Congress

Here is a great summary about the lame duck Congress.

Have a great break!!