Compulsory Voting Law?

Respond to the following: the US should enact compulsory voting laws.

Health Care Proposals

Below is a link that details some of the basics of the different health care proposals.


http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/08/12/us/politics/0812-plan-comparison.html#tab=0

Helpful Web Site for 4th Amendment

http://wiki.idebate.org/index.php/Debate:Student_Lockers,_school_right_to_search

Power of the Police

In the interest of public safety, the exclusionary rule should be abolished and instead, cops who violate search warrants or fail to use them should be punished.

Burning the American Flag

Do you agree or disagree with the court's decision in Texas v. Johnson? Explain.

Federal Drinking Age Reading

In this example, did the federal government abuse its power? (state your opinion with reasons)

Essay Suggestions

- read the question carefully and figure out what you are being asked to write
about; focus especially on the key terms that define your task (define,
discuss, explain)
- organize your ideas and briefly outline your essay before you write
(approximately five minutes)
- write the essay; it should have a brief intro (one or two sentences that
restate the question), the factual information, evidence and examples, and a
conclusion (one or two sentences).
- most AP essays have several parts-make sure you answer all of them
- support your answer with specific examples and evidence
- if time permits, reread the essay and make sure you have answered the
question fully
- don't try to "fake me out" with ideas that do not answer the question
- do your best!

California Article on the Initiative

http://articles.latimes.com/2009/may/20/local/me-analysis20


I think you will find this article interesting.- Mr. Kersey

States including California, Colorado and others that use the initiative should not abolish its use. The initiative is a great way to get voters to become more involved. It has been recorded that the initiatives and referedums have led to a 3-5% increase in voter participation. Twenty seven states currently use the initiative and have larger voter participation for it. The SmokeLess States: National Tobacco Policy Initiatve has attracted a lot of voters attention and has led to great debates and particularly larger turn outs at the polls of states with this initiative. The Abortion Initiatve in Washington is another example of voters becoming more involved due to the use of the initiative. According to Abortion Politics in America by Mary Segers and Timothy Bymes, in hopes to keep the Supreme Court from passing further legislature against abortion rights, Washington, to show its firm stance towards pro-choice, had a 67.9% of registered voters at the polls. This was extremely high, not to mention during an off-year election with no candidates other than a few local officials. This largely supports the use of the initiative and shows why it should not be abolished.

Initiative Question

Do you agree or disagree with the following: California, Colorado, and other states that use the initiative should abolish its use.

Blog Posting Suggestions

1) get to the point quickly
2) relate your answers to readings we have done or class discussions whenever possible
3) during your post, if you respond to a classmate's post, make sure to clearly explain WHY you agree or disagree with their analysis
4) if the question deals with a political problem or proposed reform, make sure to briefly discuss the problem/issue (including why it is a problem) and then explain WHY you agree or disagree with the reform(s)

Course Description

This course explores the political theory and everyday practice that direct the daily operation of our government and shape our public policies. The express purpose of the course is to prepare you for the AP Exam for US Government and Politics, although I also hope you develop an interest in learning more about the governmental system when you enter college. As an AP course, it will be taught at a college level and will require a substantial amount of reading and preparation for class each day.
Grades are figured on a cumulative basis. Each test, essay, homework assignment, etc. is worth a certain number of points according to the quality and level of completion of the work. Any late assignments will lose 20% each day. In addition, class participation will count for 20% of your final term grade. At the end of each marking period, a grade is determined by dividing the total points earned by points possible.