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.