Supreme Court Fall Term

Read the article. Which decision do you think will be the most important and why?

Remember to respond as well as respond to another.

Due Friday October 5, 2012 by 11:59:59pm

Update on Cheerleader Story

Just an FYI

http://www.chron.com/news/articleComments/AG-offers-to-help-defend-school-s-Bible-banners-3900153.php

UT affirmative action case

Read the article, http://www.thebatt.com/news/lawsuit-against-ut-could-reshape-affirmative-action-1.2865570#.UGCn0Gt5mSN

What do you think the Supreme Court will say when they try this case in a few weeks? Do you agree with the policy or should they stick with the 10% rule?

Discuss and comment on another students.

Due Friday September 28 by 11:59:59pm

AP Gov Extra Credit #2

Read the article about the cheerleaders in Kountze, Texas. Using what you know about the Santa Fe case and look up the Tinker v. Des Moines case, (if that isnt the case you are working on), do you agree or disagree with the JUDGE in this case? (If you are looking for some interesting commentary, read the comments at the bottom of the article!)

Due by Wednesday September 26th!

Current Case #1

Read the summary of Santa Fe v. Doe.

Do you agree or disagree with the decision? Why or why not?

Are there other cases that have challenged this ruling?

Remember to post your own response and respond to another.

Due by 11:59:59pm on Friday September 21st.

AP Gov Extra Credit #1

Go to the following blog:
http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/

In the last election, using a series of calculations and algorithms , Nate Silver was able to correctly predict 49 out of 50 Senate races, as well as almost exactly calling the electoral college vote for President Obama. Look through his site and the "fivethirtyeight forecast. What stands out to you about his analysis? What is expected to happen as far as the presidential race, Senate, and House races?

Due Friday September 21st. 

Federalist 10 and 51

Read Federalist 10

and

Federalist 51

Answer the following questions:
Questions on Madison's Federalist Number 10:

1. What are factions, according to Madison and where does he write of them?

2. What are the causes of faction, according to Madison?

3. What is the primary object of government, according to Madison?

4. Where do the rights of property originate, according to Madison?

5. What is the most common and durable source of faction, according to Madison?

6. How could we cure the "mischiefs of faction," according to Madison? Why are these remedies worse than the disease, according to Madison?

7. What is Madison's solution for controlling the effects of factions?

8. What is a republic, what is a pure democracy, and how do they differ?

9. How does a republic inhibit the effects of factions, according to Madison?

Questions on Madison's Federalist Number 51

10. What are the three branches of government?

11. Which branch did Madison think would be the weakest?

12. Which methods does Madison suggest to check the powers of government?

13. How is the separation of powers between the three branches assured?

14. Give two examples of the "checks and balances" in the U.S. constitutional system.

15. Which branch appears as an exception to the separation of powers norm? Why is this exception not dangerous?

16. What is federalism?

17. What are the two great advantages of federalism, according to Madison?

18. What is the "end" (supreme goal) of government, according to Madison?

You have until Sunday September 16 at 11:59pm.  Yoiu do NOT have to respond to another, just answer the questions yourself.

Roche Questions

1. What does Roche mean when he describes the Constitutional Convention of 1787 as a democratic reform caucus?
2. What were some major political constraints operating during the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
3. What does Roche feel was the role of political theory at the Constitutional Convention?

Due Friday September 7th no later than 11:59:59pm