1. The issue of race - does the government do too little or too much to reduce the instances of racial discrimination? Why or how so?
Prior to the Civil Rights Movement, the government did not do enough to protect victims of racial discrimination or to prevent it. The government allowed segregations of blacks and whites, it allowed businesses to refuse customers based the color of their skin, it did not always protect the rights of African Americans to vote, and much more. However, since the Movement, the government has improved in that area. Due to pressure from citizens and organizations like NAACP, the government has made many changes that still protect people from racial discrimination today. Examples would be, but not limited to, the case of Brown vs. Board of Education, Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, etc.
2.The issue of gender - does the government do too little or too much to reduce the instances of gender discrimination? Why or how so?
Just like racial discrimination, the government did not always do its part in discouraging gender discrimination as it should have. However, over the last century, many improvements have been made. While there is still occasionally some gender discrimination, the government can not prevent all of it from occurring. Although there are still two things I would like to see happen-1. women get paid equally as men and 2. more women serving in the military. Despite the Equal Pay Act, I still believe that female workers often do not receive their fair amount of pay compared to males who do the same amount/quality of work.
3. The issue of sexual orientation - does the government do too little or too much to reduce the instances of discrimination? Why or how so?
On this issue, I have mixed feelings. Although I have my own personal beliefs on this, I still think that the government, to some extent, should offer more protection. While I do not know whether I would support homosexual marriage, I do not believe that they should be discriminated upon. The government should at least take more notice of the discrimination and do its best to stop it.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Chapter 4
1. Freedom of Speech: How important is it? Does the freedom go "too far"? What areas of speech should not be protected?
To me, Freedom of Speech is very important. People should have the right to openly voice their opinions without fear of punishment. However, like everything, too much of a good thing can be bad. People should not be allowed to create needless chaos. As Oliver Wendell Holmes pointed out, "freedom of speech does not mean that an individual has the right to falsely shout “Fire!” in a crowded theater, and cause a panic." Making false allegations about someone to purposely hurt their reputation would be an example. There should be some limits placed on freedom of speech.
2. Freedom of Religion: Is separation of church and state necessary? Why or why not?
In America, I do believe that separation of church and state are necessary. I believe this simply because there are so many practicing religions today that it would be impossible for them not to clash. Keeping church and state seperated allows for more peace.
3.Criminal Procedure: Are defendant's rights crucial to our system of government? Why or why not? Many argue that defendants have too many rights - do you agree? Why or why not?
Defendants rights are very important. It is crucial that they recieve the best trial possible. Not everyone who goes to trial is guilty and therefore they should be given certain rights until proven otherwise. For the most part, I would disagree that they have too many rights. However, I can see how this would be true in some cases like murders or even terrorism.
To me, Freedom of Speech is very important. People should have the right to openly voice their opinions without fear of punishment. However, like everything, too much of a good thing can be bad. People should not be allowed to create needless chaos. As Oliver Wendell Holmes pointed out, "freedom of speech does not mean that an individual has the right to falsely shout “Fire!” in a crowded theater, and cause a panic." Making false allegations about someone to purposely hurt their reputation would be an example. There should be some limits placed on freedom of speech.
2. Freedom of Religion: Is separation of church and state necessary? Why or why not?
In America, I do believe that separation of church and state are necessary. I believe this simply because there are so many practicing religions today that it would be impossible for them not to clash. Keeping church and state seperated allows for more peace.
3.Criminal Procedure: Are defendant's rights crucial to our system of government? Why or why not? Many argue that defendants have too many rights - do you agree? Why or why not?
Defendants rights are very important. It is crucial that they recieve the best trial possible. Not everyone who goes to trial is guilty and therefore they should be given certain rights until proven otherwise. For the most part, I would disagree that they have too many rights. However, I can see how this would be true in some cases like murders or even terrorism.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Chapter 3
Is a strong national government necessary or should the state governments have an equal share of power? Why?
I believe, for the most part, that states should have an equal share of power. People who have too much power tend to abuse it and take advantage of others. With an equal amount of power this can not happen as they will keep each other in check. Also, if the states do no have much power then I believe that the citizens in general will not have as much voice in political matters. Besides that, the national government can not possibly know what is best for every state. Each individual state knows what is best for it when making most political decisions.
National power increased during the Great Depression but then power began to shift back to the states (somewhat) during the Reagan administration. Why did that happen and is that shift appropriate?
To help the economy in the Depression, the government begin to take on more responsibilities that originally were left up to the states. People in general began to believe that the national government had too much power over the states. At the time it was needed but once the economy recovered, those powers/responsibilities could and should have been given back.
Education stirs much discussion relating to the issue of federalism. Should the national government regulate education or is it a matter best left to state and local governments? Why?
In my opinion, the national government should do more to regulate education. It would ensure that students across America are more equally educated. State and local governments do not always have enough funds to properly educate their students and should receive more help. The national government tends to put a strong emphasis on education and therefore, should help ensure that anyone willing to receive an education can get one. They can better montor that the education they are recieving are up to standard with not only other states but also with other nations around the world.
I believe, for the most part, that states should have an equal share of power. People who have too much power tend to abuse it and take advantage of others. With an equal amount of power this can not happen as they will keep each other in check. Also, if the states do no have much power then I believe that the citizens in general will not have as much voice in political matters. Besides that, the national government can not possibly know what is best for every state. Each individual state knows what is best for it when making most political decisions.
National power increased during the Great Depression but then power began to shift back to the states (somewhat) during the Reagan administration. Why did that happen and is that shift appropriate?
To help the economy in the Depression, the government begin to take on more responsibilities that originally were left up to the states. People in general began to believe that the national government had too much power over the states. At the time it was needed but once the economy recovered, those powers/responsibilities could and should have been given back.
Education stirs much discussion relating to the issue of federalism. Should the national government regulate education or is it a matter best left to state and local governments? Why?
In my opinion, the national government should do more to regulate education. It would ensure that students across America are more equally educated. State and local governments do not always have enough funds to properly educate their students and should receive more help. The national government tends to put a strong emphasis on education and therefore, should help ensure that anyone willing to receive an education can get one. They can better montor that the education they are recieving are up to standard with not only other states but also with other nations around the world.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Blog 2
1. How important was the switch from the Articles to the Constitution?
This is a crucial part of history. Government was too weak, there was too much freedom, and not enough order. I believe that eventually USA would have dissolved. The Constitution made the country stronger.
2. How important are the Bill of Rights?
Without it, the possibility that government could take away certain freedoms would exist. Because of it, there are many freedoms that can never be taken. Without it, Congress could find ways to pass laws that restrict those freedoms. Its also important because citizens can know exactly which freedoms are protected.
3. Is Capital Punishment constitutional?
I believe one could argue that it doesn’t violate the constitution even if you don’t believe in it. The Fourteenth Amendment says that life can not be taken without due process-suggesting that it can be allowed with correct proceedings.
This is a crucial part of history. Government was too weak, there was too much freedom, and not enough order. I believe that eventually USA would have dissolved. The Constitution made the country stronger.
2. How important are the Bill of Rights?
Without it, the possibility that government could take away certain freedoms would exist. Because of it, there are many freedoms that can never be taken. Without it, Congress could find ways to pass laws that restrict those freedoms. Its also important because citizens can know exactly which freedoms are protected.
3. Is Capital Punishment constitutional?
I believe one could argue that it doesn’t violate the constitution even if you don’t believe in it. The Fourteenth Amendment says that life can not be taken without due process-suggesting that it can be allowed with correct proceedings.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Blog 1
1. Do Americans take democracy for granted? Why?
Today, many Americans are so accustomed to living in a democracy that they take it for granted. The citizens who have grown up in America and never lived anywhere else have never experienced any other form of government. Therefore, they often do not consider how millions of people around the world have no say in their countries’ political matters. They do not consider or maybe fully understand that in other countries citizens have no say in how their own country, sometimes their own lives, are run. I think this would not be as a big of a problem or issue if they were more educated on other countries/governments. If children and teens were more educated on the governments of other countries(and how their citizens are treated) and were able to compare them to democracy, I believe they would be more likely to appreciate it fully.
Today, many Americans are so accustomed to living in a democracy that they take it for granted. The citizens who have grown up in America and never lived anywhere else have never experienced any other form of government. Therefore, they often do not consider how millions of people around the world have no say in their countries’ political matters. They do not consider or maybe fully understand that in other countries citizens have no say in how their own country, sometimes their own lives, are run. I think this would not be as a big of a problem or issue if they were more educated on other countries/governments. If children and teens were more educated on the governments of other countries(and how their citizens are treated) and were able to compare them to democracy, I believe they would be more likely to appreciate it fully.
2. Why is separation of powers so crucial to the government?
If any of the three branches had more power than the other two, then there would be a greater chance or opportunity that they would abuse that power. Because they each have separate powers over one other, they keep each other in check. This, overall, is a benefit to the American citizens. It keeps the government from forcing their will on its citizens.
If any of the three branches had more power than the other two, then there would be a greater chance or opportunity that they would abuse that power. Because they each have separate powers over one other, they keep each other in check. This, overall, is a benefit to the American citizens. It keeps the government from forcing their will on its citizens.
3. Which of the ideologies make the most sense to you and why?
I would probably consider myself a moderate. There are many liberal and conservative views I agree and some that I disagree. Like the Liberals, I agree with higher taxes on the wealthy, programs to support the poor, etc. But on the other hand, like conservatives, I agree that if a government is too active it could do more harm than good.
I would probably consider myself a moderate. There are many liberal and conservative views I agree and some that I disagree. Like the Liberals, I agree with higher taxes on the wealthy, programs to support the poor, etc. But on the other hand, like conservatives, I agree that if a government is too active it could do more harm than good.
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