Archive for the ‘Executive Branch’ Category
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23
Feb
2009
Issues to Care about
As we get started on our bill projects – you’re going to need to find an issue that you care about.
What’s a problem in the world, in the US, in Texas, in Round Rock, or in your neighborhood, that you care about? And what could the US Congress do about it (if anything)? The more interesting your topic is to you, the more likely you are to create a bill that will make it through Congress successfully!
3
Dec
2008
29
Nov
2008
Test Review
Our test review for this unit will not be ‘typical.’
We’re going to use several activities combined together to create an excellent review.
However, if you miss the review day (11/24) it will be more difficult. Here is a copy of what we will do in class.
The test will be on 12/2
Those of you who fell behind, or missed something, may use this also in order to catch up.
Interactive Test Review (.doc format)
In addition, please use the PowerPoints that I have provided on this website! You can find them at this link.
Finally. Take the time to define and understand the following terms and concepts:
Electoral Votes
Session
Trustee
Partisian
Politico
Gerrymandering
Apportionment
Constituents
Veto
Filibuster
Cloture Rule
The hopper
Rules Committee
Speaker of the House
President pro tempore
Majority Whip
Majority Leader
Ways and Means Committee
Pork-barreling
Franking privilege
Interest group
Lobbyist
Executive order
Signing statement
Good luck – have a Happy Thanksgiving!
26
Nov
2008
What the Election Would Look Like if it Was Decided by: [Fill In the Blank]
This is a pretty neat site that shows us what the Electoral Map would have looked like this year if only women voted, or men, or people over 65, etc, etc, etc.
The information is of little practical use – but it’s quite fascinating for you Government junkies!
Click here for: Hypothetical Election Maps!
According to CNN exit polls, this is what the map would have looked like if voters 65 and older decided the election.
It’s too bad for McCain that all those voters under 65 showed up! (kidding)
7
Oct
2008
Round 2: Debate in Nashvegas
In just a few hours John McCain and Barack Obama will face off for their second (of three) debates in Nashville, Tennessee.
In the past few days, as we discussed in class, the campaign has taken an especially nasty turn. McCain and Palin have questioned Obama’s ties to 60′s radical William Ayers. While Obama has called McCain ‘erratic’ (calling into question his age perhaps), and brought up McCain’s involvement in the Keating 5 scandle of in the early 1990′s.
In the mean time, the Dow Industrial Average plummeted yesterday and the world wide economy looks to be in dire straights. This appears to be helping Obama as his poll numbers continue to rise nationally, and in key states, ahead of McCain.
Tonight, Obama will simply need to not mess up. He’ll need to avoid any serious pitfalls and keep McCain from landing any ‘zingers’ on him. McCain on the other hand needs to be on the offense. He needs to reverse the tidal wave of new support heading Obama’s way.
McCain’s task is significantly more difficult than Obama’s – but possible. Remember the Reagan/Carter debate from 1980?
The debate will be held in a ‘Town Hall’ format. Traditionally pundits have said this format favors McCain. Questions are asked from audience members to the candidates with a free flowing format ensuing after the questions are asked. The candidates will be able to roam around on the stage and walk up to the audience in order to respond. It allows the candidates to be more spontaneous and more personable. You’ll hear a lot of ‘plainfolk’ talk tonight. See if you can point it out!
Some analysis on what to watch for tonight from the political ‘experts’:
Will they stay civil tonight? Who will throw the first punch? Will Obama avoid McCain’s attacks?
