Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Reading Vocabulary

Review

1. Realigning Elections: an election that dramatically changes the political system
2. Filibuster: an obstructive manner in a legislature by speaking at inordinate length
3. Habeas Corpus: a writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court
4. Plurality: The excess of votes cast for one candidate over those votes cast for any other candidate
5. Rule of Four: The rule of four is a Supreme Court of the United States practice that permits four of the nine justices to grant a writ of certiorari
6. Social Capital: refers to connections within and between social networks
7. Pocket Veto: An indirect veto of a legislative bill by the president or a governor by retaining the bill unsigned until after the legislative session is over
8. Senatorial Courtesy: A custom whereby presidential appointments are confirmed only if there is no objection to them by the senators from the appointee's state especially from the senior senator of the president's party from that state
9. Concurrent Powers: held by both the states and the federal government and may be exercised simultaneously within the same territory and in relation to the same body of citizens
10. Logrolling:  the exchange of support or favors, especially by legislators for mutual political gain as by voting for each other's bills
11. Rider: A schedule or writing annexed to a document such as a legislative bill or insurance policy
12. Standing Committee: A permanent committee that meets regularly
13. Expressed Powers: a list of nonspecific responsibilities found in Article 1 Section 8 of the United States Constitution, which iterates the authority granted to the United States Congress
14. Trustee: A member of the board of the foundation who takes part in the decision making process
15. Judicial Review: Review by the Supreme Court of the constitutional validity of a legislative act
16. Delegate: A person sent or authorized to represent others, in particular, an elected representative sent to a conferenc
17. Necessary & Proper Clause: establishes the "implied powers," by which Congress has authority to pass legislation in areas not specifically listed in the Constitution
18. Political Agenda:  a set of issues and policies laid out by an executive or cabinet in government that tries to influence current and near-future political news and debate
19. Commerce Clause: states that the United States Congress shall have power "To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes"
20. Deficit: An excess of expenditure or liabilities over income or assets in a given period
21. Issue Network: an alliance of various interest groups and individuals who unite in order to promote a single issue in government policy
22. National Debt: The total amount of money that a country's government has borrowed, by various means
23. Iron Triangle: a term used by political scientists to describe the policy-making relationship among the congressional committees, the bureaucracy, and interest groups
24. Divided Government: a situation in which one party controls the White House and another party controls one or both houses of the United States Congress
25. Due Process: Fair treatment through the normal judicial system, esp. as a citizen's entitlement
26. Executive Privelege: The privilege, claimed by the president for the executive branch of the US government, of withholding information in the public interest
27. Eminent Domain:  The right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation
28. Take-care Clause: imposes a duty on the President to take due care while executing laws
29. Central Clearance: the sole agency charged with granting, denying, and revoking security clearance eligibility for the Army
30. Stare decisis: The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.
31. PACs: political action committee
32. Block Grant: A grant from a central government that a local authority can allocate to a range of services
33. Coattail Effect:  the tendency for a popular political party leader to attract votes for other candidates of the same party in an election
34. Selective Perception:
35. Cloture: A procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote
36. Incorporation: the act of forming and legally establishing a new corporation
37. Political Efficacy: one's own influence or effectiveness on politics
38. Devolution: The transfer or delegation of power to a lower level, esp. by central government to local or regional administration
39. Nullification: doctrine that a state can refuse to recognize or to enforce a federal law passed by the United States Congress
40. Political Ideologies: An organized system of political beliefs, values, and ideas
41. Gender Gap: The discrepancy in opportunities, status, attitudes, etc. between men and women
42. Silent Majority: an unspecified large majority of people in a country or group who do not express their opinions publicly
43. Superdelegates: an informal term commonly used for some of the delegates to the Democratic National Convention, the presidential nominating convention of the United States Democratic Party
44. Bully Pulpit: A public office or position of authority that provides its occupant with an outstanding opportunity to speak out on any issue
45. Trial Balloon: A tentative measure taken or statement made to see how a new policy will be received
46. Red tape: Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to rules and formalities, esp. in public business
47. Laissez-faire: Abstention by governments from interfering in the workings of the free market
48. Judicial Restraint: a theory of judicial interpretation that encourages judges to limit the exercise of their own power
49. Judicial Activism: an interpretation of the U.S. constitution holding that the spirit of the times and the needs of the nation can legitimately influence judicial decisions
50. Sovereign Immunity: an exemption that precludes bringing a suit against the sovereign government without the government's consent; "the doctrine of sovereign immunity originated with the maxim that the king can do no wrong"

Supreme Court Vocabulary

Reading Review: Vocabulary

  1. Realigning Elections: an election that dramatically changes the political system.
  2. Filibuster: an obstructive manner in a legislature by speaking at inordinate length.
  3. Habeas Corpus: a writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court.
  4. Plurality: The excess of votes cast for one candidate over those votes cast for any other candidate.
  5. Rule of Four: The rule of four is a Supreme Court of the United States practice that permits four of the nine justices to grant a writ of certiorari.
  6. Social Capital: refers to connections within and between social networks.
  7. Pocket Veto: An indirect veto of a legislative bill by the president or a governor by retaining the bill unsigned until after the legislative session is over.
  8. Senatorial Courtesy: A custom whereby presidential appointments are confirmed only if there is no objection to them by the senators from the appointee's state especially from the senior senator of the president's party from that state.
  9. Concurrent Powers: held by both the states and the federal government and may be exercised simultaneously within the same territory and in relation to the same body of citizens.
  10. Logrolling: the exchange of support or favors, especially by legislators for mutual political gain as by voting for each other's bills.
  11. Rider: A schedule or writing annexed to a document such as a legislative bill or insurance policy.
  12. Standing Committee: A permanent committee that meets regularly.
  13. Expressed Powers: a list of nonspecific responsibilities found in Article 1 Section 8 of the United States Constitution, which iterates the authority granted to the United States Congress.
  14. Trustee: A member of the board of the foundation who takes part in the decision making process.
  15. Judicial Review: Review by the Supreme Court of the constitutional validity of a legislative act.
  16. Delegate: A person sent or authorized to represent others, in particular, an elected representative sent to a conference.
  17. Necessary & Proper Clause: establishes the "implied powers," by which Congress has authority to pass legislation in areas not specifically listed in the Constitution.
  18. Political Agenda: a set of issues and policies laid out by an executive or cabinet in government that tries to influence current and near-future political news and debate.
  19. Commerce Clause: states that the United States Congress shall have power "To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes".
  20. Deficit: An excess of expenditure or liabilities over income or assets in a given period.
  21. Issue Network: an alliance of various interest groups and individuals who unite in order to promote a single issue in government policy.
  22. National Debt: The total amount of money that a country's government has borrowed, by various means.
  23. Iron Triangle: a term used by political scientists to describe the policy-making relationship among the congressional committees, the bureaucracy, and interest groups.
  24. Divided Government: a situation in which one party controls the White House and another party controls one or both houses of the United States Congress.
  25. Due Process: Fair treatment through the normal judicial system, esp. as a citizen's entitlement.
  26. Executive Privelege: The privilege, claimed by the president for the executive branch of the US government, of withholding information in the public interest.
  27. Eminent Domain: The right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation.
  28. Take-care Clause: imposes a duty on the President to take due care while executing laws.
  29. Central Clearance: the sole agency charged with granting, denying, and revoking security clearance eligibility for the Army.
  30. Stare decisis: The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.
  31. PACs: political action committee.
  32. Block Grant: A grant from a central government that a local authority can allocate to a range of services.
  33. Coattail Effect: the tendency for a popular political party leader to attract votes for other candidates of the same party in an election.
  34. Cloture: A procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote.
  35. Incorporation: the act of forming and legally establishing a new corporation.
  36. Political Efficacy: one's own influence or effectiveness on politics.
  37. Devolution: The transfer or delegation of power to a lower level, esp. by central government to local or regional administration.
  38. Nullification: doctrine that a state can refuse to recognize or to enforce a federal law passed by the United States Congress.
  39. Political Ideologies: An organized system of political beliefs, values, and ideas.
  40. Gender Gap: The discrepancy in opportunities, status, attitudes, etc. between men and women.
  41. Silent Majority: an unspecified large majority of people in a country or group who do not express their opinions publicly.
  42. Superdelegates: an informal term commonly used for some of the delegates to the Democratic National Convention, the presidential nominating convention of the United States Democratic Party.
  43. Bully Pulpit: A public office or position of authority that provides its occupant with an outstanding opportunity to speak out on any issues.
  44. Trial Balloon: A tentative measure taken or statement made to see how a new policy will be received.
  45. Red tape: Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to rules and formalities, esp. in public business.
  46. Laissez-faire: Abstention by governments from interfering in the workings of the free market.
  47. Judicial Restraint: a theory of judicial interpretation that encourages judges to limit the exercise of their own power.
  48. Judicial Activism: an interpretation of the U.S. constitution holding that the spirit of the times and the needs of the nation can legitimately influence judicial decisions.
  49. Sovereign Immunity: an exemption that precludes bringing a suit against the sovereign government without the government's consent; "the doctrine of sovereign immunity originated with the maxim that the king can do no wrong"

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Reading Review: #1 vocab

Reading Review #1 Vocab

Political Culture-way of thinking about how political and economic life should be carried out.
Political Ideology-set of beliefs about what policies the government should pursue.
Equality of Opportunity- Gives people an equal chance to succeed.
Equality of Results- Making certain people get the same result.
Civic Duty- Belief that one has an obligation to participate in civic and political affairs.
Progressive Culture- Belief that personal freedom and solving social problems are more important than religion.
Orthodox Culture-  morality and religion should be of decisive importance.
Political Efficacy- Belief that you can take part in politics.
Middle America- Average middle class americans.
Silent Majority- large amount of people in a country or group who do not express their views publicly.
SES- Measures a person's work experience and family economics compared to that of others.
Christian Coalition- Offers people of faith the opportunity to have an impact on issues they care about.
Gender Gap- Difference in political views between men and women.
Liberal- Favorable to change and reform. Opposite of conservative.
Conservative-open to change and holds to traditional views.
Libertarian- Upholds individual liberty
Populist- Member of a political party that represents the interest of ordinary people.
Political Elite- Person with disproportionate share of political power.
New Class- Describes the ruling class of beauracrats and communist party functionaries which usuallt arise in a stalin communist state.
New Deal Coalition- Alignment of interest groups and voting blocs that supported the new deal.
Random Sample- every person has an equal chance.
Sampling Error- Difference in results when a random sample is taken at the same time.
Weighting-adjustment made in order to take account of special circumstances.
Quota Sample- Created by gathering a number of people from categories.
Focus Groups- Diverse group of people brought together to provide inscentive.
Instant Response Polling- designed to get instant results.
Push Poll- attempts to influence people under the guise of doing a poll.
Bandwagon Effect- People that will do something jsut because others do it.
Refusal Rate- Proportion of people who refuse to give up the sought information.
Exit Polls- based on interviews held on election day with randomly selected voters.
Tracking Poll- Conducted each day to assess trends caused by advertising
Skewed Question- A question that creates wrong results.
Context Effect- People behave differently in different situations.
Question Framing- How a surveyor decides to ask for data.
Saliency- Degree to which an issue is important to an individual of a group.
Help America Vote Act 2002- Helped make the voting system less complex.
Moter Voter Law- Enables prospective voters to register when they get a license.
15th amendment- Prohibits denial to vote based on race, sex, or ethnicity.
Literacy Test- citizens must show they can read before registering to vote.
Poll Tax- citizens pay a tax before registering to vote.
Grandfather Clause- If your grandfather could vote you can vote.
White Primary- Practice of keeping blacks from voting
Voting Rights Act 1965- Outlawed voting discrimination.
19th amendment- cannot be denied to vote based on sex.
Voting Rights Act 1970- No prerequisites for voting.
26th amendment- voting age to 18.
23rd amendment- Citizens of the District of Columbia can vote.
Disfranchisement- revocation of the right to vote by someone.
Australian Ballot- reduce fraud in voting.
Activist- People who participate in all forms of politics.
Demographics- Characteristics of the human population.

Overturn of the Gay Ban, Fall of The Ask Dont Tell Policy

Overturn Of Gay Ban, Fall Of The Ask Don't Tell Policy





       Could the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT)" policy really be over? Pentagon tends to believe that is now save to over turn the ban on gays/homosexuals on service members in the military and or marines. The policy prohibits people who "demonstrate a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts" from serving as a member in the armed forces of America. It is said that their presence will cause forces to be un-unified, and stagger in to unacceptable "risks to good morale, and discipline".  According to a survey released today 115, 052 people believed that the repeal on the policy, would in fact "not" be a bad thing at all.  Many of those people who participated in the survey don't have a problem with gays or lesbians being open and serving in an armed force. But on the other hand several members of the marine force do. Between 40 and 60 percent of members of the marines claimed that the overturn of the ban would most definitely be a bad idea. James Connoway, former commander of the Marine Corps claimed that the repeal would "harm combat effectiveness and unit cohesion". He even added that separate quarters for homosexuals would be in best interest. Back in February, President Barack Obama stated that he would repeal the DADT policy in his State Of The Union Address. I honestly believe hat policy is somewhat un-constitutional because it does not give people equal rights. Why shouldn't open homosexuals be allowed to serve in armed forces? There is nothing wrong with people wanting to be who they are. I believe the ban is unfair, and should be repealed immediately. Only those who, on purpose, decided to break up the cohesion of the force should be asked to resign or removed. Simple as that.




Links:
1.http://uspolitics.about.com/od/electionissues/a/gaysinthemilitary.htm
2.http://gaylife.about.com/od/dontaskdonttell/i/dontaskdonttell.htm







 

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Cleveland Schools: Wheres Our Education Going???

Cleveland Schools:
Where's Our Education Going???

        Presently in Cleveland the Cleveland School Districts are in effect to close 7 schools. This is because next schoool year they face a $47.5 million deficit. Making these cuts will save the district a much needed $74 million in the following two years. There will be a total of about 1,000 people losing their jobs. With the 7 schools closing, there will be 835 school employees being layed off and 135 employees that were set to retire will not be replaced. 650 of the 835 employees being layed off are teacher. I feel that Cleveland School Districts should not make this many cuts, too many people will be without jobs. They should close some of the schools because they need money, but not that many. This many cuts will make it so that about 1,000 people won't have jobs, so they won't be able to make money for themselves and family. In class the relationship this topic has is with the economy and jobs.






Links:1
http://www.woio.com/Global/story.asp?S=14302557.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/TDWRTAwM3E8"

Earthquake:Japan's devastation

Earthquake:
Japan's Devastation

Recently a massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit northeast Japan, causing dozens of deaths, more than 80 fires, and a 10-meter (33-ft) tsunami along parts of the country's coastline. Homes were swept away & damage is extensive. The Japanese government has estimated the direct damage at as much as $310 billion, making it the world's costliest-ever natural disaster. More than 10,000 deaths have been confirmed, and another 17,000 people remain missing. Who knows how long it will take for the Japanese to recover, keep them in your prays & try to donate as much as you can. 
Connection: In class we discuss foreign affairs & foreign relations. The U.S. provides their support of finances for the most part to help provide for Japan. This could be considered foreign relationships and affairs.



Links
http://www.guardian.co.uk/cardiff/2011/apr/01/trip-to-japan-earthquake-fundraiser-photography-project


rhys jones japan

Monday, February 28, 2011

Casinos and taxes: what issue 6 really means

Casino and Taxes
What issue six really means

     Issue 6 is a proposal on the November ballot that would change the Ohio Constitution to allow a $600 million, 94-acre casino resort off Interstate 71 near Wilmington, northeast of Cincinnati. It authorizesor or reserves that specific casino only. According to this amendment, this casino would have to be taxed up to 30 percent of its gambling revenue. That tax money pays for government regulation and gambling treatment programs. Proponents say the casino, could gross or income $800 million a year, meaning an extra $240 million for close government budgets. But here's the tricky, sticky point that opponents call a "loophole": Should another casino open in Ohio, the amendment calls for the Wilmington casino to pay less in taxes. It would lower the rate either to 25 percent or a rate less than the newcomer's whichever is less.
Links: http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2008/10/casinos_and_taxes_what_issue_6.html
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LChoosdcYl8