Chapter 14

Upon researching the United States Supreme Court Justices, I discovered that Harvard Law School is where many attended (nineteen to be exact). The schools where most of the Justices attended were Harvard, Yale, and Columbia. I enjoyed reading about Justice Curtis and Justice McLean. Both seem to defy conformity. They formulate a decision based on their own interpretation of the law and given freedom.

Judicial Review is a great power for our legal system, however, I believe if overused it could lose its meaning. If we allow it to be overused, it could reach the point that citizens or courts could use this power to constantly manipulate and adjust the laws and standards to suit the needs of those on a specific side of a case. There must be a reasonable line drawn and it should be followed appropriately.

I believe the intent of the framers of the Constitution should be followed as best as possible, however it is very obvious that they were not always correct. It was a very different time back then, and things in society were much more strict. As with judicial review, I believe there is a middle ground that must be reached. Although society continues to evolve, classic standards should be followed as long as freedoms remain intact and equality remains as well. 

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Chapter 13 Bureaucracy

One of the most important agencies is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This department is protects and provides for the health of all Americans and essential human services. This Department is related to several incredibly important agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA),  and National Institutes of Health (NIH). I didn’t research the agencies outside of this area too heavily because this has always seemed one of the most important to me. One of the agencies in this category that I think can be terminated with little impact would have to be either the AIDS.gov or the CDC National STD Hotline. I think if they could combine the two (since AIDS, while a deadly disease, is also a sexually contracted disease); combining these two can open up a complete website and hotline combo giving many citizens different routes to access it. I understand there is importance for both, so I am not suggesting we delete one altogether. I simply mean that it may not have an enormous impact as opposed to taking out something such as the National Health Information Center. As I mentioned in a classmates blog, I also believe there is plenty coverage for issues in the broad spectrum already supplied through these federal agencies. Since responsibility and authority is shared through many agencies and in many agencies, I think if there is a topic that does not have a direct agency, it is covered in some way by another.

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Chapter 12

There are so many qualities that make a great president. In order for someone to gain the right to be in office, I believe he should be well educated and well written first and foremost. By well educated I do not mean a physics major or a scientist, I simply mean that he should know the full history of the United States, be very politically rounded, educated, and informed, and understand the pros and cons to every direction our political system can take. By well-written, I mean that he should have the ability to formally address the United States without the use of jargon, foreign language, or informal speaking in any way. There is absolutely a difference between speaking to people with respect radiating from your chosen words, and speaking to people in a careless manner. This does not mean he should be able to talk ABOVE their head, but should be able to be understood, respected, and show respect. After these qualities, I believe it also takes bravery to stand up in times of controversy, strength to always back up his beliefs and to never waver, have the ability to weigh the options before making a decision, and then make the decision in a steadfast way. Last, but definitely not least, I believe a president should be merciful and humble. If a president makes a mistake or upsets the people he should be humble enough to accept that he did wrong and able to state his apologies and intent to the people.

Next to Washington and Lincoln, I think Thomas Jefferson and Franklin Roosevelt were two great Presidents of the United States. Jefferson doubled the size of America and continuously fought for state rights while consolidating power in the federal system. Roosevelt stood strong in office through WWII and fought incredibly hard to help end the Great Depression. These presidents did numerous things to help our country.

As for a president I am unfamiliar with, I chose James K. Polk. He helped with the opening of the U.S. Naval Academy and Smithsonian Institution, groundbreaking for the Washington Monument, and issued the first post stamps in the U.S. I also did not know that Polk was a slaveowner. He inherited slaves directly or indirectly and also participated in owning slaves. He apparently rarely sold slaves, but once he was President and achieved a higher income, he decided he could afford to buy more. 

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Chapter 11 Blog

Our Senators are Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and our Congressman is Charles J. “Chuck” Fleischman. In 2009 Lamar Alexander opposed Obama’s bill regarding health care reform. His opposition was based on the consequence of higher state taxes, higher federal debt, health care run by the government, and cuts in Medicare. I support his views on this and agree with his reasons. As we have already seen in the news, Obama is blasting apologies with the horrible health care and the issues of many losing insurance completely. He also voted against a bill that would have created more detailed and expanded background checks for any person purchasing guns. While I do not think the government has the right to take away guns from the citizens, I do believe there should be much stricter background checks for those attempting to purchase one. In my small town, I’ve heard of so many who can walk in, lay cash down, and walk out with any type of weapon (mainly guns of any kind) in less than five minutes. This whole process never includes any paperwork, background check, or legal requirements whatsoever.

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Chapter 10 Blog

I agree with the Supreme Court’s ruling. We use the same machines and process in every election. If one instance arises that the results are inaccurate, then every election will seem as if there were cheating or some other illegal nature involved.

I also agree that fundraising is too important. There are many potential candidates that could do wonders for our country in some way who would find it next to impossible to raise these funds. Unless born into money or currently having a very wealthy career, it seems impossible to be able to raise this money. If our country is based on freedom for all (including any class of citizen) it shouldn’t be an issue of how much money can be raised for any reason.

I, myself, have never voted. I am not educated as well as I should on where, how, and what I am voting for. Not only for the national elections, but for simple city and county elections as well. I have moved a lot in my life and am not used to any of this. I am certain my parents voted, however, I am unsure of when and where. Now that I am old enough to sit down and attempt to understand these things, it seems there is never enough time to go and do so. I am not sure there really is a way to solve this problem. Unless there is a voting booth on wheels for those citizens who are either incapable of leaving home or simply cannot find the time to do so, I cannot think of a possible and reasonable solution. 

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Chapter 9 Blog

I’ve never really put much weight on political parties even though I was raised in a home where my parents were adamant on which side of the spectrum they belonged on. However, if I were to place myself on a side of it, I feel I most identify with the Republican Party. There are many things that I agree with and even some that I disagree with. While many place a religious purpose to their party choice, I feel it makes more sense to decide for myself based on my own life choices and for my family. I absolutely oppose abortion and believe it should be illegal in all states, I do not, however, have a standpoint on gay marriage. They will marry if they feel it is right and there is nothing we can or should do about that. To each his own. I support the death penalty because there are many, many crimes so vile and disgusting that allowing some to live and relish the memories of such seems preposterous. I believe there is more importance in individual rights such as gun control than to choose for groups as a whole. I also support higher military spending and having a strong belief in fighting for our country when faced by a serious threat.

I think America wouldn’t function well without political parties. As I discussed in my business class this past week, I believe labels carry a lot of weight in the world today. Although this label isn’t necessarily a money label, a lot of people feel these party titles carry tremendous weight. They are connected with some very large issues and beliefs involved in how our country is run and fundamentals. The idea of not using political parties seems an interesting idea; the founders had a lot of faith in the future of our country and in the strength of the citizens. However, it is hard to foresee the controversy on many issues and as time goes on, generations evolve and more issues and ideas rise up for people to choose a side on.

From what little I have read on other third parties, I felt I kind of related to the Reform Party better. They seem to have somewhat similar beliefs (but not mirrored of course). .

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Chapter 8

American Federation of Teachers has a mission statement that dedicates their efforts towards all professionals, employees, and families of such to give support for them through healthcare, education, employment, etc. This group is dedicated to fighting for better opportunities, pay, and care. Not only is the AFT involved in many many groups, compaigns, etc nationwide, but also is involved in many worldwide. I agree with what they are doing and think they are in search for better opportunities and a better life for many people.

I loved researching the Service Employees National Union because of the broad spectrum that they cover. Not only are they purposed for property and public service, but also for a healthcare union. Their sections rank as one of the largest (if not the largest) existing today. Their dedicated for equality, justness, and for people to do more than just survive is admirable.

I think an interest group has as much power as their membersallow them to. I think they make great usage of the gateways into the political system and help to ensure that the opinions of the citizens are heard in one loud, thundering voice. All citizens are allowed their own opinion, and interest groups allow these citizens the knowledge that they are NOT alone in their feelings. There must be fair treatment towards these groups. When there is proof that a specific interest group is running the country instead of the government out for the good of the people, there is a severe issue with legality and justness.

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