Split Ticket Voting vs. Straight Ticket Voting

Split Ticket- a ballot on which the voter has chosen candidates from different political parties when multiple offices are being decided by a single election. If a state is having an election for many different positions, you might have someone thats voting for different parties. They might vote Democratic for the U.S. House of Representatives, Republican for the U.S. Senate, the Green Party for County Supervisor, and Libertarian Party for Coroner. The different Parties that a person can vote for is the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, the Green Party, and the Libertarian Party. When people used to go and vote they would get confused if voting split ticket because it had two different colored ballots.

Straight Ticket- practice of voting for candidates of the same party for multiple positions. If someone of the Democratic Party in the U.S. votes for every candidate from President, Senator, Representative, Governor, state legislators and the people running for local government that is a Democrat, they are considered as voting Straight Ticket Voting. It was very common until around the 1960s and 70s. People would vote straight ticket so they would just have to vote for one specific party so that they wouldnt get confused.

Court Cases-
     In Melchior v. Todman, the court found that a voter who voted for seven or more candidate be counted as a vote for the indicated straight party ticket and disregarded it as attempted vote for the individual candidates whose names were marked, was "an arbitrary and invalid imposition of legislative preference where the voter has failed to indicate his ovrn." Melchior argued that the people who counted the votes only took the votes for the specific party and not for any of the others a person voted for.

Current Event- A recent example of split-ticket voting in the United States is the 2004 elections in Montana, where Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brian Schweitzer was elected governor 50.4% to 46.0%, while incumbent Republican President George W. Bush simultaneously defeated Democrat John Kerry 59% to 39% in the state. This suggests that a large number of people voted split-tickets, selecting a Republican presidential candidate by a large margin while also selecting a Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate.

My Opinion- Since I cant vote yet its not in my mind what party I will join or what kind of voting I will be doing. I like though that you dont just have to stick to one party. I like the idea that you can vote for another party that your not really set on. It gives you independence.

Questions- What is it like to vote split ticket? Mr. Griffis what kind of voting do you vote or what party do you vote for?




    







Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split-ticket_voting
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straight-ticket_voting
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.blackenterprise.com/files/2008/11/straighttix.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/politics/politics-news/2008/10/31/straight-ticket-voting-can-cause-confusion-on-nc-ballots/&usg=__xbsTqC4hMgeExqBczPR4WfPqid0=&h=631&w=640&sz=67&hl=en&start=0&sig2=hGJQZ3gfXlNtpWKYwR8NVg&zoom=1&tbnid=zSwjMDSZ1awOKM:&tbnh=115&tbnw=116&ei=jnIeTbrQL4WKlwfU4dS6Cw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dstraight%2Bticket%2Bvoting%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26rlz%3D1R2ADSA_enUS380%26biw%3D1020%26bih%3D538%26tbs%3Disch:1%26prmd%3Divns&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=328&oei=jnIeTbrQL4WKlwfU4dS6Cw&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0&tx=27&ty=84

State of the Union

State of the Union- an annuak address presented by the President of the US to the US Congress. Reports on the condition of the nation and allows the President to outline his legislative agenda and his national priorities. Every President since Woodrow Wilson has made the State of the Union as a speech to Congress.
     In Article II, Section 3 of the US Constitution it states, "That a President will from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient."

Historical Peoples Activities: George Washington was the first President to give the State of the Union. He gave it on January 8, 1790 in New York City. Thomas Jefferson discontinued the practice of delivering the address in person. Instead it was written and then sent to Congress to be read by a clerk until 1913 when Woodrow Wilson re-established the practice despite some initial controversy. The last person to write a letter was Jimmy Carter in 1981.

Current Event: This month President Obama gave the annual State of the Union speech. He was talking about what he looks to change and to accomplish this year. He really spoke to adults and also students. He made the speech "kid friendly". He talked about many economical matters and political matters. At the speech, Republicans and Democrats sat side by side instead as the usual seperation. Since the death of the Congress woman in Arizonia, Obama has set out for equality in Politics.

Opinion: I feel that Obama really spoke, not just to reach out to Parents or Grandparents, but spoke to Teenagers too. I understood what he was really getting at. I've never watched the Sate of the Union before, but I think he did a great job with this years.

Questions: Have previous State of the Unions been "kid friendly" like this years?
                           I wonder what George Washingtons first Sate of the Union speech was like?







Links:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fqx0sUk9I8
            http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_the_Union_address

Federalism and Its Powers

Federalism: a political concept in which powers a seperated into different categories. These categories are National and State governments and their duties and powers. They can share powers, but they also have their own specific powers. Federalism protects those individual powers by stating that the National government can not interfere with the State governments powers no matter what and vice versa.

Origin: Federalism originated from "Federalist No. 46", which James Madison stated that, "The State and National government are in fact, but diiferent agents and trustees of the people, constitued with different powers." In "Federalist No. 28" Alexander Hamilton suggested, "That both levels of government would exercise authority to the citizens benefit." Since the states were preexsiting entities, the U.S. Constitution did not need to define or explain federalism in any of the sections.

Powers of National Government:The Federal Government has the power to levy taxes, declare war, and regulate interstate and foreign commerce. These rights are stated in the Constitution. The Necessary and Proper Clause gave the Federal government the implied power to pass any law "necessary and proper" for the execution of its expressed powers. They can also: Print Money, Establish an Army and Navy, Enter into Treaties with Foreign Nations, and Establish Post Offices and Issue Postage.
Powers of State Government: The State Government has the power to: Establish Local Governments, Issue Licenses (such as; Driver, Hunting, Marriage, etc.), Regulate Interstate Commerce(within the sate), Conduct Elections, Ratify Amendments to the Constitution, Provide Health Care and Safety, and Setting Legal Ages for certain Things(such as; Drinking and Smoking).
Concurrent Powers: The Concurrent (or shared) powers between the National and State Governments are: Setting Up Courts, Creating and Collecting Taxes, Building Highways, Borrowing Money, Making and Enforcing Laws, Chartering Banks and Corporations, Spending Money for the Betterment of the General Welfare.

Court Cases:
     There are many Court Cases that deal with Federalism. One Court Case that deals with Federalsim is United States v. Alfonso Lopez, Jr. In this court case Alfonso was a high school student in San Antonio, Texas, who carried a revolver along with five bullets into school. He was charged with violation of the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990. Alfonso tried to get out of his charge by saying that  the Act was unconstitutional as it goes beyond the power of Congress to legislate control over our public schools. The Court though ruled that is was a constitutional exercise of Congress well defined power to regulate activities in and affecting commerceand the business of schools, affects interstate commerce. 
     Another Court Case that deals with Federalism is Gibbons v. Ogden. In this case, the Acts of the Legislature of the State of New York granted to Robert R. Livingston and Robert Fultonthe exclusive navigation of all the waters within the jurisdiction of that State. The two men granted a license to Aaron Ogden and Thomas Gibbons was operating a competeing steamboat system between New Jersey and New York which was licensed by the U.S. Congress. Ogden then took Gibbons to court arguing that Gibbons could not operate between two states even if Congress granted him the rights beacuse it was a state issue. Gibbons though shot back stating that in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution the Congress had exclusive National power over interstate commerce. The Supreme Court was in favor of Gibbons.
Current Event:
     In the 2008 election, many voters were optimistic with the idea that federal control was taking over decisions that have been made by individual, community, local, and state levels in the past. Many were frustrated with the Health Care Bill passed by Democrats, Congress, and President Obama. They felt that it was a State issue, but was a National issue.

My Opinion:
     In my opinion, I believe that the powers should be seperated. Its keeps our government organized and neat. It keeps the National out of States business and vice versa. It helps in building our nation.

Questions:

•      What has the Federal Government done with Health Care since Obama came into office?
•      What will come next in the process of Federalism?

LINKS:
http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/rightsandfreedoms/a/federalism.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibbons_v._Ogden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFVOT6u1Ovo

POLITICAL PARTIES

Political Parties: a political organization that typically seeks to influence gov't policy, by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. The different parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions.

Different Types of Political Parties: 

1. Democratic Party: Evolved from Anti-Federalists. One of the two Biggest parties in the nation.Social liberal and progressive platform is considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. Has the lengthiest record of continuous operation in the U.S. Barack Obama is the 15th Democrat to hold office.
2. Republican Party: Founded by Anti-Slavery activists, modernizers, ex-Whigs and ex-Free Soilers. The other Big political party in the nation. Also called Grand Old Party. Platform reflects American conservatism in the U.S. political spectrum and is considered center-right.

Historical People: The beginning of the First Party System of the United States featured the Federalist Party and the Democratic-Republican Party. The Federalist grew from George Washingtons Secertary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, who wanted a strong central gov't. The Democratic-Republican Party was founded by James Madison and by Washington's Secertary of State, Thomas Jefferson, who opposed Hamiltons ideas.

Current Event: On January 8, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona, U.S. Representative was shot point blank at a supermarket parking lot. This Representatives name was Gabrielle Giffords. Because of her death, at the State of the Union, both parties sat "mixed". One Republican sat next to a Democrat. President Obama wanted the two parties to join together and honor her. He wants equality between the two parties.

Opinion: I can't vote yet, but when I do I will look into what the two parties really care about. I really dont think that there should be different parties because it just makes more seperation in our nation.

Question: Whats the better party to choose to be apart of?






Links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_parties_in_the_United_States

President and his/her Powers

President: One appointed or elected to preside over an organized body of people. The Chief Executive of the United States, serving as both chief of state and chief political executive.
     The President leads the executive branchof the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the US Armed Forces. The President is empowered to grant federal pardons and reprieves, and to convene and adjourn either both houses of Congress under extraordinary circumstances. The President is indirectly voted by the people through and Electoral College. He/She is in office for a four-year term and can be elected again for another term. The Twenty-second Amendment prohibits anyone from being elected a third term. The first President was George Washington. The current President is Barack Obama.
Court Case: In Clinton v. City of New York, a legal case in which the Supreme Court ruled that Line-Item Veto violated the Presentment Clause of the US Constitution because it impermissibly gave the President of the US the power to unilaterally amend or repeal parts of the statutes that had been duly passed by the US Congress.
Current Event: In the history of the US we have never had a female president. We have never had another race, but caucation run for president. In November of 2008, our history books changed forever!! The Presidential election of 2008 had to of been the biggest election ever! The election was between Republican John McCain(Caucation) and Barack Obama(African American). If Barack Obama was to be voted into office history would be made because he was an African American. On November 4, 2008, millions of people sat around their television to see if the first African American president would win!
     I woke up in the morning and found that my history book would change and that history in our country would change forever! I went to school and everyone was cheering and excided to see that Barack Obama won presidency.
Opinion: I think that our next President should be a woman! Men always think they run this country and I feel we need a change! People are always be stereotypical when it comes to men vs. woman. They think that if a woman was in office that she would be afraid of going to war or wouldnt care about issues and just want to go shopping or something. What they dont realize is that we have woman do other high powered jobs in political issues. Woman can do whatever a man can do.
Questions: Why did they make the law, that Presidents can only run for two terms? Was George elected the same way that we elect Presidents in 2010?





Links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vvy0wRLD5s8
          http://www.thefreedictionary.com/president

Department of State

Department of State-  is the US federal executive department responsible for international relations of the US. It was created in 1789 and was the first executive department established. It is headquartered in the Harry S. Truman Building, a few blocks away from the White House. 
     About: The department is led by the Secretary of State. In September of 1789, President Washington appointed Thomas Jefferson of Virginia and then Minister to France, to be the first Secretary of State. The Secretary of State now happens to be Hillary Clinton, former President Clinton's wife. The Secretary of State is the first Cabinet official in the order of precedence and in the Presidential line of succession. There are also Secretaries of States for all the US States.
     Historical People: Former Secretary of States that became popular over time were, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, James Madison, and Condoleezza Rice.
    Current event: Recently in 2010, an Oil Spill occured in the Golf of Mexico. The Deparment of States had to deal with this issue because it deals with foreign relations and in this situation the US accepted 22 offers of assistance from other countries.
     Opinion: I think that the duties of the Secretary of State should be different because we already have foreign affairs so international relations should have to be under the Department of Foreign Affairs.
     Questions: How do you get to be a Secretary of State? Why do we have a Secretary of State?
 






Links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6lXzvXqnrc
          http://www.state.gov/

Caucus

Caucus: a meeting of supporters or members of a political party or movement.
In the U.S., Caucus has several different, but related meanings. One meaning is a gathering of members of a political partyto coordinate members actions, choose group policy, or nominate candidates for various offices. Another meaning is a subgrouping of officials with shared affinities or ethnicities who convene, often but not always to advocate, agitate, lobby or to vote collectively, on policy.

     Origin- in a diary entry of John Adams of Braintree, Massachusetts, is one of the earliest appearances of Caucas, already withits modern connotations of a "smoke-filled room" where the candidates for public election are pre-selected in private.


   Court Cases- Roe v. Wade is a court case that can deal with caucus beacuse it was a movement of gathered people to stop the discrimination to abortions. In this case the Court decided that a women's right to abortion is part of the constitutional right to privacy.

   Current Event- In 2007, Iowa, which is the state that uses caucus the most, opened up the Caucus Iowa Exhibit at the State of Iowa Historical Museum. It showcases the Iowa Caucuses: how they work, their history, and why they are important.

    My Opinion- I think that Caucus is a great way to gather with people to speak openly about your thoughts and opinions on elections.

    Questions- Are there any Caucuses in Ohio? Why is Iowa so big with Caucuses?











Links-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caucus
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caucus