First Amendment

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom if speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. 

     The first amendment states our indivual rights. We are allowed to have our own religion and practice it freely, speak and write freely, assemble peacefully (not causing harm to anyone), and to petition grievances. The religion aspect enforces separation of church and state. This prevents the government from interfering in religious practices, which is a key idea of individualistic values a democracy is based off of. The ablility to speak and write freely allows the people to express grievances without being supressed under the government. Some extreme cases are limited, but for the most part we are free to say and write what we want. The grievances aspect allows people to ask the government to address litigation wrongdoings. It also allows people to ask the government to change laws and pass new ones. 

     Each of these rights keeps democratic and individualistic values present and true. Without these basic rights, our government would have too much power, which would lead to tensions between the people and the government. Although the other amendments provide even more individual rights, the first amendment declares the people free from oppression of the government.  

Health Care

United Kingdom
~ GDP for health care - 8.3%
~ No family premiums
~ Socialized Medicine
~ General practitioners are paid based on the patients they see
~ Less choice and longer waits to get medical attention

Japan
~ GDP for health care - 8%
~ $280 per month for family premiums, employers pay more than half.
~ Co- Payments are capped depending on income, but also include 30% of the cost of the procedure
~ "social insurance" everyone must have health insurance, either through public, nonprofit, or community based programs.
~ prices are negotiated each year and with the diet of the Japanese, costs are low
~ More choice, Japan spends too little because the costs are so low

Germany
~ GDP for health care - 10.7%
~ Premium - $750/ month, based on income.
~ Co- Payments- $15 dollars/ month, pregnant and others exempt
~ "social insurance"
~ Can buy insurance from any private, nonprofit "sickness funds"
~ Benefits the rich, they get priority. Doctors don't get paid enough


Taiwan
~ GDP 6.3%
~ $650/ year for 4-person family
~ 20% drug cost up to $6.50, $7 outpatient care, $1.80 dental and traditional Chinese medicine.
~ "National Health Insurance"
~ One insurance company, premiums are split with employers, depending on poverty.
~ Smart cards to store history and bill insurer.
~ lowest administration costs.
~ doesn't approve increases in insurance premiums enough, not taking in enough money.

Switzerland
~ GDP for health care - 11.6%
~ $750 family premium, subsidies for low-income citizens
~ co-payments: 10% of services up to $420/ year.
~ "social insurance"
~ must have coverage, insurance companies don't make profit on basic care.

I think Japan's model is the best out of the five listed. Based on the graph of GDP, Infant Mortality, and others, Japans infant mortality is the lowest, and the GDP is also the lowest. Although diet has a large part to play in the health of Japan's citizens, the health care plan is something that could benefit the US. With negotiations occurring each year over prices, and more choice in insurance because it is privatized, people are treated quickly. Premiums are fairly low, but 30% of an operation is high. With help from the government and caps for poverish people, it makes payments easier than those without insurance in the US.

essay 19

     In the 1990s, presidential election campaigns have become more candidate centered and less focused on issues and party labels. The change has been attributed both to how the media cover presidential campaigns and to how candidates use the media. 

     The media has contributed to candidate-centered presidential campaigns through coverage of the background of the candidates and talk shows and televised debates. The background of candidates can sometimes be biased which could lead to voters changing their minds about the candidates because of where they came from or who they associated themselves with. Televised debates allow the people to see how the candidates present themselves. Allowing them to see this can lead to more of a focus on the person characteristics more so than their ideals, which leads go a more candidate-centered campaign. 

     Presidential candidates' use of the media has contributed to candidate-centered campaigns through negative commercials targeting their opponent and image building. These examples provide the people with ample information about the candidates, but when they are on talk shows, their personalities show more than their ideals and opinions. They shift the focus from the race to the person, from merit to characteristics. Negative commercials have become a huge part of elections. The constant slander tends to confuse voters who end up not voting because they don't know what to believe. Both of these lead to a candidate-centered campaign. 

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/repository/sg_gov_pol_us_99.up_7047.pdf

1999_1)In the 1990’s presidential election campaigns have become more candidate centered and less focused on issues and party labels. The change has been attributed both to how the media cover presidential campaigns and to how candidates use the media. 

Identify and explain two ways in which the media have contributed to candidate-centered presidential campaigns.

 Identify and explain two ways in which presidential candidates’ use of the media has contributed to candidate-centered campaigns.

essay 20

     National interest groups often target national-level policy making institutions to achieve their policy objectives, such as the AARP. The AARP targets the bureacracy and a specific agency. It focuses on Social Security administration , Medicare portion of HHS, FDA, and specific health remedy. 

     The AARP has a large support group of people, which translates into manpower and money. This influences the bureacracy through litigation. The people who support AARP litigate for change in Medicare that positively effect the group. 

     With money, AARP can gain more support by the use of media. Through television, radio, and talk shows, the AARP can gain more support and increase interest and donations which leads to a greater power for the group and more of a prescense in the decisions of the government. 

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/repository/sg_gov_pol_us_99.up_7047.pdf

(1999_2)National interest groups often target national-level policymaking institutions to achieve their policy objectives.

Select one of the following national interest groups.
- AARP
- AMA (Medical Association
- NAACP
- NAM (national assoc. of Manufacturers)

For the group you selected do each of the following.
- a identify one major national-level policymaking institution that this group targets.
- b describe one resource or characteristic of the group you have chosen and explain how it influences the choice of the target you have identified in (a)
- c describe another resource or characteristic of the group you have chosen and explain how it influences the choice of the target you have identified in (a).

The Federal Bureaucracy (Essay 18)

     The federal bureaucracy as part of the executive branch exercises substantial independence in implementing governmental policies and programs. Most workers in the federal bureaucracy are civil-service employees who are organized under a merit system.
     The merit system is the action of electing government officials based off of merit and ability to perform the job well, unlike the spoils system which is based primarily off of connections within the government. The structure of the federal bureaucracy is very disjoint. With the president at the top of the pyramid-like structure, because of separation of powers, each part of the bureaucracy has separate powers, which contributes to bureaucratic independence.
     The complexity of public policy problems deals with a large portion of different problems. Since these problems vary from lawsuits to natural issues, they are handled by many different people with expertise in all areas. This complexity also contributes to bureaucratic independence.
     Congress uses its power of appointment to check the bureaucracy. They can either reward or punish the bureaucracy through appointments or lack thereof, which is a way to curb its power. The courts use judicial review, to declare something constitutional or unconstitutional, which also checks the bureaucracy. Interest groups employ litigation to threaten and check the bureaucracy also.

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap10_us_govt_politics_q2.pdf

Earth Day Annotated Bibliography

     "A Fierce Green Fire" by American Masters explores the expansion of conservation, pollution and cleanup of Love Canal, a whale-saving group called Greenpeace, global resources, and climate change. Created for Earth Day, this film broadens the horizons of those who watch it and reveals shocking truths about the reality of our future Earth.
     In the 1960s the conservation movement grew with the help of the Sierra Club. Head of the Sierra Club, David Brower, fought hard to protect dams in national parks. He made the argument that dams could be built anywhere, but they should protect the national parks the same way that they are protected from hunting because the river contains fish and is a necessity for many of the plants and animals in the park. After two years, the Grand Canyon was eventually saved and no dam was built in the park.
     Love Canal was nearby a residential area with many houses containing families with small children and growing families as well. In the 1970s, Lois Gibbs, a resident near the canal, realized that the canal contained chemicals that were affecting the children, gardens, and animals in the residencies. She started a petition for relocation of the area because it was causing deaths and disabilities. Unfortunately, it was denied many times. Gibbs remained persistent and eventually help two government officials captive in one of the houses and demanded relocation be set before their release. Two days later she received a phone call from the president granting temporary relocation to everyone in the area because of the toxic waste nearby.
     In 1972, Greenpeace, an anti-whaling group, was founded by Paul Watson and Rex Weyler. They were targeting international whaling ships in the Atlantic and seal killing expeditions in the Arctic. Their beliefs were nonviolent, peaceful tactics. Unfortunately, after Paul Watson attached himself to a seal and was dragged aboard one of the ships he used violent tactics in order to protect himself, he was kicked out of Greenpeace. Soon after, Watson started his own group which has been successful in stopping illegal animal practices.

A Fierce Green Fire. Dir. Mark Kitchell. 22 Apr. 2014. PBS. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. <http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/a-fierce-green-fire/watch-the-film/2924/>.


     A questionable issue has risen in the past decade over antibiotic supplements being given to livestock in order to keep the animals healthier in unjust environments. The real reason for the treatment is to fatten livestock up, by three percent some researchers say.
     This is an issue for humans as well because the more we eat the antibiotic treated animals, our bodies slowly become immune to the antibiotics used. The issue continues into immunity to dangerous diseases that now are no longer treatable because the drugs previously used no longer work as effectively.
     The artificial fattening of livestock proves to decrease the immune systems of these animals and lead to many different diseases. It also causes discomfort in the animals because the extra weight causes strain on different muscles in the bodies.

"Is Your Meat Safe?." PBS. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 May 2014. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/meat/safe/overview.html>.
    
    
 












Part 1:  Bibliographic annotation for.
American Masters, A fierce Green fire.  Use the internet, and cite the source.  Summarize. In a paragraph format.  MLA format, but you don't have to reverse indent if you don't like.

Part 2:  2 more sources about some aspect of the Environmental movement that 'speaks to you.'  This could be managing fisheries for recreation, saving the whales, etc., clean air, clean water, solar power, nuclear power, clean coal.  I don't really care, but don't be contrarian for contrarians sake.  Look for something good about the Planet,  and dig in.

Cite the sources, summarize, in MLA format.

Write a statement of purpose about what you would like to see done about the issue you have researched, and WHY.

Partisanship and the Presidential Elections (essay 17)

     Over the last several decades, the composition of the democratic and republican parties has changed in important ways. A major partisan shift has occurred in the south, but other demographic changes have also been identified. Changes in party composition are reflected at different rates in presidential elections than in congressional elections. 

     Since 1950, as the percent of southern state seats in the House held by Democrats have decreased, so has the percent of southern state electoral votes for Democratic presidential candidates. Originally at 98% in 1950, the seats have decreased to less than 40% in 2005. 

     Southern voters from 1948 to 2000 were electing democratic candidates to congress more frequently than choosing Democratic candidates for the presidency because of incumbency advantage and gerrymandering. Incumbency advantage allowed the seats in the house already help by democrats to stay democratic because incumbents usually win reelection. Gerrymander, and employing cracking and packing strategies, is one reason why southern voters were electing candidates to congress more frequently than choosing Democratic candidates for presidency. This is because focusing more on the representation of the states by redistricting, there was less focus on national representation.

     In the beginning stages of labor unions, the focus was mainly over workers rights and hours limitations. The composition of the group has changed dramatically, with new pushes to increase state wages and receive better benefits. This has changed the ways political parties attempt to get support by promising for these benefits. The composition of women groups has also changed since their beginnings. They have now become most closely aligned with the Democratic party. In return, the Democratic party has began focusing more on women's issues and rights, such as equal pay. 
    

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap10_us_govt_politics_q3.pdf

 

 

Federal Bureaucratic Agencies (essay 16)

     The United States congress and the president together have the power to enact federal law. Federal bureaucratic agencies have the responsibility to execute federal law. However, in the carrying out of these laws, federal agencies have policy making discretion. 
      Congress gives federal agencies policy making discretion in executing federal laws because the agencies often have more knowledge and can therefore make laws that won't cause much grief to the government. Another reason is that Congress believes if the federal agencies make a law that isn't accepted well, they won't get the blame and grief for it. 
     The Federal Reserve board is an agency that exercises policy-making discretion. It uses discretion through monetary policy, where expertise is higher than Congress. In other words, they have more knowledge to help make more informed decisions regarding monetary concerns. 
     Congress ensures that federal agencies follow legislative intent through oversight and the Government Accountability Office (GAO).






2006-3 The United States congress and the president together have the power to enact federal law. Federal bureaucratic agencies have the responsibility to execute federal law. However, in the carrying out of these laws, federal agencies have policy making discretion.

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/_ap06_gopo_us_sg.pdf

Entitlement Programs and Social Security (Essay 15)

     In recent decades, entitlement programs have constituted a substantial portion of the United States federal budget. Social Security is the largest entitlement program in the US. An entitlement program is a government program that guarantees certain benefits to a particular group or segment of the population. An example of an entitlement program is Social Security. 
     Social Security is any government system that provides monetary assistance to people with inadequate or no income. The primary source of revenue for social security is a 6.2 % tax of all american's income. This tax is taken out of every paycheck and is put into an account for distribution to those who are in need. One threat to the future of social security that is depicted in the chart is the balance of amount in paid to the reserve, and the amount paid out of it. It is becoming unbalanced because of the "baby-boomers".
     The baby-boomers are creating an unbalanced ratio of beneficiaries to recipients, which is upsetting the economic state of the Social Security finances. If the age of eligibility for social security were raised, it would allow a natural digression of recipients, which in turn would re-balance the paid-in to paid-out ratio. 

2006-2 In recent decades, entitlement programs have constituted a substantial portion of the United States federal budget. Social Security is the largest entitlement program in the US. From the information in the chart above, and your knowledge of the US government and politics, perform the following tasks.


http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/_ap06_gopo_us_sg.pdf

Essay 14: presidential influence

     A number of factors enable presidents to exert influence over Congress in the area of domestic policy. However, presidents are also limited in their influence over domestic policymaking in Congress.

 
     Through the Constitution, the president is granted certain enumerated powers. These powers include vetoing, and calling congressional sessions. Vetoing can include pocket vetoes, regular vetoes, and other legislative acts. Calling congressional sessions gives the president time to lobby for his own requests at almost any time he would like. 

     Party polarization and mandatory spending each limit the president's ability to influence domestic policy making in Congress. Party polarization increases interparty differences, which can lead to gridlock in getting ideas and needs to the form of a bill.

      If the president is in favor of a party with disagreements, not much legislation is going to be passed. Mandatory spending limits the president by the budget can prevent measures from being passed. It is also difficult to pass laws when budgets are having to be set too low.

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap08_us_gopo_q2.pdf

2008-2)A number of factors enable presidents to exert influence over Congress in the area of domestic policy. However, presidents are also limited in their influence over domestic policymaking in Congress.

-The Constitution grants the president certain enumerated powers. Describe two of these formal powers that enable the president to exert influence over domestic policy.

-Choose two of the following. Define each term and explain how each limits the president’s ability to influence domestic policy making in Congress.

*Mandatory spending

*Party polarization

*Lame-duck period

Essay 13: reapportionment and redistricting

     Congressional reapportionment and redistricting are conducted every ten years. When redistricting is conducted, politicians often engage in gerrymandering. Gerrymandering is defined as, 'manipulating the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favor one party or class.'

     Congressional reapportionment is the reallocation of the number of representatives each state has in the House of Representatives. The is important for the states because it can affect the representation and influence a state receives. Congressional redistricting is the process of redrawing district boundaries when a state has more representatives than districts.  It is done through either the cracking or packing method. This, and reapportionment, occur every ten years because they must re-balance representation and electoral votes to the states after a new census has been taken.

     Politicians have many goals when gerrymandering during a redistricting. One goal is to either increase or decrease minority representation, depending on the needs of the group at the time. Another goal is to protect incumbents and to keep challengers from gaining the incumbents spots in Congress. When redistricting takes place, the Supreme Court has limits it has to stay between which include equally dividing populations and protecting communities of interest. Populations must stay equal because it keeps elections fair with large enough populations to keep representation fair. Communities of interest must be protected in order to keep interest groups and other linkage institutions content with policymaking.

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap08_us_gopo_q1.pdf

2008-1) Congressional reapportionment and redistricting are conducted every ten years. When redistricting is conducted, politicians often engage in gerrymandering.
(a) Define congressional reapportionment and explain one reason why it is important to states.
(b) Define congressional redistricting.
(c) Explain two goals of politicians when they gerrymander during redistricting.
(d) Describe two limits that the United State Supreme Court has placed on congressional redistricting.

Essay 11: Incumbents

     There are many interesting trends in the election results in the House and Senate of the U.S. Government. Many trends are produced by elections where incumbents run. Incumbents are people already in office that are attempting to be reelected.
     One trend seen in the graph is that incumbents tend to be reelected. This is shown by the high percentage of reelection, about 80 %, which is consistent throughout the time period of the graph. Another pattern is that incumbents win reelection more so in the House than the Senate. This is especially seen in the period of 1974 to 1982.

     Factors that contribute to incumbency advantages are campaign contributions and name recognition. Campaign contributions are helped by PACs by helping to find elections. More money means more TV time and ads. Name recognition is a huge advantage because the more popular name is the one more often chosen. The majority will pick the popular name. However, one consequence of incumbency advantage is that congress becomes stagnant because of little to no turn over and no new ideas.

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/repository/sg_govpol_us_01_7046.pdf

the graph above shows reelection rates for incumbents in the House and Senate. From this information and your knowledge of of the US politics, perform the following 
tasks. (Fig 12.1)
a) identify two patterns displayed in the graph
b) identify 2 factors that contribute to incumbency advantage. Explain how each factor contributes to incumbency advantage.
c) Discuss one consequence of incumbency advantage for the US political process

Essay 12: Confidence in Government

     Trust and confidence in government have declined in recent decades. Divided government is defined as a situation in which one party controls the White House and another party controls one or both houses of the United States Congress, thus leading to Congressional gridlock. Congressional gridlock leads to decline in trust and confidence in the overall government because when nothing gets done, it tends to cause worry.

     People who are opposed of the party in power will not participate as much in government, which leads to less trust and confidence in government. The increased cost of election campaigns also contribute to the decline of trust because instead of an election based on merit values and other characteristics, it has become a money-ridden popularity contest. This does not give an actual representation of government as it has in the past when money wasn't as key a factor as it is now.

     Two specific consequences of the decline in trust and confidence in government for individual political behavior are lower voter turnout and petitioning and protesting the government. Lower voter turnout doesn't allow the government to get an actual representation of government through elections because less people vote. Petitioning and protesting lead to higher tensions that can grow throughout the mass of voters, which can lead to less trust and confidence in our overall government.



http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/repository/ap04_sg_gopo_us_37090.pdf

3) Trust and confidence in government have declined in recent decades.
(a) Explain how divided government has contributed to the decline in trust and confidence in government. Be sure to include a definition of divided government in your response
(b) Explain how the increased cost of election campaigns has contributed to the decline in trust and confidence in government.
(c) Explain two specific consequences of the decline in trust and confidence in government for individual political behavior.

Frontline: Oil Spills

Frontline Summary:     BP has been pummeled with disasters within the past decade. After cutting costs by skipping crucial procedures involving safety precautions, disaster struck in March of 2005 at the Texas City Refinery. Due to the decision not to upgrade equipment, including blowdown drums, one of the drums exploded and killed fifteen oil workers, injuring over 170 others. Earlier that year, a presenter had stated that "Texas City is not a Safe Place to Work". Before the accident, a survey had been taking and found that most of the people working there felt unsafe and worried about dying and death at the refinery. The refinery needed to upgrade the antiquated blowdown drums and had sent requests to headquarters. Unfortunately, BP decided against it, saying its capital expenditures were tight and they couldn't afford the upgrades. Interestingly enough, after the accident checks were written to the families of those who had died, asking for those who accepted the compensation to not speak to the press about the incident.
     Another accident occurred, this one in 2002 at Alaska's Prudhoe Bay oil field. While inspecting equipment, Don Shugak was caught in an explosion that left him in a coma and severely injured with broken bones and burns for six weeks. The cause of the accident was due to a blockage in one of the pipes, which caused it to burst. Shugak was confronted by BP and received an undisclosed sum of money and in return he agreed not to speak to the media. In 2006, 260,000 gallons of oil leaked from one of the Alaska pipelines; one of the worst spill on the North Slope.
    Probably one of the most well known incidents occurring in 2005 was the Thunder Horse Rig toppled over during a Hurricane Dennis; however, the storm wasn't to blame in the situation. It happened, that BP engineers incorrectly installed valves, that instead of shedding water, took on water and half-capsized the vessel.
     The Deepwater Horizon Spill, occurring in 2010, created the worst environmental disaster ever seen in the U.S. The cause was mostly human error and one mechanical error. The aftermath of the disaster continues to be difficult on residents of the Gulf Coast. Health issues are still present, including respiratory problems, and possible causes of cancer and mental health issues. BP has set up a 20 billion dollar claims service.

60 Minutes Summary:
     Chief electronics technician Mike Williams was aboard the Deepwater Horizon rig when it exploded in 2010. He began by explaining that the rig was behind schedule for drilling oil, which caused a speed up in production but actually caused a split in the equipment. This split cost BP millions of dollars and even more time while the rig moved to a different location and began drilling again. During the shift, it was noticed by Williams that a crucial piece of equipment was not functioning properly. The annular which is a safety precaution, failed to perform properly during a test. Ironically, on a celebratory night on the rig for seven years without injury, the explosion occurred. Williams recalls having thoughts of his current state on the rig would be where he would die. In the panic of the incident, safety procedures previously put in place were abandoned, leaving Williams, the captain, and many others aboard the exploding rig.
     Williams jumped off the rig, which was crucial for his survival. An investigation afterwards discovered that because the annular was broken, the pressure readings were incorrect. The readings were falsely informing the crew that the pressure was not at a dangerous level.

NY Times Summary:
     New York Times researched the effects on wildlife after the oil spill in 2010. They concluded that brown pelicans as well as other seabirds become coated in oil after diving into it thinking the water is calmer. Once they are coated, birds cannot regulate their temperature which can lead to hyperthermia. Sea turtles common in the gulf are now either threatened or endangered, and with the already low numbers, it is going to be a challenge to rebuild the turtle population. Fish larvae are at risk as well because they are spawning near the spill. This is an issue because the gulf and only one other area are home to bluefin tuna in the world. 
     

Citations:
Blowout: The Deepwater Horizon Disaster. Dir. 60 Minutes. Perf. Scott Pelly. 16 May 2010. 60 Minutes. Web. 26 Feb. 2014. <http://www.cbsnews.com/news/blowout-the-deepwater-horizon-disaster-16-05-2010/>.

The Spill. Dir. Frontline and Pro Publica. 6 Oct. 2010. Frontline. Web. 26 Feb. 2014. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/the-spill/>.

Park, Haeyoun, et al. "The Oil Spill’s Effects on Wildlife." New York Times. 16 Aug. 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/04/28/us/20100428-spill-map.html>.

Meth Frontline Response

Frontline Summary:

Starting in California and Oregon, but spreading to the Midwest, the Meth epidemic has become a nationwide problem. Journalists at the Oregonian suggest that the epidemic has fallen and risen in the same pattern as the purity of Methanphetamines available. A new method of baking, called the shake and bake, allows almost anyone, including addicts, to create the drug. 

Meth impacts the brain of the user. It targets the levels of dopamine in the brain. Taking Methanphetamines produces an euphoric rush that is almost impossible to recreate. This is the reason addiction occurs almost instantaneously. 

NPR Summary:

Journalist Jonah Engle investigated the dangers and methods of cooking Meth. The most popular, and easiest way, is called "Shake and bake". Using ingredients found in cold medicines and a few other chemicals, the basis of the process is shaking the ingredients to produce a crystallized form. The danger in this method is not only because of the unreliability of the chemical reaction, but also in the people who are created it. Meth addicts usually produce meth. The addicts who haven't slept in days and are most likely going through withdrawals, are tampering with dangerous, almost lethal chemicals. Overall, the dangers are great when using this "simple" method and is in no way safer than any other methods.

Citations:

The Meth Epidemic. Dir. Frontline. 14 Feb. 2006. Frontline. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/etc/synopsis.html>.

"Big Pharma and Meth a Cooks: Keep Cold Meds Over the Counter ." NPR. 26 Sept. 2013. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://www.npr.org/2013/09/26/226476602/big-pharma-and-meth-cooks-agree-keep-cold-meds-over-the-counter>.
 
"DrugFacts: Methamphetamine." National Institue on Drug Abuse. Jan. 2014. Web. 4 Mar. 2014.

Legislation and the parties (essay 8)

     The majority party has the most influence in decisions made in the government. On occasion there are upsets when the minority wins, but for the most part these wins are minor. The majority party has many advantages in lawmaking, above and beyond the numerical advantage in congress.  They hold committee chairs, which gives authorization of decision-making. The majority party also sets the policy agenda. This benefits the party by allowing them to put the legislation they want onto the agenda. 

     There are differences that make it likely for legislation to pass in one chamber but not in the other. The house has many more formal procedures and rules than the Senate. Also, filibusters are possible in the Senate, but not in the House of Representatives.
     Filibusters can kill legislation in the Senate that was passed in the House. Even if a majority wants to pass the bill, a filibuster can kill it. The House of Representatives deny the passage of a bill because of certain rules, not applicable in the Senate.

Interest Groups and Political Parties (essay 10)

     While interest groups and political parties each play a significant role in the United States political system; however, they differ in their fundamental goals. Interest groups are social groups with a common understanding or goal they want to achieve. Political parties are organizations that want to gain power in government.
      The fundamental goal of interest groups in the political process is influencing public policy and the government. The fundamental goal of major political parties is to elect people into office and gain control of government.
     Interest groups support the fundamental goal of political parties by monetary contributions through PACs. The groups also provide the mobilization of people. While the interest groups are aiding political parties, they are also helping themselves. They help themselves by gaining access to political officials, such as policymakers. They also gain the fact their legislation is put on the policy agenda.

Agenda Setting and the Public (Essay 9)

Viewer’s Ages and Frequency of Viewing of Network Nightly News: 1974 and 2002 Combined

1974                  frequently (%)                    rarely (%)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

18-29                  45                                                  13

30-44                  50                                                 12

45-64                  68                                                  8

65+                      71                                                  5

2002                 frequently (%)                    rarely (%)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

18-29                  19                                                  22

30-44                  22                                                17

45-64                  40                                                  11

65+                      53                                                  8

     One of the most important ways the news media influence politics is through agenda setting. Policy agenda can be defined as the issues that people are concerned about that the government is dealing with. The national news media engages in agenda setting by giving the people, voters, information. The people then can go to interest groups and linkage institutions to put these issues on the political agenda. 
     The president tends to have an advantage over Congress in gaining media attention because the president has more power than congress. He is the national representative for the government and has the power to change and affect laws more so than Congress. 
   
     In the table above it is shown that the older population watch news more often than the younger people. From 1947 to 2002 the viewing habits changed for all age categories. The viewing of TV news in all of the age categories decreased. This is because there are now more options for what can be viewed on TV instead of the news. 

     In order to promote their political and policy objectives to the American public, the president should use other media to increase viewing because other people watch other stations more often. They should be interviewing on Jimmy Fallon or Comedy Central, which are stations more often viewed by the whole population than the news.
 

NoKoBloPo

     Until the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was established, North Korea was run by the Soviet Union. Shortly after the Republic was set up with Kim Il-sung in charge, Korea split into a North and South through the Korean War of 1950. Kim Jong-il took over in 1980 where both North and South Korea joined the United Nations. Throughout the years, North Korea has allowed inspections of Atomic Energy, but refused access of suspected nuclear weapons productions when asked. In 2002, they withdrew from a nuclear agreement that prevented the spread of atomic weapons.

     The current state of affairs in North Korea is not good. Tensions are very high between North Korea, South Korea, Japan, and the United States. The tension rose because the Security Council accused North Korea of violating a ban on ballistic missile testing. This accusation created anger towards all parties in the Security Council. Soon after, North Korea stated, "United States [as] the sworn enemy of the Korean people". The United States have tried to amend and resolve conflicts with North Korea, but the country has taken a stubborn approach and is determined to continue with nuclear war experimentation and threats in order to get what they are after, control.

     I don't think there will be a regime or state change any time soon. With increasing tension with North Korea, the worst thing the Security Council and the United States can do is apply more pressure to sign peace agreements or force any action upon them. The best course of action is to take the pressure off North Korea for signing agreements, but also prevent them from creating their own treaties and provisions. Let the tensions decrease and then begin to create treaties that both North Korea and the Security Council approve of. 

Citations: article 1: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/fighting_words/2010/02/a_nation_of_racist_dwarfs.html - North Korea Present Issues

Article 2: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15278612 - Background of North Korea

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Korean_crisis - Current State of Affairs

Campaign Finance Reform (essay 7)

     The debate over the reforming of campaign finance is inconclusive after a decade, however, the debate will continue until a decision is made. The possibilities for change are eliminating soft money and raising limits on individual contributions. There are arguments for and against the reforms by politicians, but knowing from the past, the decision will alter the measure that is in place now.

     The definition of soft money is prohibiting or regulating campaign contributions to political parties and or contributions for party building activities. Some argue that it takes millions of dollars to run a campaign, and with all the money in one place the possibilities of fraud are very much possible. On the other side of the argument, the first amendment declares that prohibiting contributions is unlawful because it is a personal right defined in the Bill of Rights.

     The government is considering reforming individual contributions by increasing the dollar amount people may give to campaign parties or PAC's. This reform would decrease the influence of PAC's in the campaign and would decrease restrictions on the first amendment, just like the soft money proposal. However, the reform would also allow the rich to have more influence because they have more available money. It would also drive up the already skyrocketing costs of campaigns.

     Campaign finance reform is necessary in government. Whether by eliminating soft money, or increasing individual contribution limits, the reform will cause a response. No matter what happens, the first amendment will be challenged by those who are against, and the rich will be in favor of the reform that best suits their needs. There is no completely correct answer, but if reform in inevitable, it should be done to suit the needs of many different classes and people.

Voting and Linkage Institutions (Essay 6)

    Voting is the most common way of people communicating with the government. However, an increasing number of people are not voting as often; this has two factors, age and the type of education the person recieved. Some government programs are also decreasing voter turnout, but linkage institutions are fighting back for a higher turnout.

    Age and education play great roles in the probability of voter turnout. It has been proven that older people, over the age of sixty-five, vote more than people under the age of twenty-one, also known as the young people. The middle aged people vote, but it is not of great interest since the rates continue on a similar, unmoving, trend. People with a college education are more likely to vote than those who only graduated from high school. The principles are true, however voters can be different from what has been said about them. If an older person didn't graduate from college, he or she still has a higher probability of voting more often.    

    The requirement of people to register to vote before Election day decreases voter turnout. It takes too much time, and is inconvenient for the working class and young people. However, old people who are retired have the luxury of bring able to register during the odd hours registration is open, which may be a cause of the higher voter turnout for older people. 

    Another linkage institution besides the government is an interest group. It connects people to the government by addressing issues that truly matter to the people. They also provide a voice for the people who don't have the power or money to create change on their own. Voting is important, but interest groups provide changes all throughout the year, not just on certain days at a voting booth.

There are many correlations between characteristics of people and voting patterns. Older people tend to vote more than young people, and highly educated people tend to vote more than uneducated people. This is common sense, but the government is at fault as well. They are enabling the older people to vote by writing guidelines that better fit older people than younger people. If we truly want to have a democratic government, rules need to be out in place to give everyone an equal opportunity to vote, no matter what type of person.