Sunday, September 19, 2010

The Judicial Branch

Source: Moving the Middle on Marriage, August 19, 2010
             http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0810/41214.html


Constitutional Connection: Article 3, The Judicial Branch


Explanation: In this article a federal district court judge in California said that banning gays & lesbians from marrying as unconstitutional. Later on the Supreme Court will have to step in and settle the dispute whether it is unconstitutional or not. They will either uphold or reverse the district court's decision in the Proposition 8 case. The Supreme Court's job is to settle disputes that involve something in the constitution.

I feel that gays & lesbians should be able to marry. Who has the right to tell someone who to love & who not to love. Who to be with for the rest of their life & who not to. I feel that every state should want its citizens to be happy & if that means being married to someone of the same sex so be it. The state of California should be ashamed of making people decide to go against someones beliefs & feelings. What if gays said it was unconstitutional for straight people to be married to someone of the opposite sex, then what would be said. In that case they are only dishing out what is dished to them.

The Executive Branch #2

Source: State Aid Bill Breezes into Law, August 10, 2010
             http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0810/40903.html


Constitutional Connection: Article 2, The Executive Branch


Explanation:

In this article it shows how the law making process can be quick & easy or long & hard. This article talk about how President Obama signed a bill giving money to schools & health care hours after congress passed it. Some issues the President may feel really strong about & others he may have to think hard on. In the end of most cases the President has the last word. He can be over rid but if he veto's a bill I hope its for a good reason.

I feel that the President should have thought longer on this bill. The U.S. is already in debt, we can afford to help people, but making an even bigger hole in the deficit will be crucial. The President has many hard jobs. He knew running for President all of this would come so he should be willing & able to take as much time as needed to pass bills, give out money, etc. I feel that this was a really important  thing to think long & hard on before just accepting it.

The Executive Branch #1

Source: "Don't Ask" Repeal Faces Hurdles, September 15, 2010
              http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0910/42179.html



Constitutional Connection: Article 2, The Executive Branch



Explanation:

In this article it tells about a big issue in society today with gays. Many people are trying to ban gays from being in the military. This also explains the task of the President in the executive branch. President Obama has to either pass the bill about the don't ask don't tell policy. Obama feels that gays shouldn't serve in the military, but opposes weapon use to defend this bill.

I support gays all the way & i feel if they want to serve their country then they should be able to. What if everybody was gay then who would serve the country the politicians who don't support gays? I can answer that question myself, NO, they would let gays serve. The world shouldn't be divided between gays & straights, people have their own opinions & lifestyles. President Obama shouldn't veto this bill if it makes it to him. If gays want to serve & protect their country they should. He should respect them & honor them for being so dedicated.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

The Legislative Branch #3

Source: Congress Overrides Bush Veto of Water Bill, November 8, 2007
              www.bradblog.com/?p=5270



Constitutional Connection: Article 1, The Legislative Branch



Explanation:

In this article Congress made history & overrid Bush veto for the first time. It was a water bill that congress passed on to him. Sometimes The President doesn't always get his way & in this case Bush didn't. Congress must have felt really strongly about their decision.

I think that this decision was probably for the better since Bush's decision aren't always the best. This article demostrates Congress' power to overrule a Presidential veto. This is sometimes for the better since there are more members of congress than just the one President.

The Legislative Branch #2



Constitutional Connection

Article 1, The Legislative Branch, Section 8
"The Congress has the right to lay & collect taxes" 

Explanation

In this political cartoon it shows the Boston Tea Party. It took place in Boston, Massachesetts. Officials in Boston refused to return 3 shiploads of taxed tea to Britain. People rebelled & dumped the tea into the Boston Harbor. They did'nt feel the tax should have been raised & rebelled. There was nearly 60,000 pounds of tea aboard the three ships.

I feel that this act was really brave because they stood up for what they believed. Even though they could have gotten in a lot of trouble they still rebelled. They had faith in their people & their decisions. This has went down as one of the most historic moments in history.It is still being talked about to this day.

The Legislative Branch #1



Constitutional Connection
Article 1, The Legislative Branch



Explanation of Connection

In this political cartoon it shows the two different parties (democrats & republicans) of congress in session. They are obviously trying to come up with a decision to pass a law or veto it. While they are trying to come up with a decision a Republican decides to filibuster, which means to prevent a vote by talking constantly. IN this cartoon apparently the Republicans don't agree with the decision that they are about to make or doesn't feel it will help them in any way.

I agree with filibusting if it is completely neccassary. Some people filibuster because they don't get their way. Filibustering is a really strategic way to get congress to agree with certain decisions. Congress usually don't have a filibuster occur but the ir was one time when a man read from the bible for days. Also people fight filibusters back. One time a filibuster was about to occur & a group of democrats ordered beds & was willing to sleep through the whole filibuster.