F5

a.)  Describe one advantage that the majority party in the House and/or Senate has in lawmaking, above and beyond the numerical advantage that the majority party enjoys in floor voting. 
- With great power comes great responsibility. This being said, the fact that the majority party has as its name says, the majority, the group is able to control the debate, or control the way its run. The party is able to choose the leader, known as the Speaker of the House. The speaker of the House is the man in charge of everything.


 (b) Describe one difference between House and Senate rules that may make it likely that legislation may pass in one chamber but not the other. 
- In the Senate, rules are relatively lax. There aren't many strict ideas or procedures that need to be followed during a debate. This being said, congressmen who oppose a bill presented by someone of the opposite party have an unlimited time to debate the bill, basically kill it. This is known as a filabuster. However, in the House, meetings are taken much more seriously. Debates are brought to a complete end once they're done. This being said, once the discussion concerning a bill has been finished, members can not go back to discussing it. There is much more order in the House. Once arguments have been heard, a decision is made and the group moves on. (Unless there are special circumstances, in which case the group has more time to debate) 

(c) Explain how the difference identified in (b) can lead to the passage of a bill in one chamber but not the other. 

- Basically, if a filabuster occurs in the Senate, the debate can take almost four times as long to pass than if it were in the House. The more relaxed rules of the Senate allows for more time of discussion, meaning there's more time for allowed procrastination. Thus, bills have the potential to take longer to pass in one chamber, but in the other not so much. 

F2

•  FREE RESPONSE:

1.) Americans With Disabilities Act: The Federal Government gives money to the states to make buildings more accessible to people with handicaps. Every time new laws are passed, the amount of money/the manner in which the money is distributed. 

Preemption: Sort of related to the supremacy clause, where the Federal Government has the final say over the State Governments. This shows that the Federal Government is much more powerful than the states. 

2.) U.S. v. Lopez: Since the Constitution defines the Commerce Clause so broadly, it is easily up to interpretation. This being said, there is a lot of lee way in determining the validity of the commerce clause being used in a case of Federal or State level. 

Devolution: The central government has less power because power is being passed down 

E6

Collective Good: Also known as a common good, it is a specific good that is beneficial to a large group of people.
Free-Rider Problem: Consuming a high amount of a good without contributing to the production or the overall cost.
Selective Benefits: Benefits that motivate participation in a certain group or organization. These benefits are only given to those who participate.

Association for Creative Equality
- The purpose of this group would be to support the equality of people coming from all walks of life. This includes socioeconomic, racial, even age differences. Absolutely everyone can benefit from this group. America was founded on the principle of equality, so why is it not being enforced?  For our group, there isn't just one collective good that the group can benefit from. If we live in a society that is based on the idea of equality, then women will earn the same wages as men, and minorities will not have to worry about getting a job when someone of a different race is applying for it as well. Members of our group will be able to say that they helped change America to the way that it was intended, which would be their selective benefit. To accomplish this goal, our group will go and make the idea of this issue more known to people across the country. Far too many times people overlook the differences and the struggles people face on a daily basis. By no longer standing on the sidelines, our voices will be heard. We're not going to necessarily go stand in D.C and protest for days on end, because that would be boring and I don't have the attention span for that. Instead, we will plant the seed of our idea in the brains of people and watch it grow.

E2

What site did you use? Www.huffingtonpost.com 

2. Personally, it looks like the website is more based on facts rather than opinions. The only opinions I really see is when looking through the opinion section, as well as peoples comments on different articles and such. 

3. Overall the articles look to be more factual based. For example, the article on Disney buying the rights to the Star Wars films. 

4. Quite a few of the posts have to do with the election, and to discuss them they reference campaign slogans, ideas, and even commercial ads. 

5. I'm going to take a stab in the dark (which isn't so very dark) and say that the point of view of this website is on the more Democratic  or Liberal, side. This is obvious because there are quite a few articles on the rights of humans, for example gay marriage, which is a primary focus of the Democratic party. Or at least more so than the Republican party. 

6. The Huffington Post  makes information much more available to people all over the world. Instead of having to subscribe to a newspaper, you can go online while at work or on your phone considering more than half of America has a phone that can access the internet. 

D7

1. Obama: Obama was concerned with a more widespread healthcare, also known as Obama-Care or National Healthcare. He also emphasized the idea of saving GM. He also emphasized the rights of women, and how insurance companies should provide women with contraceptives. Not only does it prevent pregnancy, but it helps prevent breast cancer! 

Romney: Romney, as he said many times during the debate last night, is focused on energy independence. His goal is to be using a renewable energy resource, also known as coal (which doesn't make sense to me because I didn't know that coal was renewable...) Along with energy independence, Romney focused on the importance of our National Security. 

Helping Ryan: In order to help Ryan prepare for his debate, I think that he needs to directly answer questions from the people. This way, people can not criticize him, just as people are criticizing Romney for being rude and avoiding questions. 

2. Obama: "I don't look at my pension. It's not as big as yours." This quote was absolutely perfect because it showed that Obama can also be snippy just as Romney was during the last debate. In a way, it was a way for Obama to take back the power during the debate that Romney tried so hard to take away more than once. 

Romney: "I have a binder full of women" Honestly, when he said this I couldn't think of anything other than him being a masochist. No one says that. Not only does it look down upon women, but it's just RUDE. It made it seem as if he was still superior in some way. 

Helping Ryan: DON'T BE SO DEFENSIVE THAT IT'S OFF-PUTTING. There is nothing more annoying than a person who thinks they know everything to the point they're an obnoxious little jerk. There's a fine line between being educated and ignorant. 

3. Obama: Obama was relaxed and did not let his temper escalate when Romney said something either rude or untrue. He remained poise the entire time. 

Romney: The entire debate, Romney was being defensive, especially every time Obama said something that he did not particularly like. His constant moving made me feel a little bit awkward and on edge. 

Helping Ryan: Overall, the best thing for Ryan would be to not seem so defensive that he acts awkward. Also, he needs to seem confident in the things that he says. You could say something that is complete malarkey but have people believe it if you speak with confidence.

4. Within a few minutes of the debate, Romney was interrupting and not following the rules. Neither candidate really followed the rules completely, however Romney was being more rude than Obama. In the beginning, Obama seemed a little unsure of himself, as if he was feeling insecure. However, as the debate when on, it seemed as if he started to believe in himself more and became more comfortable on stage. As I said in question 3, Ryan just needs to speak with confidence. If you actually believe in what you say, other people will believe as well. 

D6

As part of the Online Team, my goal is to get the word around online about how great of a person and candidate Ryan is for president. This being said, I'm going to try to coordinate with the polling team as well as the video team so we can add some splash to our online pages! The peoples voices are important, so we should have something where they can tell us how they feel, expressing comments, concerns, or even words of motivation. This being said, my goal is figure out a way that voters can do just that.

C9

1. What policies did each candidate emphasize? Give examples of at least two. 

Obama: Obama was really big on education and increasing the amount of training for educators, and he mentioned ideals that are shared by both democrats and republicans. His goal is to have this help people get jobs. He also hopes to lower taxes and discover new sources for energy and decrease our dependency on fossil fuels. 

Romney: Romney wants energy independence, and his plan that by obtaining this over 4 million jobs will be created. He was also really intent on the stability of small businesses. 

2. What was a memorable phrase for you? Give an example for each candidate. 

Obama: "His big bold idea is never mind" Obama was Mr. Sassypants AND THAT'S FINE BECAUSE HE'S WONDERFUL 

Romney: "I like clean coal." this made me ponder for a long time, and in fact I still am. if his overall goal is to have America energy independent, then why would we use coal? would we not use things that are more efficient? 

3. What was interesting about their style? 

Obama: He was calm and collected throughout the entire debate. Even when Romney was being rude and obnoxious, Obama kept his composure and allowed him to speak even if it was on his time. Obama really tried to address the speaker, whereas Romney was more focused on making himself look good. 

Romney: Romney used a lot of hand gestures, and after a while they made me feel dizzy and weird. Throughout the entire debate, he was defensive even if he did not necessarily need to be. He also made sure that he ALWAYS got the last word in. 

4. Wild Card: 

I love Big Bird, and if he tries to take him away I'll be furious. 

Also, Obama wished Michelle a happy 20 year anniversary which was absolutely adorable!!!

D4

1. What policies did each candidate emphasize? Give at least two examples for each candidate. 

Ryan: Ryan pointed out the fact that other countries are gaining power in terms of nuclear forces. He believes that Iran is getting closer than ever in terms of making a nuclear bomb, and this would lead to an arms race in the Middle East. Leading off this this, he believes that the United States is essentially acting weak in terms of our stance. He believes that if Iran obtains Nuclear bombs, then there will be a domino effect, meaning other surrounding countries will begin to develop their weapons as well. "When they see us putting daylight between ourselves and Israel  that gives them encouragement (to make a nuclear bomb.) Ryan is also intent on reforming Medicare and Medicaid. He wants more coverage for the middle class, and total coverage for the lower class, or those in poverty. He goes on to bash Obamacare, saying that a panel could not suffice and make decisions on peoples lives because they have not had medical training.

Biden: On the other hand, Biden believes that war should be the last resort and should be used if and only if it is absolutely necessary. He stated many times that his overall goal was to get the troops out of the Middle East by 2014. According to Biden, this dream which many people thought could never actually happen is obtainable due to the path that they're on as a team. He also spoke about overturning the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. The goal of their party is to make the "playing field level".

2. Memorable phrase for both candidates. 

Ryan: In my opinion, Ryan didn't really have one particular phrase that struck out to me and made me actually say "wow". What was interesting though was how he it was as if he put Romney on a pedestal. For example, discussing the time he went to visit the family and then ended up paying for their college tuition. Even though this isn't a direct phrase, it still has the same effect.  

Biden: My friend. Every time he said this, I laughed out loud. Biden was absolutely perfect in the debate, and referring to Ryan as "my friend" made him seem more personal and warmhearted. Referring to him in this way was quite different than the approach that Ryan had, because Ryan was being Mr. Sassy-Pants, while Biden was being calm and courteous.

3. What was interesting about the candidates style? 

Ryan: Whenever Biden was speaking, Ryan would intensely stare into Biden's soul as some sort of act of intimidation. I can imagine that Biden felt a little bit awkward, because I most certainly felt awkward and it wasn't even directed towards me. When it was his turn to speak, Ryan would look directly at Martha (is that her name?) as if his only job was to convince her and not the rest of America.

Biden: As I previously stated, Biden would refer to Ryan as "my friend" which gave a more relaxed feeling. However, there was obvious sarcasm and irony underlying the words. As far as I know, they're not actually friends. By calling him "my friend", he was able to undermine Ryan without blatantly saying "I hate you. You suck." Biden also is a big fan of leaving spaces between his words to add an emphasis. For example, when the discussion topic was on Nuclear arms, Biden said "They. Do. Not. Have. Nuclear. Arms."

4. Wild Card 

Biden was laughing almost the entire time Ryan was talking. I assume this is a power play, and it worked because you could tell that towards the end of the debate Ryan was getting a little less confident after hearing laughter from all his ideas. I also noticed that Biden managed to get about 3 more minutes of talking time overall than Ryan, which is fine by me, however it's not necessarily fair. The entire point of an election is to have both candidates have an equal chance and by one person having more time to talk that gives them an unfair advantage.






















"he changes his mind so often"

D3

Part A: 
1. Eisenhower's AD called "Never Had it So Good"
a. The Eisenhower group
b. The purpose of this ad was to give off negative vibes about the other candidate.

2. 1972 "Nixon VS McGovern" ad called Russia
a. Made by the Nixon campaign
b. The purpose was to bring back the support of Nixon. He hadn't produced results as quickly as he had promised, and his approval ratings. Essentially, the point of the video is the show how great Nixon was and how many things he did for America. In this ad in particular, Nixon discusses his trip to Russia. He describes a visit to a grave mark and reads the diary of a young child who describes the death of her entire family. The purpose of the video is the show Americans that Nixon believes peace is necessary and that the war needs to stop as soon as possible.

3. 2000 ad called Ian
a. The campaign for Gore made this ad
b. The purpose of this ad was to show the positive impact that Gore had one one family in particular. Basically, the team was trying to say you can clearly see what he did for one family and the tremendous impact he had on their family. Imagine what he could do for the entire country.

Part B: 
1. Overtime, the videos were a little more direct with what they were trying to say. For example, in Nixon's videos, he out right had people ask him questions and he directly answered them. However, as time moved on, candidates moved on to using clips from speeches and pictures. This makes campaign ads less personal. Another aspect that changed was the fact that candidates began to incorporate the idea of families into their videos. This allowed the voters to feel more connected, and be able to say "oh, I have a family as well! This candidate knows how I'm feeling right now!"

2. The most effective ad to me was the ad ran by Gore in 2000 about the little boy named Ian. I'm not sure if it's because I have a soft spot for kids, but that certainly hinder him from making the point. The entire ad is basically just a tug at the viewers heart. No one can look at a little child suffering and look away. That's inhuman and I don't know anyone who would actually care to do that. The goal of the ad was to create sympathy for the little boy, and to open the eyes of the public.

D2

In regards to the Online Guru team, we made a Facebook event notifying the public of the highly anticipated event called Freedom Friday. In fact, it's one of the most highly regarded days of the political group for Bouabid For President. The event took place on Friday (obviously) and the turnout was very good! We've been updating the two pages everyday, adding new information whenever we get it. As of right now, there is not another event in place, however ideas are bubbling.
Our Twitter name is: MrBouabid4Prez

And our Facebook fan page is here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/497865563576576/

C8

As part of the Online Guru team, both Logan and I made a Twitter account as well as a Facebook Fan page. I personally made the Facebook account and Logan made the Twitter account. Last week, when we had the event during lunch, Ryan sat at a table and gave candy to people walking by and discussed his policy and beliefs with them. I like to think the reason for this events success is because of the fact that we made it known when and where it was happening on the social media sites! For more information about the Twitter page, Logan's blog is the place to look. Everyday we're updating both pages as we get new information.

Our Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/497865563576576/

Our Twitter is Mr. Bouabid 4 Prez

C6

Economic Left/Right: -3.00

Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -2.15

I'd like to know why the questions involve a persons feelings. I can see how emotions are related slightly towards politics, but they're not necessarily something you base beliefs off. For example, the question about optimism. What exactly does this have to do with politics? 

C5

Question 1: In your own words, define leadership. What is your purpose of trying to become a leader?
Question 2: What would you consider to be the political flaws in your ideological beliefs?

C4

Honestly, I think I would do really well either as the Online Guru, or the Print Ad Mavens. I've always had a knack for creating posters and such, in fact this year I made the posters for the Pop Quiz Team! I have access to Photoshop, and honestly I just like to make posters. I'M GOOD AT WHAT I DO, AND I'LL CHOOSE FLATTERING PICTURES. XOXO
In terms of being the online guru, I'm a Wiz when it comes to anything related to social  media. I know how to easily navigate all things related to Facebook or Twitter, so doing this would be fun!

C3

Since 1965, the Federal Government has spent $2 trillion on elementary and secondary education with no improvement academic achievement. This being said, I believe that we need to make a change to our education system. No longer will we live under the stigma of the average education. No longer will Americans be seen as the lowest on the totem poll of knowledge. Instead, we will increase our knowledge and reclaim our position at the top. 

Education needs to be more of a priority in our society. Children going to school for their entire lives eventually get discouraged and do not want to end up going to college in the long run. This being said, we need to make college more attainable for everyone, not just people with money. However, a problem of this magnitude cannot be solved just by changing a few things. Instead, we need to teach children from the beginning. For example, instilling the Head Start program and facilitating state reading initiatives. This will then increase the popularity of reading and knowledge. 

Following this, We need to allow federal dollars to follow children to the schools of their choice. Part of living in America means choosing where you want to go to school, what major you want, all these choices can be made. Why not be able to choose the college in which you spend so much time? If the amount of time spent at a college is unpleasant, students will be less likely to return and continue their education. Let’s allow students to choose where to go and be the pilots of their own journey through life! 

                Going to college is expensive, as anyone would know. Yearly, the costs rise due to inflation. Nationwide, student loan debt now exceeds credit card debts, roughly $23,000 for each of the 35,000,000 debtors taking years to pay off. This is unacceptable! Federal student aid is on a downwards spirial, and efforts to help families make more prudent choices about a students future should be taken into consideration. The Federal Government should NOT be in the business of handing out student loans. Instead, students receive loans from a private sector. Students should welcome private sectors.

                Overall, us Americans need to stick to our traditional roots. We need not stray away from what we know and love, the Constitution. As many songs have said previously, the children are in fact the future. You train a child how you want them to act, and when they’re old they act in that fashion. It is the same aspect with education. Essentially, all we need to do is have education in a more positive light, and make education more affordable. Not only will this benefit us as a country, but our economy will be thanking us as well. 

C2

1. The Democratic Party has a belief oriented towards the American people. The Democratic party believes in providing jobs, cutting taxes for the lower-middle class, national health care. Essentially, all things that are beneficial. This is not to say of course that the Republican party does not have ideas that are beneficial in any way. Their ways of going about it aren't exactly the smartest. The Democratic party is also more oriented towards the environment. The Republican party believes in essentially keeping the government as traditional as possible. For this reason, many Republicans do not believe in Abortions, or gay marriage.

C1

1. According to this quiz, I am a Liberal. My personal issues score was a 60% and my Economic issues score was a 20%.
2. So, is a Statist basically like a conservative?

B8

A. 1. "The supremacy of the national government over the state." this is important to the supremacy clause.
     2. "The national government has certain implied powers that go beyond enumerated powers." this is derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

B. 1. The Full Faith and Credit Clause basically states that if a person is married, has a drivers license, or has some official certificate or license in another state that it is good across state lines. The exception is the case of a divorce.
     2. The Privileges and Immunities Clause prevents States from treating people in a manner which is discriminatory to people of other states.

B7

A. 1. Advantages of Federalism include the fact that there is one common currency, a more centralized military, and laws can be enforced within state walls.
     2. A unitary form of government is where the government essentially has all the control. Basically, they make all the big decisions. There are two levels, and the local government serves essentially as a way to carry out the wishes of the central government. However, a confederation is the permanent bond of a group of people who all think alike and work together for a common goal. Usually, confederations are used as a first hand way to deal with problems with politics and such. In my opinion, a unitary government would be a heck of a lot better to live under, simply because everything would be uniform. Yes, people would have less say, but there would be less chaos. It would be sort of more relaxing.

B. 1. According to Article 1, Section 8, the National government has the power to coin money. I assume this is the case because not only does it prevent the creation of false currencies, but it makes life a lot easier in the sense that there is a uniform currency.
    2. In terms of the states powers, states have the power to hold elections as well as establish local government.
    3. A concurrent law would simply be the ability to create laws and provide defense for the country.

B6

1. a. The first method is an amendment is proposed by Congress, and then it is voted on (2/3).  In order to be ratified, a convention must be held and the states must come up with a 3/4 consensus. 

    b. One informal way of changing the constitution is simply by the use of political parties. Citizens vote on who is desired to be president, and the person with the most votes essentially wins. Political parties were not in the constitution. Another example is simply supreme court cases, like Brown Vs. Board of Education. Another example is simple legislation, which just spells out everything that the constitution already says without actually changing it in any way. Also, one can take into account the elastic clause. 

    c. Overall, informal amendment processes are much easier and they go a lot faster. Also, by partaking in the informal amendment process, nothing is actually changed about the Constitution. 

B4

1. Whenever a group of people needs to split from the government and assert their independence, they must first tell the reasons as for doing so. All men are created equal, and are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
2. The audience is the American people. The reason the DoI was created was to explain grief that was felt towards the British people. In a sense, the DoI was also intended for the eyes of the British king, in hopes he would see the troubles people have felt.
3. The fact that when stating the grievances against the king, the writers use "he" which makes it less personal.

B2

the Patriot act gives the government the right to search people at airports. However, this brings up the question of whether or not that's racial profiling. The government can also arrest people who provide for known  offenders,  as well as people thought to be dangerous. On one episode of 30 Rock Riz meets her new neighbor who is from the middle east.  she automatically assumes that he's a terrorist, when it turns out he was auditioning for the amazing race. I believe that ample proof is needed, or even just A little bit. Accusing blindly is simply wrong. 

Constitutional Amendment

In terms of Marriage, any couple has the right to get married, regardless of race, geneder, sexuality, or upbringing. America was created on the idea of freedoms, freedom of Speech, Religion, the Press, so why not have freedom to live life as one wishes? It's only fair for American Citizens to be able to marry who they wish as they wish.

Summer Assignment

Name: ____________________________________

AP U.S. Government & Politics

THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

Read the U.S. Constitution. Complete this worksheet using any online or print resources you require – you’ll keep it in your notebook all year.

A.    Create a Table of Contents: The Original Constitution

Read each article of the Constitution. Summarize the general purpose or subject(s) of each article, and then write down the meanings of any unfamiliar terms (look them up) or any bigger questions you have for discussion. This can be a place for creative “what-if” questions, too – now is a great time to write them down.

ARTICLE	BIG IDEA: THE SUBJECT	DETAILS: UNFAMILIAR TERMS & QUESTIONS FOR CLASS
I	The Legislative Branch
II	The Executive Branch
III	The Judicial Branch
IV	The States
V	Amendments
VI	Debts, Supremacy, Oaths
VII	Ratification

Follow-Up #1:

Which Article is longest and most detailed? Why do you think that is?

Article I is the longest and most detailed, and this is simply because it states the limitations to Congress.  

B.         Create a Table of Contents: The Amendments

            Identify the main point of each Constitutional amendment.

AMENDMENT	BIG IDEA: WHAT DID THIS AMENDMENT ACCOMPLISH?
1	Freedom of Speech, Religion, Press, Assembly, Petition
2	Right to Bear Arms
3	Quartering of Soldiers
4	Search and Seizure
5	Grand jury, Double Jeopardy, Self-Incrimination, Due process
6	Rights of Accused in Criminal Prosecutions: Rights to Jury Trial, to Confront Opposing witnesses and to Counsel
7	Jury Trial
8	Protections against Excessive Bail, Cruel and Unusual Punishment
9	Non-Enumerated Rights
10	Rights Reserved to States
11	Suits Against a State
12	Election of President and Vice-President
13	Abolition of Slavery and Involuntary Servitude
14	Protects rights against state infringements, defines citizenship, prohibits states from interfering with privileges and immunities, requires due process and equal protection, punishes states for denying vote, and disqualifies Confederate officials and debts
15	Voting Rights
16	Federal Income Tax
17	Popular Election of Senators
18	Prohibition
19	Women's Right to Vote
20	Commencement of Presidential Term and Succession
21	Repeal of 18th Amendment (Prohibition)
22	Two-Term Limitation on President
23	District of Columbia Presidential Vote
24	Abolition of Poll Tax Requirement in Federal Elections
25	Presidential Vacancy, Disability and Inability
26	Right to Vote at Age 18
27	Congressional Compensation

Follow-Up #2:

If you could only keep two amendments to the Constitution, which would they be? Why?

I would keep the First Amendment as well as the Nineteenth Amendment, because the First has to do with the various freedoms and the Nineteenth has to do with women's right to vote. 

C.       The Three Branches: Powers

Enumerated powers are those listed specifically in the Constitution. Look through the first three Articles for examples.

Pay careful attention to checks and balances – how each branch of government controls the others.

Remember to answer in your own words, and to look up what you don’t understand. That method will help you the most.

                       

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

Checks & Balances: What are TWO enumerated powers it has over the president? Veto, Pocket Veto, and impeach the President

Checks & Balances: What’s ONE enumerated power it has over the courts? Impeachment

What other enumerated powers does Congress have?

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Checks & Balances: What’s ONE enumerated power it has over Congress?

Checks & Balances: What’s ONE enumerated power it has over the courts?

What other enumerated powers does the president have?

JUDICIAL BRANCH

Checks & Balances: What’s ONE enumerated power it has over the president?

Checks & Balances: What’s ONE enumerated power it has over Congress?

What other enumerated powers do the courts have?

Follow-Up #3:

Identify and explain two powers that the Constitution specifically DENIES to Congress.  

 Article I, Sec 8 denies Congress the power to prohibit state-approved migration before 1808, suspend the write of Habeas Corpus outside of rebellion or invasion, pass bills of attainder of ex post facto laws. Congress is also limited by the Amendments to the Constitution, such as the first amendment which prohibits Congress from making a law respecting an establishment of religion or abridging Freedom of Speech. 

D.       Rules for Policymakers

What requirements can you find to hold political office in the United States? Fill in the table below with your findings.

	REPRESENTATIVE (U.S. HOUSE)	SENATOR  (U.S. SENATE)	PRESIDENT	SUPREME COURT JUSTICE
Age Requirement	25 years	30 years	35 years	18 years
Citizenship Requirement	7 years	Living in the US for at least 7 years	Born in the US	Born in the US
Length of Term	2 years	4 years	4 years	Lifetime
Gaining Office: How does it happen? Who is Involved?	Elected by voters in the State and district they represent	Elected by the general population	Become nominated by their party (IE: Democratic or Republican Parties)	Appointed by the President.

Follow-Up #4:

Why would the requirements vary for different offices? Come up with some theories on why the founders would make different rules for different branches.

 The requirements vary because each office does a different job. It would be too overwhelming for one branch of Government to do one job, so the Founding Fathers came up with a way to distribute the power equally enough to get the job done. 

E.       The Amendment Process

In your own words, describe TWO ways to propose an amendment, and TWO ways to ratify an amendment.

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT	RATIFYING AN AMENDMENT
Whenever 2/3 of both Houses of Congress deem it necessary	3/4 of the States agree to have the Amendment Ratified
on the Application of the Legislatures of 2/3 of the several states, Congress can call a convention for proposing Amendments	Constitutional Convention

Follow-Up #5:

Can you find which process of proposal and ratification has been used most often? Which has never been used? Any ideas why?

F.         Grab Bag: Additional Questions

1. Identify two powers the Constitution prohibits the states from having. 
 No state shall, without the consent of congress lay ant duty of tonnage, keep troops, ships of war in time of peace.
 
2. The court of original jurisdiction is the first court that hears a case. Although the Supreme Court mostly hears cases on appeal from a lower court, what kinds of cases does it have original jurisdiction?

Cases affecting ambassadors and  other public ministers, as well as disputes between the States 
 
 
3. Who has the power to declare war? What powers do the other branches have during a war?
 Congress can declare war. 
 
4. The Constitution requires only a simple majority for some actions. (That means anything over half). It requires a supermajority for others. (A majority greater than merely a simple one). Find two actions that require a supermajority. Why do you think the Constitution requires this?
 Impeaching, Expelling a Member of Congress, Overriding a Veto, Suspending the Rules, Ending a Fillibuster. 
 
5. Find two ways to remove a president from office – one in the original Constitution, and one in the amendments. Describe each in your own words, and be sure to say where you found each method.
 To remove a President, they must be impeached by the House of Representatives. Basically, the House Judicial committee appoints a prosecutor who presents the case to the members of the House. If the House votes to impeach, it is sent to the Senate for trial. After the trial, if 2/3 majority find him unfit for office he is removed. 
 
6.   If no candidate for the presidency wins a simple majority of the total number of electoral votes, what body has the power to choose the president? 
The House of Representatives choses the President and the Senate chooses the Vice President.  

7. How many electoral votes does one need to become president?
 270

8. Where in the Constitution is the Electoral College described? (Hint: there are two parts) 

Electoral College is not actually mentioned in the Constitution. Article II of the Constitution and the 12th Amendment refers to the electors, but not the electoral college. 

9. How were US Senators chosen before the Seventh Amendment? 
 Election or elected by State Legislatures 

10. Who creates executive branch departments?

The President