http://www.scribd.com/doc/14769948/GOV-141-Gov-Actions-to-Influence-the-Economy
(XL)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/14769930/GOV-141-The-Economy
(PP)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Economics Exam
Test 4
The following questions concern economics. They are multiple choice questions; please select the most appropriate answer.
America’s economic system can best be described as one of:
Socialism
Communism
Keynesianism
Capitalism
Hallmarks of America’s economy include which of the following combinations?
Free markets, property rights, little governmental oversight
Restricted trade, strong governmental regulation of all facets of the economy, and little respect for property rights.
A centralized economy with top down management.
An economy that lives by the principle: from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.
A deficit occurs when:
The government spends more than it receives in tax revenues.
There is equilibrium between taxes and spending.
Entitlements are spending items when the government:
Guarantees a benefit to all citizens upon their qualification within a certain class of citizens. Such as social security.
Guarantees a project to a city as part of its latest budget. For example, a water system for West Liberty.
What particular type of budget expenditures constitutes the largest amount of spending by the federal government?
Infrastructure such as roads and interstates.
Military spending such as for the war.
Spending on foreign aid.
Entitlement spending.
Which of the following terms best describes the modern America form of government?
Welfare State.
Opportunity State.
Communistic state.
Pure Free Market State.
Fiscal policy is set, at least primarily, by whom:
Congress and the President
The President alone.
The Supreme Court
The Federal Reserve
Monetary policy is set, at least primarily, by whom:
Congress and the President
The President alone.
The Supreme Court
The Federal Reserve
Supply side economics holds that:
Tax cuts, even if they lead to a deficit, are of principle importance because they allow the citizens to spend and grow the economy.
Deficits are of principle importance. Cutting them should be the most important focus of government.
In times of recessions or depressions, it’s a good idea for the federal government to borrow and spend more money than it takes in from taxes. This spending by the government will result in a stronger economy eventually.
All the above.
Keynesian economics holds that:
Tax cuts, even if they lead to a deficit, are of principle importance because they allow the citizens to spend and grow the economy.
Deficits are of principle importance. Cutting them should be the most important focus of government.
In times of recessions or depressions, it’s a good idea for the federal government to borrow and spend more money than it takes in from taxes. This spending by the government will result in a stronger economy eventually.
The federal government regulates the economy to do which of the following:
Ensure safety of consumers
Promote moral outcomes
Protect parties likely to be disadvantaged
All the above.
Generally speaking, America regulates the economy ______ than most developed countries.
in fewer ways
in more ways
The federal government is concerned about the pace of the economy and the risk of inflation. What policy is most likely to be pursued?
Congress would cut taxes
The Federal Reserve would raise taxes
The Federal Reserve would raise interest rates
The Congress would cut interest rates
The federal government is concerned that the economy is slowing and heading towards a recession. Which set of policies are the most likely ones Congress would consider? Keep in mind that the two parties will likely approach the issue differently.
Tax cuts or spending increases
Tax increases and spending increases
Tax neutral policies and spending cuts
None of the above.
Interest rate increases would most likely?
Shrink the economy by reducing the supply of money.
Increase the economy by increasing the supply of money.
Interest rate cuts would most likely?
Shrink the economy by reducing the supply of money.
Increase the economy by increasing the supply of money.
Free trade….
Is always a bad thing because it hurts American workers
Is always a good thing because it allows American consumers to buy products at cheaper prices.
Both A and B have some truth to them.
None of the above.
Globalization refers to what?
The increasing need for governments across the globe to work better with one another.
The failure of states to cooperate with one another across the globe.
The ability of goods, services, weapons and peoples to travel across countries’ boundaries with ease.
A policy where deficit and national debt reduction is stressed would potentially help the economy in what way?
It will free up more money for private spending and economic growth.
By reducing the national debt, interest rates will go down.
Both A and B
None of the above
Interest rate cuts will most likely make the economy:
Grow
Shrink
The following questions concern economics. They are multiple choice questions; please select the most appropriate answer.
America’s economic system can best be described as one of:
Socialism
Communism
Keynesianism
Capitalism
Hallmarks of America’s economy include which of the following combinations?
Free markets, property rights, little governmental oversight
Restricted trade, strong governmental regulation of all facets of the economy, and little respect for property rights.
A centralized economy with top down management.
An economy that lives by the principle: from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.
A deficit occurs when:
The government spends more than it receives in tax revenues.
There is equilibrium between taxes and spending.
Entitlements are spending items when the government:
Guarantees a benefit to all citizens upon their qualification within a certain class of citizens. Such as social security.
Guarantees a project to a city as part of its latest budget. For example, a water system for West Liberty.
What particular type of budget expenditures constitutes the largest amount of spending by the federal government?
Infrastructure such as roads and interstates.
Military spending such as for the war.
Spending on foreign aid.
Entitlement spending.
Which of the following terms best describes the modern America form of government?
Welfare State.
Opportunity State.
Communistic state.
Pure Free Market State.
Fiscal policy is set, at least primarily, by whom:
Congress and the President
The President alone.
The Supreme Court
The Federal Reserve
Monetary policy is set, at least primarily, by whom:
Congress and the President
The President alone.
The Supreme Court
The Federal Reserve
Supply side economics holds that:
Tax cuts, even if they lead to a deficit, are of principle importance because they allow the citizens to spend and grow the economy.
Deficits are of principle importance. Cutting them should be the most important focus of government.
In times of recessions or depressions, it’s a good idea for the federal government to borrow and spend more money than it takes in from taxes. This spending by the government will result in a stronger economy eventually.
All the above.
Keynesian economics holds that:
Tax cuts, even if they lead to a deficit, are of principle importance because they allow the citizens to spend and grow the economy.
Deficits are of principle importance. Cutting them should be the most important focus of government.
In times of recessions or depressions, it’s a good idea for the federal government to borrow and spend more money than it takes in from taxes. This spending by the government will result in a stronger economy eventually.
The federal government regulates the economy to do which of the following:
Ensure safety of consumers
Promote moral outcomes
Protect parties likely to be disadvantaged
All the above.
Generally speaking, America regulates the economy ______ than most developed countries.
in fewer ways
in more ways
The federal government is concerned about the pace of the economy and the risk of inflation. What policy is most likely to be pursued?
Congress would cut taxes
The Federal Reserve would raise taxes
The Federal Reserve would raise interest rates
The Congress would cut interest rates
The federal government is concerned that the economy is slowing and heading towards a recession. Which set of policies are the most likely ones Congress would consider? Keep in mind that the two parties will likely approach the issue differently.
Tax cuts or spending increases
Tax increases and spending increases
Tax neutral policies and spending cuts
None of the above.
Interest rate increases would most likely?
Shrink the economy by reducing the supply of money.
Increase the economy by increasing the supply of money.
Interest rate cuts would most likely?
Shrink the economy by reducing the supply of money.
Increase the economy by increasing the supply of money.
Free trade….
Is always a bad thing because it hurts American workers
Is always a good thing because it allows American consumers to buy products at cheaper prices.
Both A and B have some truth to them.
None of the above.
Globalization refers to what?
The increasing need for governments across the globe to work better with one another.
The failure of states to cooperate with one another across the globe.
The ability of goods, services, weapons and peoples to travel across countries’ boundaries with ease.
A policy where deficit and national debt reduction is stressed would potentially help the economy in what way?
It will free up more money for private spending and economic growth.
By reducing the national debt, interest rates will go down.
Both A and B
None of the above
Interest rate cuts will most likely make the economy:
Grow
Shrink
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Charlie Wilson's War
Charlie Wilson's War is a recent movie starring Tom Hanks that does a nice job illustrating things like the complexity of foreign policy, the power of the bureaucracy (specfically the CIA), Congressional influence over foreign policy (particularly through the power of the appropriations process and Congressional oversight) and the role private interest groups- even individuals- can play in shaping American foreign policy. A couple of other angels to watch for: the role of covert ops as a type of hard power, the desire by foreign governments to get their hands on U.S. military hardware, the ever present need to play politics...
Here's a review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-3IZnB9HiY
(Part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmA0b2j2c2Q&feature=related
(Part 2)
Here's a review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-3IZnB9HiY
(Part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmA0b2j2c2Q&feature=related
(Part 2)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Test 3
Test 3
This test is worth 10% of your final grade. We discussed this material during our lectures and most it can be found in your notes. You may need to research some of these on the web. Remember, google is your friend. Your test is due next Wed. (April 15th). Feel free to email me should you have any questions.
Test Questions:
America’s form of government is bicameral Government. Describe in detail what that means and how it works.
How often are Senators and Reps elected? How does this impact on our political system?
There are significant differences between the two chambers of Congress, the House and the Senate. Describe some of these and how they affect our political process.
What is Redistricting and how does it affect our political system?
What is the political significance of Marbury v. Madison and Judicial Review?
This is a difficult question, but I want you to try to describe the following concept: Before a case can be heard in U.S. Courts there must be a “case and controversy” and the plaintiff, that is the party that’s filing suit, must have “standing.” Describe these concepts to the best of your ability.
What are legal precedents and what is their importance?
What is the power of the bully pulpit? Which branch generally is said to hold this power?
What are “non-justiciable” cases?
Essay: Miss Doe has arrived in Congress as a member of the House of Representatives. She’s hired you, her former campaign manager, to help her get her first bill through Congress. This bill would read as follows: THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WILL IMMEDIATELY DEPLOY ALL TROOPS STATIONED IN IRAQ BACK TO THE UNITED STATES. She asks you to prepare her a memo telling her about the different branches of government, Executive, Legislative and Supreme Court, as well as the bureaucracy, and how these could affect her bill. Tell me, in your words, what are some of the things she should be aware of with respect to each of the four.
This test is worth 10% of your final grade. We discussed this material during our lectures and most it can be found in your notes. You may need to research some of these on the web. Remember, google is your friend. Your test is due next Wed. (April 15th). Feel free to email me should you have any questions.
Test Questions:
America’s form of government is bicameral Government. Describe in detail what that means and how it works.
How often are Senators and Reps elected? How does this impact on our political system?
There are significant differences between the two chambers of Congress, the House and the Senate. Describe some of these and how they affect our political process.
What is Redistricting and how does it affect our political system?
What is the political significance of Marbury v. Madison and Judicial Review?
This is a difficult question, but I want you to try to describe the following concept: Before a case can be heard in U.S. Courts there must be a “case and controversy” and the plaintiff, that is the party that’s filing suit, must have “standing.” Describe these concepts to the best of your ability.
What are legal precedents and what is their importance?
What is the power of the bully pulpit? Which branch generally is said to hold this power?
What are “non-justiciable” cases?
Essay: Miss Doe has arrived in Congress as a member of the House of Representatives. She’s hired you, her former campaign manager, to help her get her first bill through Congress. This bill would read as follows: THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WILL IMMEDIATELY DEPLOY ALL TROOPS STATIONED IN IRAQ BACK TO THE UNITED STATES. She asks you to prepare her a memo telling her about the different branches of government, Executive, Legislative and Supreme Court, as well as the bureaucracy, and how these could affect her bill. Tell me, in your words, what are some of the things she should be aware of with respect to each of the four.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Next Test II
FYI... see this link about your test. You'll print these on this site and I just invited all of you to become bloggers here:
http://newcitywestliberty.blogspot.com/2009/03/blogger-invitations.html
http://newcitywestliberty.blogspot.com/2009/03/blogger-invitations.html
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Congress is Like a Whiskey Drinker....
"CONGRESS IS LIKE A whiskey drinker," President Lyndon Johnson once observed. "You can put an awful lot of whiskey into a man if you just let him sip it," he said. "But if you try to force the whole bottle down his throat at one time, he'll throw it up."The 36th president and former Senate majority leader was referring to Congress's ability to produce legislative outcomes -- too much activity inebriates the system.
Next Test
Your next test will consist of a single essay answer to the following question:
1. West Liberty is participating in a project known as the New Cities Institute initiative. At the end of this process, leading citizens of the community will come together and decide on a course of action… a plan… on how to make the community a “New City.” The plans might include economic development proposals, recreation ideas, etc. Using the political linkages of the policy pyramid, analyze how this process might work.
1. West Liberty is participating in a project known as the New Cities Institute initiative. At the end of this process, leading citizens of the community will come together and decide on a course of action… a plan… on how to make the community a “New City.” The plans might include economic development proposals, recreation ideas, etc. Using the political linkages of the policy pyramid, analyze how this process might work.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Political Bias on the Part of the Media?
The media is not infallible. They’re often accused of harboring their own agenda. Here are a couple of clips on YouTube that discuss alleged bias:
Here are allegations of Fox News bias:
And here’s Fox using ABC political news director Mark Halleprin to claim other network bias:
Here are allegations of Fox News bias:
And here’s Fox using ABC political news director Mark Halleprin to claim other network bias:
Monday, February 9, 2009
Public Opinion and Presidential Politics
George W. Bush has been a very consequential president in recent years, thanks largely to the War on Terror. Here’s Gallup Opinion Poll’s Frank Newport on public opinion in the Bush years:
Public opinion on candidates can be shaped permanently by how these candidates come across in TV appearances. If they look silly or unprepared even once, these images can haunt their entire careers.
Here are a couple of examples of how this happened in Vice Presidential politics:
Looking silly has been a bipartisan affair in Presidential politics. In 1988 Michael Dukakis, the Governor of Massachusetts and the Democratic nominee for President, faced attack ads by George Bush that highlights his appearance in tank:
Dukakis was also hit hard for his policies on crime. In this ad, that many considered racist, Dukakis is criticized by an outside political group with links to George Bush. The criticism highlights Dukakis’s furlough policy:
Public opinion on candidates can be shaped permanently by how these candidates come across in TV appearances. If they look silly or unprepared even once, these images can haunt their entire careers.
Here are a couple of examples of how this happened in Vice Presidential politics:
Looking silly has been a bipartisan affair in Presidential politics. In 1988 Michael Dukakis, the Governor of Massachusetts and the Democratic nominee for President, faced attack ads by George Bush that highlights his appearance in tank:
Dukakis was also hit hard for his policies on crime. In this ad, that many considered racist, Dukakis is criticized by an outside political group with links to George Bush. The criticism highlights Dukakis’s furlough policy:
Test 1
Gov 141 @ West Liberty
Exam 1
Instructions: Questions 1-11 are short answer or multiple choice. The short answers can be as long as a couple of paragraphs. Each question is worth 5 points. All eleven are worth 55% of this exam. Following the short answer question there’s an essay question. I would like to see at least ¾ of a page used to answer this question. The entire exam is worth 10% of your final grade. Please answer all questions completely. Please type your answers and turn in at the beginning of class Monday Feb. 16th.
1. America’s form of government can best be described as a blend between what two types of political systems?
a. Constitutional monarchy and benign dictatorship
b. Democracy and Constitutional Republic
c. Democracy and Oligarchy
d. Pure Democracy and Representative Democracy
2. What does this mean?
3. Political power is divided in America horizontally and vertically. First, there’s separation of power then there’s federalism. Describe the two and how they keep power divided.
4. Major political change in America is almost always arrived at following a:
a. Referendum
b. Change in Public Opinion
c. New President
d. A struggle
5. What is the fourth branch of government and what is the source of its power?
6. Following the victory of the 13 rebel American colonies, America faced huge challenges that led to a constitutional convention. Describe some of these and how the constitution was going to change this.
7. How is the Bill of Rights, that is the first ten amendments to the constitution, different from the constitution itself?
8. What did the supremacy clause of the U.S. constitution set forth?
9. What was the initial purpose of the commerce clause and what are some of the things that it’s been interpreted as allowing the federal government to do?
10. The Full Faith and Credit clause says that “full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records and judicial proceedings” of the other states. What is the intent and purpose of such a clause?
11. How does the international system affect American domestic policy?
The following essay question is worth 45% of your exam:
A friend contacts you after he learns you’re a student in MSU’s Gov 141 course at West Liberty. He’s concerned about another 9/11 style terrorist attack and is interested in sending a letter to his Congressmen advocating his support of a particular measure. The bill would ban the entrance of all practicing Muslims into America at all airports, border crossings and ports of entry. Using the policy pyramid, tell your friend why such a measure would be unlikely to gain traction. For review, the elements are society and culture, (you can link these if you like or separate them if you want), the international system, our American constitution, and the economy.
Exam 1
Instructions: Questions 1-11 are short answer or multiple choice. The short answers can be as long as a couple of paragraphs. Each question is worth 5 points. All eleven are worth 55% of this exam. Following the short answer question there’s an essay question. I would like to see at least ¾ of a page used to answer this question. The entire exam is worth 10% of your final grade. Please answer all questions completely. Please type your answers and turn in at the beginning of class Monday Feb. 16th.
1. America’s form of government can best be described as a blend between what two types of political systems?
a. Constitutional monarchy and benign dictatorship
b. Democracy and Constitutional Republic
c. Democracy and Oligarchy
d. Pure Democracy and Representative Democracy
2. What does this mean?
3. Political power is divided in America horizontally and vertically. First, there’s separation of power then there’s federalism. Describe the two and how they keep power divided.
4. Major political change in America is almost always arrived at following a:
a. Referendum
b. Change in Public Opinion
c. New President
d. A struggle
5. What is the fourth branch of government and what is the source of its power?
6. Following the victory of the 13 rebel American colonies, America faced huge challenges that led to a constitutional convention. Describe some of these and how the constitution was going to change this.
7. How is the Bill of Rights, that is the first ten amendments to the constitution, different from the constitution itself?
8. What did the supremacy clause of the U.S. constitution set forth?
9. What was the initial purpose of the commerce clause and what are some of the things that it’s been interpreted as allowing the federal government to do?
10. The Full Faith and Credit clause says that “full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records and judicial proceedings” of the other states. What is the intent and purpose of such a clause?
11. How does the international system affect American domestic policy?
The following essay question is worth 45% of your exam:
A friend contacts you after he learns you’re a student in MSU’s Gov 141 course at West Liberty. He’s concerned about another 9/11 style terrorist attack and is interested in sending a letter to his Congressmen advocating his support of a particular measure. The bill would ban the entrance of all practicing Muslims into America at all airports, border crossings and ports of entry. Using the policy pyramid, tell your friend why such a measure would be unlikely to gain traction. For review, the elements are society and culture, (you can link these if you like or separate them if you want), the international system, our American constitution, and the economy.
Monday, February 2, 2009
American within the International System
Here are a few videos from YouTube that illustrate the strong relationship between domestic policy and foreign policy. We'll watch a couple of these in class today.
In 1785 John Adams was appointed American Minister to the Court of St. James, that is, the Ambassador to the United Kingdom, or Great Britain. This clip shows Adams receiving an audience with King George III.
A far right political professor asserts that Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was aimed in large measure at British popular opinion:
Woodrow Wilson and World War 1, by eminent historian HW Brands:
HW Brands says American foreign policy is mostly about American domestic politics:
In 1785 John Adams was appointed American Minister to the Court of St. James, that is, the Ambassador to the United Kingdom, or Great Britain. This clip shows Adams receiving an audience with King George III.
A far right political professor asserts that Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was aimed in large measure at British popular opinion:
Woodrow Wilson and World War 1, by eminent historian HW Brands:
HW Brands says American foreign policy is mostly about American domestic politics:
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
In Canada, Is Polygamy a Religious Right?
(Pictured Above: Canadian polygamist Winston Blackmore and some of his daughters)While Canada has an (obviously) different set of constintutional rules than we do in the U.S., they face similar challenges. For example, how should the country square its committment to Freedom of religion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_freedom_in_Canada) with its other laws?
It might surprise you to know that this isn't always easy. In this week's Economist (news magazine) we learn about a bid by the Canadian authorities to deal with bigamy. (http://www.economist.com/world/americas/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12974209&source=hptextfeature)
Already, the effort is running into potential legal hurdles:
AFTER decades of tolerating what has come to be seen as a dirty little secret, British Columbia’s government is at last taking action to end the practice of polygamy by a Mormon sect. This week two leaders of a commune called Bountiful appeared in court to answer criminal charges. But the case may expose a conflict between constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion on the one hand and the criminal law on the other.
[...]
The police first investigated ... in 1991. But the province’s attorney-general decided against charges, arguing that Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees freedom of worship, would trump the criminal code. The current occupant of the job, Wally Oppal, disagrees. But the outcome of the case is uncertain. If found guilty, the defendants may appeal all the way to the Supreme Court.
The charter, approved in 1982, has expanded civil rights. But some lawyers and victims’ groups complain it has encouraged courts to throw out well-founded cases because of technical flaws in police procedure. “It has become a charter of rights for criminals,” says Wallace Craig, a retired British Columbia judge. It is the (often unjust) fate of human-rights legislation to attract such populist criticism. But if the charter allows the leaders of Bountiful to flout the law, many may believe that the critics have a point.
Of course the Canadian charter hasn't been replicated here in the U.S., but the constitutional right of free expression of religion found in the constitution is (like most of the constitution) open to interpretation. I doubt such an excuse would get very far in the U.S. (in fact, I assume it's already been tried and failed), but hopefully this will illuminate how far ranging these rights can be interpreted.
For more on this kind of issue, here's the case about Florida drivers' licenses and Islamic veils:
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/02UR3Pj1P5dnP/610x.jpg
And here's an Arkansas case that's now in Federal Court where a citizen sued claiming rights' violations after his daughter was suspended from school for refusing to take a required vaccination. The plaintiff said such a requirement violated their religious rights:
http://www.vaccinesafety.edu/McCvBoo.htm
It might surprise you to know that this isn't always easy. In this week's Economist (news magazine) we learn about a bid by the Canadian authorities to deal with bigamy. (http://www.economist.com/world/americas/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12974209&source=hptextfeature)
Already, the effort is running into potential legal hurdles:
AFTER decades of tolerating what has come to be seen as a dirty little secret, British Columbia’s government is at last taking action to end the practice of polygamy by a Mormon sect. This week two leaders of a commune called Bountiful appeared in court to answer criminal charges. But the case may expose a conflict between constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion on the one hand and the criminal law on the other.
[...]
The police first investigated ... in 1991. But the province’s attorney-general decided against charges, arguing that Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees freedom of worship, would trump the criminal code. The current occupant of the job, Wally Oppal, disagrees. But the outcome of the case is uncertain. If found guilty, the defendants may appeal all the way to the Supreme Court.
The charter, approved in 1982, has expanded civil rights. But some lawyers and victims’ groups complain it has encouraged courts to throw out well-founded cases because of technical flaws in police procedure. “It has become a charter of rights for criminals,” says Wallace Craig, a retired British Columbia judge. It is the (often unjust) fate of human-rights legislation to attract such populist criticism. But if the charter allows the leaders of Bountiful to flout the law, many may believe that the critics have a point.
Of course the Canadian charter hasn't been replicated here in the U.S., but the constitutional right of free expression of religion found in the constitution is (like most of the constitution) open to interpretation. I doubt such an excuse would get very far in the U.S. (in fact, I assume it's already been tried and failed), but hopefully this will illuminate how far ranging these rights can be interpreted.
For more on this kind of issue, here's the case about Florida drivers' licenses and Islamic veils:
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/02UR3Pj1P5dnP/610x.jpg
And here's an Arkansas case that's now in Federal Court where a citizen sued claiming rights' violations after his daughter was suspended from school for refusing to take a required vaccination. The plaintiff said such a requirement violated their religious rights:
http://www.vaccinesafety.edu/McCvBoo.htm
Freedom of Religion Asserted in Canadian Polygamy Case
While Canada has an (obviously) different set of constintutional rules than we do in the U.S., they face similar challenges. For example, how should the country square its committment to Freedom of religion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_freedom_in_Canada) with its other laws?
The charter, approved in 1982, has expanded civil rights. But some lawyers and victims’ groups complain it has encouraged courts to throw out well-founded cases because of technical flaws in police procedure. “It has become a charter of rights for criminals,” says Wallace Craig, a retired British Columbia judge. It is the (often unjust) fate of human-rights legislation to attract such populist criticism. But if the charter allows the leaders of Bountiful to flout the law, many may believe that the critics have a point.
It might surprise you to know that this isn't always easy. In this week's Economist (news magazine) we learn about a bid by the Canadian authorities to deal with bigamy. (http://www.economist.com/world/americas/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12974209&source=hptextfeature)
Already, the effort is running into potential legal hurdles:
AFTER decades of tolerating what has come to be seen as a dirty little secret, British Columbia’s government is at last taking action to end the practice of polygamy by a Mormon sect. This week two leaders of a commune called Bountiful appeared in court to answer criminal charges. But the case may expose a conflict between constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion on the one hand and the criminal law on the other.
[...]
The police first investigated ... in 1991. But the province’s attorney-general decided against charges, arguing that Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees freedom of worship, would trump the criminal code. The current occupant of the job, Wally Oppal, disagrees. But the outcome of the case is uncertain. If found guilty, the defendants may appeal all the way to the Supreme Court.
The charter, approved in 1982, has expanded civil rights. But some lawyers and victims’ groups complain it has encouraged courts to throw out well-founded cases because of technical flaws in police procedure. “It has become a charter of rights for criminals,” says Wallace Craig, a retired British Columbia judge. It is the (often unjust) fate of human-rights legislation to attract such populist criticism. But if the charter allows the leaders of Bountiful to flout the law, many may believe that the critics have a point.
Of course the Canadian charter hasn't been replicated here in the U.S., but the constitutional right of free expression of religion found in the constitution is (like most of the constitution) open to interpretation. I doubt such an excuse would get very far in the U.S. (in fact, I assume it's already been tried and failed), but hopefully this will illuminate how far ranging these rights can be interpreted.
For more on this kind of issue, here's the case about Florida drivers' licenses and Islamic veils:
And here's an Arkansas case that's now in Federal Court where a citizen sued claiming rights' violations after his daughter was suspended from school for refusing to take a required vaccination. The plaintiff said such a requirement violated their religious rights:
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Congratulations President Obama!
Today we'll take some time to catch up on the constitution, go over the policy pyramid a little more in depth, and watch President Obama's inaugural speech. I'll have the video of the speech posted for you to watch before class, so if you have time, please do so.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Some Arguments on the merits of a Constitution
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams debate whether we should have a constitution:
NOTE: As you can see from the last part of this video, it was placed online by an anti-big governemnt group.
NOTE: As you can see from the last part of this video, it was placed online by an anti-big governemnt group.
Commerce Clause in Action
Today (January 14, 2009) we’ll be discussing the Constitution and we’ll spend a bit of time on the Commerce Clause, that part of the constitution that allows the federal government power to regulate the economy.
Amazon.com recently sued the state in New York arguing that the Commerce Clause prohibited that state from taxing them:
New York state won a round in court against Amazon.com over a new law requiring out-of-state online companies to collect sales tax from shoppers in New York.
The law applies to companies that don't have offices in New York, but have at least one person in the state who works as an online agent — someone who links to a Web site and receives commissions for related sales.
A state Supreme Court justice in Manhattan ruled the suit should be dismissed, saying Amazon had no basis for legal action.
Patty Smith, an Amazon spokeswoman, declined comment. The company sued last year, challenging the constitutionality of the legislation. It could still appeal.
The suit argued the change unfairly targets Amazon, is overly broad and vague, and violates the commerce clause of the constitution because it imposes tax-collection obligations on out-of-state entities.
Amazon.com recently sued the state in New York arguing that the Commerce Clause prohibited that state from taxing them:
New York state won a round in court against Amazon.com over a new law requiring out-of-state online companies to collect sales tax from shoppers in New York.
The law applies to companies that don't have offices in New York, but have at least one person in the state who works as an online agent — someone who links to a Web site and receives commissions for related sales.
A state Supreme Court justice in Manhattan ruled the suit should be dismissed, saying Amazon had no basis for legal action.
Patty Smith, an Amazon spokeswoman, declined comment. The company sued last year, challenging the constitutionality of the legislation. It could still appeal.
The suit argued the change unfairly targets Amazon, is overly broad and vague, and violates the commerce clause of the constitution because it imposes tax-collection obligations on out-of-state entities.
Who was Alexander Hamilton?
Hamilton was one of the chief proponents of a strong federal government. If you enjoyed the previous video posted below, you may want to watch this and learn more about this very important founding father.
What's the Purpose of the Treasury Department?
Alexander Hamilton lectures Thomas Jefferson on the need for a strong centralized government and the treasury department. Hamilton reprsented the mercantile interests whereas Jefferson was an agrarian. Washington largely sided with Hamilton.
Lecture 2
Monday, January 12, 2009
Introduction to American Governemnt
This blog is intended for use by the students of GOV 141, a class offered by Morehead State University in West Liberty, KY the spring semester of 2009. The instructor for this class will be Johnathan Gay, an attorney and the Director of the MSU Innovation Center. Assignments, items of interest, announcements and more will be made on this site.
Feel free to make any comments you'd like, including anonymous ones (although I reserve the right to censor any comment that might be argumentative or disrespectful to anyone.)
Feel free to make any comments you'd like, including anonymous ones (although I reserve the right to censor any comment that might be argumentative or disrespectful to anyone.)
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