Executive Branch Free Response Questions

Free Response Question 1:
Describe the constitutional process of removing a President from office. How often has this process been seriously attempted? With what results? Is this process appropriate or would you recommend changes? (pg. 397-398)




Free Response Question 2:

To what extent does the Office of the Presidency  enlarge the scope of government?Why or why not? Provide specific examples from various Presidencies to support your answers? (pg. 430-432)


Free Response Question 3:

List and briefly describe the Constitutional powers of the President. Which are most important and why?  (pg. 401)

The Executive Order

Utilize the video below and respond to the 3 following questions

What is an executive order?
Can Congress do anything about an executive order?
Why are executive orders not permanent?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posttv/politics/can-congress-stop-an-executive-order/2014/11/19/d17bb6e8-701c-11e4-a2c2-478179fd0489_video.html 

CP: Obama on Voting Rights

Utilize the following link to respond to the questions below:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/06/us/college-students-claim-voter-id-laws-discriminate-based-on-age.html

• Why are college students challenging a North Carolina voter photo identification law?
• Why do Republicans and Democrats disagree about the need for new voter ID laws?
• How will the new North Carolina law affect younger voters, particularly college students?
• How does partisan politics seem especially relevant to the passage of the new North Carolina law?

 Respond to These Critical Thinking Questions:

• Can you think of ways to make sure voting is both easy to do for young people, like college students, while at the same time reducing the possibility of voter fraud? Explain.
• Should states try to make it easier for young people to vote, so voter participation rates increase, or should they make it more difficult for young people to vote, to protect against the possibility of voter fraud? What do you think the priority should be? Explain.
• How can Mr. Obama address and expand voting rights in America? 

Analyzing the Executive Authority of Judicial Appointment

PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS TO THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY BY SELECTED

DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS, 2000–2011 (in percent)

African American
Obama 22%/Bush 7%

Hispanic
Obama 11%/Bush 9%

Asian American 
Obama 8%/Bush 1%

White
Obama 59%/Bush 82%

Women
Obama 46%/Bush 22%

Men
Obama 54%/Bush 78%


1. Presidents consider many factors when nominating candidates to the federal courts, and getting their nominees confirmed is often difficult.

(a) Using the statistics above, describe ONE similarity between President Barack Obama’s judicial appointments and those made by President George W. Bush.

(b) Using the statistics above, describe TWO differences between President Barack Obama’s judicial appointments and those made by President George W. Bush.


2. Consider the following profiles of Supreme Court Justices' R. Ginsberg and Sonia Sotomayor to understand their ideological similarities to President Obama.
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/117501/sonia-sotomayor-schuette-dissent-national-treasure

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/119578/ruth-bader-ginsburg-interview-retirement-feminists-jazzercise 

While reading:
What political opinions do these justices' express?
What is so important about Sotomayor's dissent language?
Is it written in accessible style rather than the wooden prose of the legal world?
Do these opinions reflect similarities to Mr. Obama's political views?

(c) Explain why a president’s party affiliation accounts for differences in presidential appointments to the
judiciary.

(d) Describe one way a president can increase the chances of having judicial nominations to federal courts
confirmed.

The Executive Branch: Foreign Policy Agenda and Nominations

Mr. Obama recently accepted the resignation of Chuck Hagel, a former Republican Senator, as Secretary of Defense. This represents a trend of the Executive Branch affording national security positions to Washington insiders with relatively little foreign policy experience. However, under the Obama Administration, the White House is forced to nominate only those individuals that have a chance to circumvent the Republican controlled Congress. It is the new Defense Sec. nominee, Mr. Asher who stands a reasonable chance due to his lengthy career in the nation's national security apparatus and his non-partisan nature.

Respond to the following questions in your notebook. (DO NOT WRITE THE QUESTION)
http://foreignpolicy.com/2014/12/04/ash-carter-vs-barack-obamas-yogi-berra-foreign-policy-secretary-of-defense/ 

Who is Ash Carter?

What is his original trade?

How will this allow him to better serve the Defense Department as opposed to politicians like Chuck Hagel?

What 4 reasons does author  David Rothkopf cite as potential areas of difficulty for the incoming Defense Secretary?

How large is the current National Security Staff currently?

Why is this a problem, according to Mr. Rothkopf?

What is the purpose of the National Intelligence Council?

How has it deviated from its main goals?

What is the National Security Act of 1947?

What is the second NSC?

What is the general critique Mr. Rothkopf has of the current White House Staff (Ben Rhodes and Valerie J.)?

What is the key issue for the incoming Secretary of Defense?

What is the author’s view on the White House notion that Iran is an ally in the fight against ISIS?

In the author’s final paragraph, what is his view of the American national security apparatus?

FRQ/Essay Prompts for Monday Exam

Free Response Question
What role do entitlements play in the rise of the large budget deficits? Should these be controlled? If so, how?   (Pg. 452-453)


List and describe, briefly, the various actors who influence the budgetary process. In total, are the interests of democratic government served? By whom and in what ways? (Pg. 453-455)


Explain the various reforms instituted to improve the budgetary process. Describe key reforms that have been made, and then assess their success in limiting the size of the federal deficits. (pg. 456-459)



Essay
Briefly describe how the rise of the social service state and the rise of the national security state have increase the scope of government. Were these necessary developments? Explain. ( pg. 445-450)

Identify and evaluate the causes of and effects of increased government spending or "big government."  (pg.445-453)

6th 6 Weeks Exam 1 Content Topics

6th 6 Weeks Exam 1 Content Topics: Congress, the Executive and the Politics of Budget

• New Republic Commentary on 2014 Congressional Budget Proposal (Questions and article posted at site on 12.1.14)
• Obama Executive Order Immigration (Questions and article posted at course site on 11.19.14)
• 2014 Mid-Term Election Appraisal (Questions and article posted at course site on 11.18.14.)
• National Security Costs       (Article residing in this post below) 

         http://www.cjr.org/united_states_project/the_true_cost_of_national_secu.php?page=all 

• Ch. 14 of text book and ALL Key Terms: Free Response Question and Essay Topic to be determined by Thursday

New Republic commentary on 2014 fiscal budget

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/120420/tax-extender-deal-handout-big-business 




1. Who does Mr. Vinik the new Congressional budget proposal will hurt?

2. What are "tax extenders" and who do they benefit?

3. How much will the deficit increase under this budget? 

4. In comparison, how much revenue did the Fiscal Cliff generate? 

5. How many millions in cuts to food stamps were Republicans seeking previously in this deal?

6. What is the one of the only tax breaks the deal will not extend to?

7.  How will this new deal effect the Child Tax credit?

Obama Executive Order Immigration

Utilize the article below to comprise a paragraph addressing the following questions:
What is the nature of Pres. Obama's executive order addressing immigration?
Should undocumented migrants have access to ObamaCare?
Is Obama's executive order to overhaul immigration executive over-reach?

If link can't be copied, simply google search the following: ny times obamacare unlikely for immigrants .
Authors of the article are: MICHAEL D. SHEAR and ROBERT PEAR




http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/20/us/politics/obamacare-unlikely-for-undocumented-immigrants.html?rref=politics&module=Ribbon&version=context&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Politics&pgtype=article

2014 Mid-Term Election Appraisal (U.S. Congress)

Article Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/23/upshot/why-senate-control-matters.html?abt=0002&abg=1 

How many Red states were needed for the Democrats to maintain control of the US Senate?

In which states were the Democrats needing to block Republican victories in the 2014 Mid term elections?

What major issues are the two parties divided on?

Failing to pass major climate legislation, due to gridlock in both the House and Senate, how has Mr. Obama expected to address climate change?

What has been target of the executive actions?

How does Mr. McConell aim to combat Mr. Obama's premise that he will veto any legislation that aims to defund his policies?

Has public opinion sided with the Republicans when they decide to hold no votes on budget proposals and allow the government to shut down?

As the last two previous presidents did, will Mr. Obama be able to place plenty of federal judges on the bench in his final two years in the executive office?

What percentage among Mr. Obama’s nominees to District Courts have failed to be confirmed?

How have Democrats overcome this tactic of Republican blockage of judicial nominees?

In what areas do the federal courts have major influence?

How long is a United States senate term?

What two projections does David Leonhardt make concerning the potentiality of a Republican and Democratic president?

Respond in a paragraph:

Which party or individual do you view as responsible for American political grid-lock? Did yesterday’s film seem to blame any one individual or party for the shortcomings of the US Congress?

Unit 1: State of Nature

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UrPeMOxqrrk9cWJCCrUvLIgptcofQ7tDGTsezwsfP8U/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

Factors Contributing to Voting: Race and ethnicity, gender, Family, and Religion

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rEc6lZE427IQtmubT09MN4cHnXbM5302Dw0stb3GdKc/pub

Unit 0 Political Socialization

Final Syllabus

Nikki Rowe High School 2014-15 Course Syllabus Current Events: Students are required to read and respond to current news articles from The New York Times, The Washington Post, etc., on a weekly basis. Mr. Enriquez Room 628 Course Overview The purpose of this course is to explore the theory and practice of government in America. In addition, the course is designed to prepare students to take the A.P. U.S. Government and Politics examination. This is a college level course and will require substantial amounts of reading and preparation before each class. Students should develop a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system, understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and hone their critical thinking skills. Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs) After reviewing the mission, current profile, and academic standards of the school, Rowe staff and students affirm the following vision of student achievement. They define what all students should know, understand and be able to do by graduation. Productive Citizen: Students will learn the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and be instilled with the values to be an active citizen in our democracy. Resourceful Producer: Students will produce numerous assignments and develop their critical reasoning skills. Independent Lifelong Learner: Students will see how the government and economy directly affect their life which will lead to a lifelong desire to understand the world around them. Decision Maker: Students will decide which economic and political beliefs they subscribe to, based on a thorough analysis of these beliefs. Effective Communicator: Students will improve their oral and written communication skills through essays and debates. Expectations 1. Be Active - Students should constructively participate in class discussions. Students will receive points for their participation. Needless to say, it is impossible to participate in class if you are absent. 2. Be Respectful - Students should be respectful of anyone who is speaking. For example, when I am talking, you should be listening. When you are talking, I should be listening. If one of your classmates is talking, we should both be listening. 3. Be Ready - Students should be in their seats with their materials ready when the bell rings. 4. Be Organized – Keep all of your assignments and notes in a binder and always bring them to class. Classroom Rules/Procedures 1. Students are not to be tardy to class. If a student comes into class after the bell and does not have a valid pass from a school official then they are considered tardy. If a student is tardy, he/she will be given a detention. 2. Any distracting behavior while class is in session will not be tolerated. Such behavior is defined as but not limited to the following: a. talking out of turn b. writing or passing personal notes c. doing another class's homework in class. d. disrespectful gestures or comments to the teacher or other classmates. A. The following is a list of consequences for such infractions: 1st warning: verbal warning 2nd warning: parent contact. 3rd warning: detention. Grading Policies Grades are calculated on a cumulative course basis and in keeping with the school’s grading policy. Your grade will consist of participation, homework assignments, quizzes, projects and tests. Unit tests will include responses to analytical free-response questions. These free response questions will be assigned frequently to prepare you for the A.P. exam. Students will be tested on their understanding of quantitative and visually presented information (maps and graphs) at regular intervals in the quiz and test assignments. Homework: unless a specific date is given for an assignment, it is due at the beginning of class on the next day of school. Late work: late work will receive a maximum of 80% credit (the later it is the less credit you will receive) and may be turned in no later than one week after the due date. If you are absent it is your responsibility to obtain your assignments either from a classmate or me. Cheating/Plagiarism: any work that is not yours is absolutely unacceptable and will be treated in accordance with the Academic Integrity Policy in the Student Handbook Course Content Section 1 - Foundations of American Government and the Constitution What is the purpose of government? Students will understand the historical background to the framing of the Constitution. What did the framers of the Constitution view as the purpose of government? In what ways does the Constitution form the basis of U.S. government? Students will understand democratic theory, republicanism, pluralism and elitism. Sections of the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, The Federalist Papers, as well as modern essays on the constitution. Section 2 - Federalism Understand the powers of the central government and those of state and local governments. How has the relationship between the central government and the states changed in the era of “new federalism” and devolution? Should the central government wield more powers over the states in a variety of policy issues (marriage, education, environment, abortion, medical marijuana, law enforcement, etc.)? Why or why not? Section 3 – Civil Rights and Civil Liberties How have the rights and liberties contained in the Bill of Rights changed over time? How does the Bill of Rights apply to state governments? Large focus will be given to interpretations of the extent of our rights and liberties as found in Supreme Court cases. Section 4 – Political Socialization Where do Americans get their political beliefs? Where does public opinion come from? How is it collected, used and/or manipulated? How is political culture formed? Understand the political pectrum, including the differences between the mainstream spectrum in the United States as compared to other advanced democracies. What is civil society and what is the citizen’s role in it? Describe voting patterns and understand theories for low voter turnout rates in the United States. In what way do the mass media influence elections and political debates more generally? Section 5 – The World of Politics Understand the platforms and policy positions of the leading political parties. Describe the role of political parties. How do interest groups shape public policy? Do they wield undue influence? How do elections work? Is our electoral system effective at selecting leaders? Why or why not? What is the role of parties, interest groups, and money in campaigns? Understand campaign finance law. Should major changes be made to the campaign finance system? Should the Electoral College be kept? Section 6 – The Institutions of Government: Congress How does Congress work? What influences public policy development in Congress? Understand the structure of Congress. Is our legislative process an effective way to make sound policy? Why or why not? What are the key differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate. Has Congress lost power to the executive branch? Section 7 – The Institutions of Government: The Executive & The Bureaucracy What is the president’s role in the formation of public policy? Describe the structure and function of the federal bureaucracy. Describe the formal and informal powers of the president. Do we have an imperial presidency? Who controls the bureaucracy? Section 8 – The Institutions of Government: The Judiciary In what ways do the federal courts interpret public policy? Has the federal judiciary become more activist over time? What role should the courts play in the public policy process? Section 9 – Public Policy Who sets the public policy agenda? Describe the role of the executive, legislative and judicial branches, as well as political parties, interest groups and the mass media in determining public policy. Economic policy, foreign policy, and a variety of social policies will be covered. What impact does our federal system have on public policy formation?

Blog Response 1: Stability in the Middle East

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/26/opinion/roger-cohen-the-making-of-a-disaster.html?ref=opinion&_r=0 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/26/opinion/afghanistans-moment-of-reckoning.html?ref=opinion

Given the historical miscalculations of the US gov. and its military apparatus concerning providing Iraq/Afghanistan with  fully responsive democratic governments, how must the nation proceed in ensuring stability for these middle eastern countries?

Provide 3 policy solutions for each specific case

(Utilize the opinion articles provided and any outside research you would like to include)

Student Survey (AP 1)