Debates - Extra Credit Optional Response

Since the debate sides were chosen at random, this is your chance to voice your view on either of the two topics. What is your opinion and why?

Due Friday 5/22

Mock Congress Blog #2

Complete the two modules at the Center for Congress website (How a Member Decides to Vote, The Many Roles...). Respond to the following:

1. What elements of the mock Congress exercise were similar to the actual process?
2. In what ways is the actual process far more complex?

You must provide specific examples to get full credit. Due Monday 5/4 (pm).

Mock Congress

PERIOD 5
Respond to the following questions about our mock congress:

• How did you deal with differing views within your party? The committees? Were you willing to compromise your values or views in order to pass bills?
  
• How do you think members of Congress approach this process?
• What could you do to be more effective debaters during the floor session?
  

Due Friday 5/1

Current Events Week of 3/23

Choose one of the following topics to address.

1)What are your thoughts on Obama's appearance on The Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno? How should we react to his comments? Is this an acceptable forum for a sitting president?

Obama on Leno

2)Read the NYT story on the student strip search case. How should the Supreme Court rule and why?

Strip-Search of Girl Tests Limit of School Policy

Due Friday.

Use of Torture

Read the articles and respond to the following:
What is torture? How would you define it?
Is torture ever justified? If so, when?

Washington Post article on Torture

Speech to Congress

Below are direct links to Pres. Obama's speech and the Replublican response.

President Obamas Speech
Gov. Jindal's Response

Student Rights

Do you feel that the majority opinion in your Supreme Court court case was correctly decided? Explain your answer referring to the constitution, using evidence from the case documents and examples from your personal experiences as a student.