The Executive Branch - The Commander in Chief and War Powers

Is our current system for deciding when, where and for how long to deploy US armed forces fairly balanced between the executive and legislative branches? Do "The People" have enough input?

Discuss with regard to the War Powers Act and the current conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.

Due Friday by 7:30am

Power Points
Seven Roles
Balance of Power

President Obama - March 6, 2012 Press Conference
Responsibilities of Commander in Chief

Inside the Obama White House

Now that you have viewed Inside the Obama White House, what did you find surprising or interesting? Would you want to live there, or be interested in working there? Why/Why Not?

Due Friday 7:30am.

Women's Roles in the Military

"Pentagon to ease restrictions on women in some combat roles

The Pentagon said Thursday that it would ease some restrictions on women serving in combat roles, a step that in part codifies the reality on the ground in Afghanistan, where commanders have stretched rules to allow women to support ground combat units."

By  Craig Whitlock, Washington Post. Thursday, February 9



PHOTO GALLERY



Should women's roles be restricted in the 21st century US military?  Should females be required to register for selective service?

Due Friday a.m.

Please submit a test post by Friday 7:30 am.  This will be worth 5 pts.  See me Thursday if you are having trouble.

SOPA!

                                              (Note to viewer.  The use of these images would indeed be in violation of SOPA)

What is SOPA (No solamente "soup" en Espanol)?  How would it effect YOU? 

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Well, most Americans now Google or head straight to Wikipedia for the answers to the universe, and the following is what they have to say.
Wikipedia
Google

Other explanations and POVs.
CNN/Money
Washington Post

Questions to answer:
1.  Why was SOPA proposed?
2.  Who are the main supporters?
3.  What are the main provisions (parts) of the bill?
4.  Why are companies like Wikipedia and Google so opposed to SOPA?
5.  What does this debate reveal about competing interests and the power of competing interest groups?
6.  What other questions do you have?  How might you find answers?

RESPONSE FOR WEDNESDAY:   (How) should the government the government battle online piracy and the misuse of copyrighted material? 

The Legislative Branch

The Dynamic Legislative Branch online "textbook"
Schoolhouse Rock I'm Just a Bill
How Does Congress Work

Blog Response:  Due Thursday am.

Does Congress adequately represent the will of the American people?  Why or why not?

Current Events in the News

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Absolutely nothing to do with Civics, but pretty cool anyway.