(1) I think the government has done to much in the issue of race. Because, during slavery the African American were the minority and Caucasian were the majority, when slavery ended we became equals. But now the government goes out of their way to legalize illegal immigrants once they cross the border. Caucasians are becoming the minority instead of the majority.
(2) I feel that the government does to much in the issues of gender, because sexual harassment issues has become such a major issue in companies these days. Those laws were to protect female employees, as well as male employees, but these days lots of employees take advantage of these laws for personal gain.
(3) Sexual orientation is a fine line that I can not relate to. I know in the arm services you can be open about your sexual orientation as long as you do not act upon with your fellow soldiers. President Obama is trying to contradict that law were you can be open with your sexual orientation and act on it no matter the environment.

I commented on the following blogs:
 Ashley Pelfrey; J. Albert Munoz; Ian F. Price

(1) Freedom of speech is very important. It gives us the freedom to voice our opinion and speak what is on our mind. Does the freedom go "too far"? Maybe at times it does. When people speak to freely about a subject or about a person, it can cause a lot of grief or even ruin the reputation that people carry. I think the fighting words doctrine should not be protected. When you are in a heated conversation and one of you say something that makes the other mad...you should be able to fight it out. If you don't want to fight, don't open your mouth.

(2) Separation from church and state is very necessary. I am Baptist but have many friends who are of different religions. We don't always see eye to eye. Freedom of religion is a very important thing. There are many religions and different beliefs in the world. We should have the freedom and right to be able to choose the way we believe. If we didn't have that freedom, there would probably fighting or even war in our nation, like over seas.

(3) Defendant's rights are crucial to our system. We should have the rights necessary for what we are facing. If we were just at the wrong place at the wrong time, it would be unfair to get the same punishment as those who were guilty. I don't think defendants have too many rights. They should have every means necessary to prove they are innocent. Evidence never lies, but they should still get a fair chance.

I commented on: William Richardson, Ian Price, & Brandi Lively

I commented on the following blogs: Ashley Pelfrey
                                                            Rachel Bunch
                                                            J. Albert Munoz

1. Is a stong national government necessary or should the state governments have an equal share of power? Why?

I think state government should have equal share of power. If national government gets to powerful over state government it's not a good thing. For years I have made fun of my dad for saying that we were gonna become a communism nation. Stepping back and taking a look at our nation, I don't think we are far from it. I don't want to live in a communsim country. National and state should have equal power.


2. National power increased during the Great Depression but then power began to shift back to the states (somewhat) during the Reagan administration? Why did that happen and is that shift appropriate?

Reagan stated, "Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." He thought that government had gained to much power during the Great Depression. I think the shift was appropriate. Reagan was working for the people and to give as much power, as he could, back to the states so the people didn't feel like the government was holding a thumb over them.


3. Education stirs much discussion relating to the issue of federalism. Should the national government regulate education or is it a matter best left to state and local governments? Why?

I feel that national government should regulate education. Not to say state or local government wouldn't do an awesome job, but sometimes states get into trouble where money is concerned and again not saying that national government doesn't get into money trouble. I just feel that national government would do a better job. In the long run it's what is best for the students and what will work best for them.

POLS 1030

1. Why is the United States Constitution stronger than the Articles of Confederation? How would the history of the United States have been different if the county still operated under the Articles?

The United States Constitution is stronger because you have a nationsl government enforcing authority instead of each state making its own laws under the Articles of Confederation. If the country still operated under the Articles of Confederation it would be total chaos. Anyone traveling outside of their state would not know what laws were in effect and what laws were not.

2. The first three articles of the Constitution establish/define the three branches of government. What did you learn that you didn't already know about our government?

Although I had a government class in high school, I did not pay close attention or maybe I didn't care as much since I was young. Now that I'm older it fasinates me. I'm learning that the legislative branch (congress) makes all the laws, the executive branch (president and the government departments, or bureaucracy) enforces the laws, and the judical branch (supreme court and the federal courts) interprets (explains) the laws.

3. How important is the Supreme Court ruling in Marbury v. Madison and why?

I think the Marbury v. Madison case is extremely important. It's the case that set the paths for the writs of mandamus. If further actions need to be taken to protect or up hold our constitution the Supreme Court had that authority.

4. Looking at the United States government today, is it more like what the Federalists or the AnitFederalists envisioned and why?

I feel that the United States government is more like the Federalists. We do not want any changes made or the constitution amended.