Civics Test (Blog #12)

Your Assignment:

1) Click on the link below and take the civics test. Once you are done state your score. (I will not publish your score, I just want to use this as an assessment on your knowledge of civics).


http://www.isi.org/quiz.aspx?q=FE5C3B47-9675-41E0-9CF3-072BB31E2692&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1


Due: Sunday 11/13/11 by no later than 11:59pm

Economic Influence of the National Government (Blog #11)

The most effective power the national government has over the state is through economic means. The fact that taxes are collected by the national government and a portion are set aside for the states means the national government can use this to their advantage.


Your assignment:

Answer the following questions....
1). Why would the federal government want to maintain restrictions on the way federal aid to the states is used?
2). Why would states want few restrictions on federal aid?
3). How might a political party use federal aid to increase its strength?


Due: Sunday 11/6/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.

States' Rights (Blog #10)

Support for states' rights has reappeared from time to time since the Civil War.


Your Assignment:

1). Who would be attracted to the states' rights theory and why? (2pts)
2). How would the United States be different today if individual states had the right to nullify federal acts? (1pt)


Due: Sunday 10/30/11 by no later than 11:59p.m.

Federalism (Blog #9)

Ch. 4 explains that federalism is a very important principle contained within our constitution. The fact that some of the power is divided between the national government and the state governments helps to maintain some local control.


Your Assignment:

Explain why you believe Federalism is important. Then differentiate between a loose verse strict interpretation of the constitution. Where would you land if you were interpreting the constitution.


Due: Sunday 10/23/11 by no later than 11:59 p.m.

Changing the Constitution (Blog #8)

Why might it be necessary to change, or amend our Constitution? What makes a constitutional amendment more durable than a state or federal law? All are important questions to be asked and understood when discussing the Constitution.


Your Assignment:

1.) What are the methods of PROPOSING constitutional amendments?
2.) What are the methods of RATIFYING amendments?
3.) Name at least one constitutional amendment you believe should be proposed and ratified, and explain why.


Due: Sunday 10/16/11 by no later than 11:59pm

The Amendment Process (Blog #7)

The amendment process is meant to be a long and arduous process. This is by design so that the Constitution is not randomly changed easily.


Your Assignment:

Research 3 Amendments that you believe are 3 of the most important. Explain each and why you think they are important.


Due: By Sunday 10/9/11 no later than 11:59 p.m.

6 Principles of the U.S. Constitution (Blog #6)

Your Assignment:

1) Contained within the United States Constitution are 6 key principles that guide our democracy. Out of the 6 principles contained within the Constitution which of the 3 do you think is the most important and why. Explain in detail.


Due: Sunday 10/2/11 by no later than 11:59 p.m.