Civic Values Comic Strips

Class Summary 9.27.12

Yesterday, September 26, 2012, we had our first Ed Cafe! There were 5 groups, each assigned one part of the first amendment; freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press, right to peacefully assemble, and freedom to petition. The members of each group then dispersed and joined with one student from each of the other groups. Depending on which freedom is being discussed, the person with that right leads an eight minute discussion on that topic. I found it to be a very educational experience as I consider peer discussion of of the most valuable learning tools. Throughout the discussion countries like China, Japan, and North Korea, and ones in the Middle East played a major role as they give us an example of the opposite end of the spectrum as their rights severely differ from ours. We got into many great discussions about how important these freedoms are to us and what life would be like without them, if that would even be possible for your country. Overall it was a very educational experience and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Class Summary 9.25.12

Yesterday, September 24, 2012, we dissected and interpreted the Bill of Rights. This document was constructed in response to the state's demands after the Constitution was sent out for ratification. They were the sole reason states like Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia agreed to the ratification of the document. Its purpose is to protect the people from the power of the national government, and also to limit the power of the new national government. Then in small groups we investigated a hypothetical case regarding citizens rights in order to more familiarize ourselves with the ten amendments and be able to understand our rights more clearly. Today, September 25, 2012, we learned about the first party system of the United States. On one hand, there was the Federalists founded by Alexander Hamilton started in the early 1790's. Members were primarily wealthy businessmen, and wanted a physically and militarily strong nation in order to support their careers, mainly trading. They had no interest in State rights, but focused greatly on a strong, central, national government. Viewed as aristocrats and unsympathetic, by some they got the nickname, "loose constructionists" as they believed in laws not established in the constitution, such as the "elastic clause." On the other side of the isle is the Democratic - Republicans founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison; it was the dominant political party in the country starting in 1800. They firmly believed that the people should have the power through the government which is closest to them, meaning the states. They were known as the "strict constructionists," as they did not believe in anything that was not outlined in the Constitution. It was very fitting as most members were farmers and landowners who had no need for a strong, national government.

Constitution Timeline

Letter to the Legislature

Rachel Williamson

1 Southern Blvd

Newbury, Massachusetts 01951

September 20, 2012

Congressman John Tierney

Massachusetts Congressman

17 Peabody Square

Peabody, Massachusetts 01960

Dear Congressman Tierney:

I write this letter to you on behave of the citizens of this state and the entire country. Come December, if a decision isn’t made in regards to the budget, hundreds of government-funded programs will go without funding. This upset is commonly referred to as the “Fiscal cliff,” The dilemma the government faces is the choice to either increase taxes and introduce spending cuts that could possibly further effect the economy or cancel some of the scheduled tax increases and spending cuts which could further ass to the county’s massive deficit. The problem arises in government officials’ inability to reach a consensus. Lawmakers have been dealing with this issue since 2009, but do to disagreements between the two parties few resolutions have been made. Republicans stand for spending cuts and avoidance of tax increases while Democrats believe the solution comes from a combination between spending cuts and tax increases. However a decision will be even harder to accomplish during this election season. If congress is unable to reach agreement on this issue the effects on our economy could be drastic. With the Democratic strategy, the national deficit could be reduced by approximately $560 billion; however a higher unemployment rate is predicted to go hand in hand with that.  However, indecision on the issue could bring on similar effects on the economy even before 2013.

I believe the solution to this grave issue can come from looking back to this country’s political history. In the year 1787, the country faced many decisions regarding the type of government that should be established to best serve the country. Representatives were facing the choice between Uni- and Bicameral Legislatures, voting done by the people or the states, and proportional or equal representation. Nevertheless, on July 16^th, 1787 delegates agreed to the Gerry Committee report, otherwise known as the Connecticut Compromise. Delegates put their differences in opinions aside and came together in the spirit of compromise to determine the best foundation for this country, and provided us with the basis of your government today. As our great president, Abraham Lincoln once said, “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.” A successful world is built upon compromise, and it is exactly what our country needs at the moment.

Our government is facing extremely important issues that could determine the path our country is on for years to come. I fully believe that the government, especially congress is fully equipped to make the right decisions. However compromise must be the focus. Without it, nothing will be resolved, and we will find ourselves in an even worse situation a couple years down the road. We will find success in quick action and compromise, and I ask that you can do all that you can to make implement these ideals.

Sincerely,

Rachel Williamson

The Three Branches of Government: Roles of Each

Spreaker: Civic Values