Here's what students should know following the next set of lectures in 2301 and 2302:
2301: Elections and Political Parties
AG: Chapters 10 and 11
PTP: Chapters 4 and 5
- understand the role elections play in a democracy
- know the nature of the electoral system created in the US Constitution
- understand the role states play in organizing elections
- know what a winner take all election is, and its consequences.
- understand the way that electoral design can manipulate outcomes
- be able to define what a political party does and how it does it
- understand the history of political parties in the US
- know the difference between the major parties and who their supporters are
- understand how and why the strength of parties ebbs and flows over time
2302: Public Policy and the Economy
Up and Down With Ecology The "Issue-Attention Cycle"
AG: Chapter 14
PTP: Chapter 11
- be able to define public policy
- know the stages in the public policy process
- be familiar with the concept of an issue attention cycle
- know how the Constitution shapes economic policy
- know the difference between fiscal and monetary policy
- be able to define terms related to taxation
- understand what a market economy is and what merits and deficiencies it has
- be able to define market failure, and its four major features
- know how the economy changed from the 19th to 20th century
- the Great Depression and its aftermath
- current issues associated with economic policymaking
Friday, March 28, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
2302 TBA Quiz 7
1. What are the politics of social policy? What issues are associated with the social welfare system?
2. Outline the designs of Social Security and Medicare. What problems does each program face?
3. What does the term "means tested" refer to? What programs are means tested and what controversies are associated with them?
4. What are the arguments for and against the welfare state?
5. Outline the nature of education and health policies. What political circumstances surround each?
6. How do we define poverty in the United States? What obligations does the U.S. have to the poor is any?
7. What are the arguments for and against United States’ intervention in foreign affairs?
8. What impact does each of the governing institutions have on foreign policy?
9. How does the U.S. work with or against the United Nations and the International Monetary Structure to establish policy?
10. Outline the roles that nations can play in foreign affairs and describe which roles the United States has played in its relations with the Middle East.
2. Outline the designs of Social Security and Medicare. What problems does each program face?
3. What does the term "means tested" refer to? What programs are means tested and what controversies are associated with them?
4. What are the arguments for and against the welfare state?
5. Outline the nature of education and health policies. What political circumstances surround each?
6. How do we define poverty in the United States? What obligations does the U.S. have to the poor is any?
7. What are the arguments for and against United States’ intervention in foreign affairs?
8. What impact does each of the governing institutions have on foreign policy?
9. How does the U.S. work with or against the United Nations and the International Monetary Structure to establish policy?
10. Outline the roles that nations can play in foreign affairs and describe which roles the United States has played in its relations with the Middle East.
2302 TBA Quiz 6
1. Fully define the term "public policy." What are the goals of economic policy?
2. Government is said to be necessary to allow a market economy to be established. How? Is this true?
3. How can government correct for market failure? Research current events and detail how the government is attempting to correct for problems caused by the housing crisis.
4. Outline taxing policy in Texas. What are the sources of funds in Texas and where does the money go?
5. Answer question 4, but this time for the national government.
6. What is the difference between fiscal policy and monetary policy?
7. Outline the budget process in the state of Texas.
8. What is the Federal Reserve? What doe sit do? What tools can it use to accomplish its objectives?
9. What does the term "policy of redistribution" refer to? What is the distribution of income in the United States? Does it pose any problems for governance? Explain why or why not.
10. What part of the U.S. budget is controllable? What part is uncontrollable? What are the consequences of this?
2. Government is said to be necessary to allow a market economy to be established. How? Is this true?
3. How can government correct for market failure? Research current events and detail how the government is attempting to correct for problems caused by the housing crisis.
4. Outline taxing policy in Texas. What are the sources of funds in Texas and where does the money go?
5. Answer question 4, but this time for the national government.
6. What is the difference between fiscal policy and monetary policy?
7. Outline the budget process in the state of Texas.
8. What is the Federal Reserve? What doe sit do? What tools can it use to accomplish its objectives?
9. What does the term "policy of redistribution" refer to? What is the distribution of income in the United States? Does it pose any problems for governance? Explain why or why not.
10. What part of the U.S. budget is controllable? What part is uncontrollable? What are the consequences of this?
2301 TBA Quiz 7
1. What is public opinion and what factors shape it? Where do Americans agree and where do they disagree on political issues? Why?
2. What is the difference between liberalism and conservatism?
3. How does government attempt to shape public opinion? How does public opinion influence government?
4. What are interest groups? What are their benefits? What problems can they cause?
5. What problems have interest groups posed for politics in Texas? How has Texas attempted to address these problems?
6. How do interest groups form? Are all interests in society equally represented? Why or why not?
7. What is lobbying? What do lobbyists do? How?
8. What exactly does "the media" refer to? Is it a single entity or is it nuanced?
9. What determines what the media covers?
10. Can the media determine how people think? Justify your answer fully.
2. What is the difference between liberalism and conservatism?
3. How does government attempt to shape public opinion? How does public opinion influence government?
4. What are interest groups? What are their benefits? What problems can they cause?
5. What problems have interest groups posed for politics in Texas? How has Texas attempted to address these problems?
6. How do interest groups form? Are all interests in society equally represented? Why or why not?
7. What is lobbying? What do lobbyists do? How?
8. What exactly does "the media" refer to? Is it a single entity or is it nuanced?
9. What determines what the media covers?
10. Can the media determine how people think? Justify your answer fully.
2301 TBA Quiz 6
1. Why were parties once seen as threats to the social order? If that is the case, why are they so pervasive today?
2. How do political parties deal with the problem of ambition? Apply this concept to the current electoral scene.
3. In what was do parties influence government? Look at the current political environment and provide examples.
4. What distinguishes the typical Republican from the Typical Democrat? Use examples from the United States and Texas.
5. Detail the primary system in the state of Texas. To what degree do political parties dominate politics in Texas? Is it possible for someone who is not a member of a party to have political influence?
6. Outline the changes in the party system over time in the United States.
7. Outline the changes in the party system over time in Texas.
8. Why is it difficult for third parties to be competitive?
9. What are the sources of party strength? Are they getting stronger or weaker?
10. Analyze the positions of each of the candidates for the presidency and determine whether they reflect the typical positions taken by their party.
2. How do political parties deal with the problem of ambition? Apply this concept to the current electoral scene.
3. In what was do parties influence government? Look at the current political environment and provide examples.
4. What distinguishes the typical Republican from the Typical Democrat? Use examples from the United States and Texas.
5. Detail the primary system in the state of Texas. To what degree do political parties dominate politics in Texas? Is it possible for someone who is not a member of a party to have political influence?
6. Outline the changes in the party system over time in the United States.
7. Outline the changes in the party system over time in Texas.
8. Why is it difficult for third parties to be competitive?
9. What are the sources of party strength? Are they getting stronger or weaker?
10. Analyze the positions of each of the candidates for the presidency and determine whether they reflect the typical positions taken by their party.
2301 TBA Quiz 5
1. In democracies, elections are supposed to be the means by which the population has some degree of control over government. How? Do elections in fact convert popular preferences into public policy? How might they not?
2. The American Government textbook states that electoral process in the U.S. insulates the decision making process from elections. How?
3. What has research told us about the factors which condition how voters make decisions about how to vote. Apply this to the current political landscape and predict how this might influence how people might vote in 2008?
4. Compare the strategies Democrats and Republicans used in the 2004 elections. What factors put Republicans over the top?
5. What are the key controversies associated with the funding of elections? How in fact are elections funded in the United States?
6. Turnout in elections has declined steadily over time. What factors account for this?
7. How has Texas restricted access to the polls over its history?
8. States are responsible for organizing elections. How does Texas organize its elections?
9. Outline the primary system in Texas. What distinguishes primary elections from general elections?
10. Review the U.S. Constitution and discuss the various ways that each office is filled according to the document. What is the purpose of this arrangement?
2. The American Government textbook states that electoral process in the U.S. insulates the decision making process from elections. How?
3. What has research told us about the factors which condition how voters make decisions about how to vote. Apply this to the current political landscape and predict how this might influence how people might vote in 2008?
4. Compare the strategies Democrats and Republicans used in the 2004 elections. What factors put Republicans over the top?
5. What are the key controversies associated with the funding of elections? How in fact are elections funded in the United States?
6. Turnout in elections has declined steadily over time. What factors account for this?
7. How has Texas restricted access to the polls over its history?
8. States are responsible for organizing elections. How does Texas organize its elections?
9. Outline the primary system in Texas. What distinguishes primary elections from general elections?
10. Review the U.S. Constitution and discuss the various ways that each office is filled according to the document. What is the purpose of this arrangement?
Judicial Restraint, Pros and Cons
A war seems to be raging in the blogosphere over the pros and cons of judicial restraint.
Here's the pro.
Here's the con.
Here's the pro.
Here's the con.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Second Amendment Challenge
While we were on our break, the Supreme Court heard arguments on the constitutionality of Washington DC's gun laws. This is a classic test case, I've posted on the circumstances surrounding it previously. The case goes beyond the limited issues surrounding DC, but to the heart of the meaning of the amendment as it is phrased. Since it refers to a militia, does it provide for an individual or collective right?
Here is a link to the Washington Posts' summary of the amicus briefs presented to the court.
And this link takes you to the oral argument transcript.
Here is a link to the Washington Posts' summary of the amicus briefs presented to the court.
And this link takes you to the oral argument transcript.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
A New Generation Gap
That seems to be the key consequence of Obama's campaign, and especially of his speech on race (A More Perfect Union) last week in Philadelphia. He effectively tied his views--and I think the views of members of his age group--in with the larger story of the evolution of America, and the views of previous generations with the hostilities which evolved in the immediate aftermath of the 60s civil rights movement.
This editorial comes close to outlining the issue, but I'm convinced that most others will fight his views, not on their merits, but for the simple reason that they cannot understand what he is saying. It's classic generational politics and it has more to do with how events at one moment in time inevitably shape the generation that grows within them. When we discuss public opinion, we will cover the importance of generational change. It is a driving force in American politics. People do not change opinions, opinions dies off as the people who holds them dies off. Brutal isn't it?
Whether Obama wins or loses, he is shaping how the next generation discusses race. It's a sign of the future. The baby boomer commentators who are opposing Obama are partly reacting to their own mortality.
This editorial comes close to outlining the issue, but I'm convinced that most others will fight his views, not on their merits, but for the simple reason that they cannot understand what he is saying. It's classic generational politics and it has more to do with how events at one moment in time inevitably shape the generation that grows within them. When we discuss public opinion, we will cover the importance of generational change. It is a driving force in American politics. People do not change opinions, opinions dies off as the people who holds them dies off. Brutal isn't it?
Whether Obama wins or loses, he is shaping how the next generation discusses race. It's a sign of the future. The baby boomer commentators who are opposing Obama are partly reacting to their own mortality.
Friday, March 21, 2008
On Public Works
My previous post on Route 66, plus some reading I'm doing on the development of Halliburton and Brown and Root, are making me think more about the relationship between business and government interests regarding public works projects.
The government funds, but does not develop these projects. Fortunes have been made by individuals with the right political connections, though not necessarily the right technical ability.
A comprehensive overview of the evolution of these fortunes would be instructive. It would cloud the anti-government attitude that business interests claim to have.
The government funds, but does not develop these projects. Fortunes have been made by individuals with the right political connections, though not necessarily the right technical ability.
A comprehensive overview of the evolution of these fortunes would be instructive. It would cloud the anti-government attitude that business interests claim to have.
The Latest From the FCC
I do not know for certain, but the Federal Communications Commission seems to be the most active of the federal regulatory commissions. A rank ordering of these commissions, in terms of activities, would be helpful.
Here is information about recent activity concerning its impending decision about whether to allow a merger between Sirius and XM Radio to go forward. Some allege that this will create a monopoly, while others point out that other technological advances, some driven by Apple, make a long term monopoly unlikely.
The post is from C-Net. Here is a link to its past postings on the FCC.
Just curious: Why doesn't the Federal Trade Commission have jurisdiction over this?
Here is information about recent activity concerning its impending decision about whether to allow a merger between Sirius and XM Radio to go forward. Some allege that this will create a monopoly, while others point out that other technological advances, some driven by Apple, make a long term monopoly unlikely.
The post is from C-Net. Here is a link to its past postings on the FCC.
Just curious: Why doesn't the Federal Trade Commission have jurisdiction over this?
Road Trip
I've just finished a road trip on Route 66 from Ludlow, California to Tulsa, Oklahoma and will start the regular postings soon. The civility papers--for my 16 week classes--will be graded beginning next week. We will also start discussing the next paper assignment--the one on Plutarch's Lives--after the next round of quizzes are over.
The development and demise of Route 66 provides an interesting case study of the impact of technology on the relationship between the national and state and local governments. It evolved slowly after each separate state and city along the route developed independent roads in response to the increase popularity of automobiles. Eventually policy entrepreneurs, Cyrus Avery among others, began to organize in order to connect these roads so that people could more easily travel west.
Technology at this point advantaged smaller towns which were able to provide services to travellers, but additional technological developments, in addition to Eisenhower's push to develop an interstate highway system, allowed these towns to be bypassed. Route 66's development evolved because the federal government was able to facilitate a cooperative relationship between the states. Its demise occurred because the federal government was able to impose itself on the states.
What remains is a fascinating time capsule of life as lived in the 30s, 40s, and 50s.
The development and demise of Route 66 provides an interesting case study of the impact of technology on the relationship between the national and state and local governments. It evolved slowly after each separate state and city along the route developed independent roads in response to the increase popularity of automobiles. Eventually policy entrepreneurs, Cyrus Avery among others, began to organize in order to connect these roads so that people could more easily travel west.
Technology at this point advantaged smaller towns which were able to provide services to travellers, but additional technological developments, in addition to Eisenhower's push to develop an interstate highway system, allowed these towns to be bypassed. Route 66's development evolved because the federal government was able to facilitate a cooperative relationship between the states. Its demise occurred because the federal government was able to impose itself on the states.
What remains is a fascinating time capsule of life as lived in the 30s, 40s, and 50s.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Dont Speak Truth to Power
Here is a link to the Esquire story that led to the resignation of the U.S. Central Command, Admiral William Fox. While discussing the executive branch we touched on the conflict that exists between the White House and the civil service. This is an example.
The Spurned Wives Club
Here's a nice piece from Newsweek about how political wives respond to husband's who have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar.
PR being what it is, I can't imagine that there isn't a guide book somewhere outlining what to do and how.
PR being what it is, I can't imagine that there isn't a guide book somewhere outlining what to do and how.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
About Those Civility Papers ...
Thanks for sending them in. I will be away for spring break so I will not be able to grade them until I get back, just in case you are going to bug me about them.
Clarity for 16 Week Reading Assignments
As I mentioned in class, since we cancelled the tests last week, the reading assignments for the quiz in 2301 the week we get back from spring break will be different. Read chapter in your American government book on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Chapter 4.
For 2302, we simply canceled the chapter on the bureaucracy. Read the regularly assigned chapters on the Judiciary for the next quiz.
For 2302, we simply canceled the chapter on the bureaucracy. Read the regularly assigned chapters on the Judiciary for the next quiz.
Monday, March 10, 2008
2302 TBA Quiz Five
1. What is the difference between criminal law and civil law? Provide examples of each currently in the news.
2. What is the difference between a trial and an appeal?
3. What is habeas corpus? Why has it been controversial recently?
4. What role does the Supreme Court play? Why is it controversial?
5. Describe fully judicial review and the controversies associated with it. Describe the conflict between judicial activism and restraint.
6. Select a recent Supreme Court case and describe the process by which it went to the court and what argument the justices made regarding it.
7. How can judicial review affect lawmaking?
8. Discuss the current composition of the Supreme Court and the politics associated with the selection of Supreme Court justices.
9. How is the design of the Texas Judiciary different than the design of the US Judiciary? What are the consequences of this difference?
10. Outline the design of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and describe the problems faced by Texas prisons today.
2. What is the difference between a trial and an appeal?
3. What is habeas corpus? Why has it been controversial recently?
4. What role does the Supreme Court play? Why is it controversial?
5. Describe fully judicial review and the controversies associated with it. Describe the conflict between judicial activism and restraint.
6. Select a recent Supreme Court case and describe the process by which it went to the court and what argument the justices made regarding it.
7. How can judicial review affect lawmaking?
8. Discuss the current composition of the Supreme Court and the politics associated with the selection of Supreme Court justices.
9. How is the design of the Texas Judiciary different than the design of the US Judiciary? What are the consequences of this difference?
10. Outline the design of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and describe the problems faced by Texas prisons today.
2301 TBA Quiz Three
1- What was the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
2 – What are the principle purposes of the amendments that have been added to the Constitution since the Bill of Rights?
3 – What is Federalism? Describe the relationship that exists between the United States and Texas.
4 – What are the reserved powers? What are police powers? How does Texas enforce police powers?
5 – What relationship does the Constitution establish between the states?
6 – What is the commerce clause and what role has it played in facilitating the increase in national power?
7 – What programs were included in “cooperative federalism” and how did they enable an increase in national power?
8 – What is New Federalism? What techniques are being used to curtail national power? Are they successful?
9 – What is “legislative supremacy?” What evidence exists that the framers of the Constitution intended the legislature to be the predominant branch of government?
10 – What role does the Supreme Court play in defining the separated powers?
2 – What are the principle purposes of the amendments that have been added to the Constitution since the Bill of Rights?
3 – What is Federalism? Describe the relationship that exists between the United States and Texas.
4 – What are the reserved powers? What are police powers? How does Texas enforce police powers?
5 – What relationship does the Constitution establish between the states?
6 – What is the commerce clause and what role has it played in facilitating the increase in national power?
7 – What programs were included in “cooperative federalism” and how did they enable an increase in national power?
8 – What is New Federalism? What techniques are being used to curtail national power? Are they successful?
9 – What is “legislative supremacy?” What evidence exists that the framers of the Constitution intended the legislature to be the predominant branch of government?
10 – What role does the Supreme Court play in defining the separated powers?
2301 TBA Quiz Four
1 – What are the similarities and differences between the concepts of civil liberties and civil rights?
2 – How does the Bill of Rights condition the relationship between the individual and the national government?
3 – How did the 14th Amendment alter, and/or complicate, the relationship that existed between the individual and the state and national governments?
4 – By what process were the states eventually made to comply with the national Bill of Rights, that is to provide to their citizens the privileges and immunities of citizens of the United States?
5 – How was the trend towards nationalizing rights altered by the Rehnquist Court?
6 – Outline the shift in the interpretation of the equal protection clause from Plessy to Brown.
7 – What problems occurred when the results of the Brown decision were implemented—or the attempt was made to implement them?
8 – What is the politics of rights and how has it led to the expansion of equal protection to gender discrimination?
9 – What issues arise when other groups attempt to redress grievances based on the equal protection clause?
10 – Outline the development of, and backlash against, affirmative action.
2 – How does the Bill of Rights condition the relationship between the individual and the national government?
3 – How did the 14th Amendment alter, and/or complicate, the relationship that existed between the individual and the state and national governments?
4 – By what process were the states eventually made to comply with the national Bill of Rights, that is to provide to their citizens the privileges and immunities of citizens of the United States?
5 – How was the trend towards nationalizing rights altered by the Rehnquist Court?
6 – Outline the shift in the interpretation of the equal protection clause from Plessy to Brown.
7 – What problems occurred when the results of the Brown decision were implemented—or the attempt was made to implement them?
8 – What is the politics of rights and how has it led to the expansion of equal protection to gender discrimination?
9 – What issues arise when other groups attempt to redress grievances based on the equal protection clause?
10 – Outline the development of, and backlash against, affirmative action.
2301 TBA Quiz Two
1 – Describe how the five sectors of colonial society conflicted over independence and how this conflict was resolved.
2 – Outline the form of government established in the Articles of Confederation and describe why it was deficient according to the Federalists.
3 – Your textbook states that a marriage of interests and principles took place in the Constitutional Convention. What does this mean exactly?
4 – What were the Great and 3/5ths Compromises? Which was more successful in the end? Why?
5 – Describe how the Constitution establishes a system of separated powers. Why are powers separated? What are the negative consequences of separating powers?
6 – What specific powers are expressly granted to Congress in Article One Section Eight? Why these powers and not others?
7 – What is the purpose behind the checks and balances? How do they works? Are they successful?
8 – Outline fully the disagreement between the federalists and anti-federalists.
9 – Outline the argument in Federalist #10. How is this argument addressed in Anti- Federalist #10?
10 - Outline the argument in Federalist #51. How is this argument addressed in Anti- Federalist #51?
2 – Outline the form of government established in the Articles of Confederation and describe why it was deficient according to the Federalists.
3 – Your textbook states that a marriage of interests and principles took place in the Constitutional Convention. What does this mean exactly?
4 – What were the Great and 3/5ths Compromises? Which was more successful in the end? Why?
5 – Describe how the Constitution establishes a system of separated powers. Why are powers separated? What are the negative consequences of separating powers?
6 – What specific powers are expressly granted to Congress in Article One Section Eight? Why these powers and not others?
7 – What is the purpose behind the checks and balances? How do they works? Are they successful?
8 – Outline fully the disagreement between the federalists and anti-federalists.
9 – Outline the argument in Federalist #10. How is this argument addressed in Anti- Federalist #10?
10 - Outline the argument in Federalist #51. How is this argument addressed in Anti- Federalist #51?
Does Same Sex Education Violate the Equal Protection Clause
Here's something to chew over while we discuss civil rights. Since Brown v Board of Education separation into separate accommodations has been the very definition of discrimination, but now some are arguing that separation into same sex classroom helps K-12 students learn better.
Boys and girls have different learning styles, and there are hormones to consider. But the effort is unproven and there is legal precedence to consider.
Does the greater social interest in educating children well override the need to provide equal protection? Or might it be argued that separation, in this instance, best provides equal protection. I'm not even sure how one best phrases the question.
Boys and girls have different learning styles, and there are hormones to consider. But the effort is unproven and there is legal precedence to consider.
Does the greater social interest in educating children well override the need to provide equal protection? Or might it be argued that separation, in this instance, best provides equal protection. I'm not even sure how one best phrases the question.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Veto of Torture Bill
President Bush continues to assert expansive executive powers. He vetoed a bill that attempted to put explicit limits on the types of torture techniques that can be used on prisoners.
Here is the President's message to Congress and here is the full information about the bill: H.R. 2082, the “Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. Here is the Congressional Research Service report on the bill.
The veto message says nothing about torture techniques, only that the bill places a burden on the executive.
By the way, this is the ninth veto of President Bush's term. Eight have occurred since Democrats took over Congress.
Here is the President's message to Congress and here is the full information about the bill: H.R. 2082, the “Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. Here is the Congressional Research Service report on the bill.
The veto message says nothing about torture techniques, only that the bill places a burden on the executive.
By the way, this is the ninth veto of President Bush's term. Eight have occurred since Democrats took over Congress.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
About that Air Force Contract
The recent uproar over the Air Force decision to award a contract to a team including Airbus, which is not an American company, is a reminder of the importance of "distributive tendency" and the difficulty for goods and services to be provided by government in a manner based solely on merit, without regard to political pressure.
The contract was for the next generation of aircraft refueling tankers and was worth $35 billion. The Air Force claims to be responding to requirements that they look objectively at the merits of the various proposals presented to them--a requirement that stems from congressional dictates--but this doesn't mollify members of congress who want the contract to benefit their constituents by providing jobs in their districts.
In both 2301 and 2302 we discuss the tendency of Congress to respond more positively to bureaucratic proposals that distribute benefits over a large number of districts, even if that process rewards projects of dubious value. The irony here is that Congress itself wanted to curtail the practice, at least in theory. When a real choice is presented to them however, they revert back to the tried and true practice.
The knee jerk reaction is to blame Congress, but are members of Congress accurately assessing the preferences of their constituents here?
Here are related articles:
Boeing was arrogant and proposed an inferior product.
Senator Shelby of Alabama says the contract was won fair and square. [Shelby by the way is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and Alabama happens to be where much of the work will be done.
Boeing supporters are set to protest.
The contract was for the next generation of aircraft refueling tankers and was worth $35 billion. The Air Force claims to be responding to requirements that they look objectively at the merits of the various proposals presented to them--a requirement that stems from congressional dictates--but this doesn't mollify members of congress who want the contract to benefit their constituents by providing jobs in their districts.
In both 2301 and 2302 we discuss the tendency of Congress to respond more positively to bureaucratic proposals that distribute benefits over a large number of districts, even if that process rewards projects of dubious value. The irony here is that Congress itself wanted to curtail the practice, at least in theory. When a real choice is presented to them however, they revert back to the tried and true practice.
The knee jerk reaction is to blame Congress, but are members of Congress accurately assessing the preferences of their constituents here?
Here are related articles:
Boeing was arrogant and proposed an inferior product.
Senator Shelby of Alabama says the contract was won fair and square. [Shelby by the way is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and Alabama happens to be where much of the work will be done.
Boeing supporters are set to protest.
%$#*& !
A student wrestling with the Washington civility assignment informs me of an effort to clean up the air in South Pasadena California by creating a cuss free zone:
Under a City Council proclamation approved Wednesday, those who use profanity or make rude gestures could find themselves shamed into better behavior by the unsettling glances of South Pasedena residents who take their reputation for civility seriously.
Two questions pop to mind. First will this work--will people respond to shaming? And second, is this in the spirit of Washington's rules? The rules did not state how others should behave, they only spoke about how the individual should behave. It's not about society, but about self control. The later is a precondition for the former. Let;s tie this second observation back to the first. Do we change society by enforcing change or by changing ourselves? And how do we determine whether either works?
Here's a related read: Regulation by Shaming.
There's at least one historical example of shaming causing social change. It was called frown power and it was used in the South by whites to signal subtly to racist whites that casual bigoted comments were not acceptable to them. It was developed by a man named Stetson Kennedy.
Under a City Council proclamation approved Wednesday, those who use profanity or make rude gestures could find themselves shamed into better behavior by the unsettling glances of South Pasedena residents who take their reputation for civility seriously.
"That's one of the purposes of this," Mayor Michael Cacciotti said of his city's proclamation designating the first week of March as No Cussing Week. "It provides us a reminder to be more civil, to elevate the level of discourse."
Notice that there is no official enforcement mechanism, residents should take matters into their own hands by shaming others into compliance.Two questions pop to mind. First will this work--will people respond to shaming? And second, is this in the spirit of Washington's rules? The rules did not state how others should behave, they only spoke about how the individual should behave. It's not about society, but about self control. The later is a precondition for the former. Let;s tie this second observation back to the first. Do we change society by enforcing change or by changing ourselves? And how do we determine whether either works?
Here's a related read: Regulation by Shaming.
There's at least one historical example of shaming causing social change. It was called frown power and it was used in the South by whites to signal subtly to racist whites that casual bigoted comments were not acceptable to them. It was developed by a man named Stetson Kennedy.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Democracy Running Amok?
A recall petition for one of the Alvin city councilmen has been submitted and approved, but no one seems to know exactly why there is a move to recall him.
Goals and Objectives for Quiz 4: 2301 and 2302 - 16 week
Goals and Objectives for Quiz 42301 and 2302 - 16 week
2301: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
AG: A25-A34, Chapter 4
Griswold v. Connecticut
Brown v. Board of Education
Parent involved in Community Schools v. Seattle
Students should understand:
- The nature of the Bill of Rights in Texas and the U.S.
- How civil liberties and civil rights condition the relationship between the individual and government
- How the nature of this definition is a functon of how the Supreme Court interprets both statutory law and the Constitution
- The difference between a substantive and procedural liberty
- The different meanings of "establishment" and "speech"
- Griswold v Connecticut and the conflict over the right to privacy
- The nature of the die process of the law
- The problem with defining "probably cause"
- The 14th amendment and the establishment of civil rights
- The gradual incorporation of the Bill of Rights to the States
- The problem with defining equal protection
- Brown v. Board of Education and its aftermath
- Suspect classifications and strict scrutiny
2302: The Judiciary
The US Judiciary: AG-Chapter 8
The Texas Judiciary: PTP-Chapter 10
Students should understand:
- The function of the court and the design in the US and Texas Constitutions
- The nature of the judicial process especially civil and criminal law, and precedence
- The difference between a trial and an appeal
- The importance of jurisdiction and habeas corpus
- The politics of judicial selection
- The development of judicial review and conflict associated with it
- The conflict over how to interpret the Constitution
- The process by which cases get to the Supreme Court
- The nature of the current justices and recent decisions
- The two judicial revolutions
- The unique design of the Texas judiciary
- The problems posed by the election of judges in Texas
2301: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
AG: A25-A34, Chapter 4
Griswold v. Connecticut
Brown v. Board of Education
Parent involved in Community Schools v. Seattle
Students should understand:
- The nature of the Bill of Rights in Texas and the U.S.
- How civil liberties and civil rights condition the relationship between the individual and government
- How the nature of this definition is a functon of how the Supreme Court interprets both statutory law and the Constitution
- The difference between a substantive and procedural liberty
- The different meanings of "establishment" and "speech"
- Griswold v Connecticut and the conflict over the right to privacy
- The nature of the die process of the law
- The problem with defining "probably cause"
- The 14th amendment and the establishment of civil rights
- The gradual incorporation of the Bill of Rights to the States
- The problem with defining equal protection
- Brown v. Board of Education and its aftermath
- Suspect classifications and strict scrutiny
2302: The Judiciary
The US Judiciary: AG-Chapter 8
The Texas Judiciary: PTP-Chapter 10
Students should understand:
- The function of the court and the design in the US and Texas Constitutions
- The nature of the judicial process especially civil and criminal law, and precedence
- The difference between a trial and an appeal
- The importance of jurisdiction and habeas corpus
- The politics of judicial selection
- The development of judicial review and conflict associated with it
- The conflict over how to interpret the Constitution
- The process by which cases get to the Supreme Court
- The nature of the current justices and recent decisions
- The two judicial revolutions
- The unique design of the Texas judiciary
- The problems posed by the election of judges in Texas
Thursday, March 6, 2008
2301 TBA Quiz One Questions
For my GOVT 2301 M2 TBA class, these are the written quiz questions. Consult your syllabus for the due date. Call or email me if you have questions.
Solid answers get solid grades.
1. Define government and outline the differences between autocracy, oligarchy and democracy. Using news sources, find an example of each type of government.
2. Outline the differences between a totalitarian, autocratic and democratic government. Using news sources, find an example of each type of government.
3. What are the three reasons why philosophers have argued that government is necessary? Evaluate these critically.
4. What does the term “politics” refer to? What is the purpose of politics?
5. The Lowi textbook states that “institutions routinely solve collective action problems.” What does this mean? How do institutions solve them?
6. What is "path dependency" and how does it explain the current nature of poltiics in the United States and Texas?
7. The Declaration of Independence states why governments exist and what justifies them. Outline that argument.
8. Review the grievances in the Declaration of Independence (they begin with the phrase "He has refused his Assent to Laws...") and speculate how our current system of government is a response to them.
9. What is political culture? Describe the three types outlined in Practicing Texas Politics and describe Texas' political culture? Using current events, determine whether this description is true.
10. How does Texas' geography influence its politics?
Solid answers get solid grades.
1. Define government and outline the differences between autocracy, oligarchy and democracy. Using news sources, find an example of each type of government.
2. Outline the differences between a totalitarian, autocratic and democratic government. Using news sources, find an example of each type of government.
3. What are the three reasons why philosophers have argued that government is necessary? Evaluate these critically.
4. What does the term “politics” refer to? What is the purpose of politics?
5. The Lowi textbook states that “institutions routinely solve collective action problems.” What does this mean? How do institutions solve them?
6. What is "path dependency" and how does it explain the current nature of poltiics in the United States and Texas?
7. The Declaration of Independence states why governments exist and what justifies them. Outline that argument.
8. Review the grievances in the Declaration of Independence (they begin with the phrase "He has refused his Assent to Laws...") and speculate how our current system of government is a response to them.
9. What is political culture? Describe the three types outlined in Practicing Texas Politics and describe Texas' political culture? Using current events, determine whether this description is true.
10. How does Texas' geography influence its politics?
2302 TBA Quiz Four Questions
This is for my 16 week TBA class. You know the drill. This quiz covers the US and Texas Bureaucracy.
1. The US Government textbook details the process by which the Department of Homeland Security was formed. Summarize it.
2. What exactly is a bureaucracy? What are its features and what justifies it?
3. Outline the rule-making process. How does the bureaucracy convert legislation into action?
4. Who controls the bureaucracy?
5. What impact does Congress have over the bureaucracy? How effectively can they oversee the actions of the bureaucracy?
6. What attempts have been made to reduce the size of the bureaucracy? How successful have they been?
7. Using current news sources, look for examples of conflict between Congress and the bureaucracy. Outline the conflict.
8. How does the United States bureaucracy differ from the Texas bureaucracy?
9. Outline the Texas Education system. What controversies are associated with it?
10. Outline the Texas Health and Human Services system. What controversies are associated with it?
1. The US Government textbook details the process by which the Department of Homeland Security was formed. Summarize it.
2. What exactly is a bureaucracy? What are its features and what justifies it?
3. Outline the rule-making process. How does the bureaucracy convert legislation into action?
4. Who controls the bureaucracy?
5. What impact does Congress have over the bureaucracy? How effectively can they oversee the actions of the bureaucracy?
6. What attempts have been made to reduce the size of the bureaucracy? How successful have they been?
7. Using current news sources, look for examples of conflict between Congress and the bureaucracy. Outline the conflict.
8. How does the United States bureaucracy differ from the Texas bureaucracy?
9. Outline the Texas Education system. What controversies are associated with it?
10. Outline the Texas Health and Human Services system. What controversies are associated with it?
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The Craddick D's
Tom Craddick's continued hold on the Speakership of the Texas House of Representatives got a shot in the arm. Most of the Democrats who supported him (parties are less important in the Texas House and Senate than the Speaker and Lieutenant Governor) survived their primaries. Many were supported by last minute contributions by Craddick money men.
Going into the election he zeroed in on a handful of races that he considered vital to his future. It seems to have worked.
Going into the election he zeroed in on a handful of races that he considered vital to his future. It seems to have worked.
Wanted in Vermont
Here's something for us to chew over. Two Vermont towns have indicted Bush and Cheney for "crimes against the Constitution."
What this means exactly is uncertain: "No specific crimes are mentioned, but organisers of the anti-Bush effort have referred to perjury, obstruction of justice and war crimes related to the Iraq conflict."
Does this fit within the bounds of federalism as we know it? Can they really do this? If so how? Its a neat thought experiment perhaps.
What this means exactly is uncertain: "No specific crimes are mentioned, but organisers of the anti-Bush effort have referred to perjury, obstruction of justice and war crimes related to the Iraq conflict."
Does this fit within the bounds of federalism as we know it? Can they really do this? If so how? Its a neat thought experiment perhaps.
Not so Fast
So I got you all excited about the 5th Circuit's decision to declare the Texas sex toy ban unconstitutional, and you were all set to hit the town, but fortunately our state attorney general, Greg Abbott, is here to keep you in check. He's requesting that the 5th Circuit review its own decision.
The Road Ahead
So what's next?
This link takes you to the Interim News, a publication by the Texas House Research Organization which explains the Texas and national primary process.
The next important dates are:
March 29th - County / District conventions where delegates are selected to the state conventions.
June 6-7 - The Democratic State Convention
June 12-14 - The Republican State Convention
This link takes you to the Interim News, a publication by the Texas House Research Organization which explains the Texas and national primary process.
The next important dates are:
March 29th - County / District conventions where delegates are selected to the state conventions.
June 6-7 - The Democratic State Convention
June 12-14 - The Republican State Convention
Did the Republicans Have an Impact on the Democratic Party Outcome?
The big question regarding the Democratic turnout and Clinton's win in Texas is whether it was due to crossover votes by Republicans. Limbaugh tried to persuade Republicans to cross over and vote for Clinton, but there is no guarantee that it actually happened in great numbers, or had an impact, or even if it did, the impact matters. Here is a post that makes the argument than it did matter.
Someone crunched the numbers and argues that the drop-off, the number of people who did not vote for races other than the president, was 700,000. Are we to believe that these were all Republicans who came in, voted for Hillary and left?
I'll point out that Texas' proportional representational system muted the impact that simply winning the election has on the national race. If it was all or nothing it matters, but that's not how Texas Democrats do it. Clinton won the state but did marginally better than Obama in the delegate totals. Neither was in a position to win outright no matter what happened in Texas, the race will continue to the convention, so I chalk this up to a publicity stunt by Limbaugh. And it worked.
Someone crunched the numbers and argues that the drop-off, the number of people who did not vote for races other than the president, was 700,000. Are we to believe that these were all Republicans who came in, voted for Hillary and left?
I'll point out that Texas' proportional representational system muted the impact that simply winning the election has on the national race. If it was all or nothing it matters, but that's not how Texas Democrats do it. Clinton won the state but did marginally better than Obama in the delegate totals. Neither was in a position to win outright no matter what happened in Texas, the race will continue to the convention, so I chalk this up to a publicity stunt by Limbaugh. And it worked.
Texas Primary Results
Here are links to websites with the official results from yesterday's election:
The Texas Secretary of State.
Brazoria County Clerk.
Harris County Clerk.
The big news yesterday? Democratic statewide turnout 22%. Republican turnout 11%. I talked to a friend of mine yesterday who is a Republican office holder and he says the party is officially nervous.
Some commentary from Charles Kuffner provides context.
The Texas Secretary of State.
Brazoria County Clerk.
Harris County Clerk.
The big news yesterday? Democratic statewide turnout 22%. Republican turnout 11%. I talked to a friend of mine yesterday who is a Republican office holder and he says the party is officially nervous.
Some commentary from Charles Kuffner provides context.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Missed Opportunity
Mini Swartz writes today about liberalism's apparent rise in Texas. I'd argue that this isn't quite true. Democrats seem to be making a rebound, but your daddy's Democratic Party was a conservative organization, this year's model is not.
She usefully points out that the Democrat's rise has been facilitated by negative reactions within the Republican Party to President Bush's efforts to reform immigration policy. Republicans had an opportunity to bring Latinos into the fold and blew it. This is stereotyping of course, but the typical latino is more conservative socially than the typical Democrat. They may well have felt more at home in the Republican party if that's all there was to politics, but the anti-immigration rhetoric--must of which was couched in nationalistic/anglo tones--trumped social issues.
Here's an excerpt from her piece:
But another reason for our predicted Democratic surge has to do with some shifting demographics that Karl Rove also saw coming: the tidal wave of Hispanic voters. It was assumed here for many generations that, yes, we had lots of Mexican-Americans in our midst, but it was also assumed that they didn’t vote. Mr. Rove, however, saw that these immigrants had become stakeholders — they now own homes, send their children to college and have 401(k)’s, and therefore know how important it is to vote their interests. In other words, if Republicans couldn’t bring them into the party tent, the dream of an All-Republican-All-the-Time state government was doomed.
But within the national Republican Party, Mr. Rove’s clever analysis ran into ingrained attitudes. President Bush’s reform efforts spawned an anti-immigrant reaction among Republicans that Mexican-Americans found despicable, and helped put Texas in play again. Latinos may not come through for Senator Clinton on Tuesday as she had hoped — anecdotal evidence suggests Mexican-Americans are split now along generational lines between her and Senator Obama — but they have shown little to no enthusiasm for the Republican Party.
She usefully points out that the Democrat's rise has been facilitated by negative reactions within the Republican Party to President Bush's efforts to reform immigration policy. Republicans had an opportunity to bring Latinos into the fold and blew it. This is stereotyping of course, but the typical latino is more conservative socially than the typical Democrat. They may well have felt more at home in the Republican party if that's all there was to politics, but the anti-immigration rhetoric--must of which was couched in nationalistic/anglo tones--trumped social issues.
Here's an excerpt from her piece:
But another reason for our predicted Democratic surge has to do with some shifting demographics that Karl Rove also saw coming: the tidal wave of Hispanic voters. It was assumed here for many generations that, yes, we had lots of Mexican-Americans in our midst, but it was also assumed that they didn’t vote. Mr. Rove, however, saw that these immigrants had become stakeholders — they now own homes, send their children to college and have 401(k)’s, and therefore know how important it is to vote their interests. In other words, if Republicans couldn’t bring them into the party tent, the dream of an All-Republican-All-the-Time state government was doomed.
But within the national Republican Party, Mr. Rove’s clever analysis ran into ingrained attitudes. President Bush’s reform efforts spawned an anti-immigrant reaction among Republicans that Mexican-Americans found despicable, and helped put Texas in play again. Latinos may not come through for Senator Clinton on Tuesday as she had hoped — anecdotal evidence suggests Mexican-Americans are split now along generational lines between her and Senator Obama — but they have shown little to no enthusiasm for the Republican Party.
We made the Facts!
Our political forum yesterday was written up by a local newspaper.
Nice to be able to post something about yourself from time to time.
Nice to be able to post something about yourself from time to time.
The Internet and the Modern Career
Another reason to be cautious about what you claim to be yours. And another example about how the internet speeds everythingup.
Plagiarists beware.
Plagiarists beware.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
About the Texas Primary
We're set to discuss the primaries this week and here are a few web sites we'll hit.
Democratic candidates for Brazoria County.
Republican candidates for Brazoria County.
Voter's Guide from the League of Women's Voters.
Fox News Poll.
Election 2008: Chron.
The New York Times comments on the complexity of our fair state.
Let's remember that there is more than the top of the ticket at stake. Next time you are stuck in water think about these guys.
Democratic candidates for Brazoria County.
Republican candidates for Brazoria County.
Voter's Guide from the League of Women's Voters.
Fox News Poll.
Election 2008: Chron.
The New York Times comments on the complexity of our fair state.
Let's remember that there is more than the top of the ticket at stake. Next time you are stuck in water think about these guys.
Apologies
Sorry for the recent inactivity. I've had two conference papers due the past two weeks and have been preoccupied. I'll post them soon and encourage feedback on them.
I'll be back to the grind soon.
I'll be back to the grind soon.
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