For this week I want 2301 students - who are now covering the US and Texas Constitutions - to outline current conflicts over what is and is not constitutional. 2302 students are also looking at each
Constitution - but are focusing on the two articles that respectively establish the Congress and the Texas Legislature.
2301: As we will see, despite the fact that the U.S. Constitution was written, ratified and accepted years back, there were at that time - and still exists - conflict over its meaning. One of the areas of debate - recently revived - has to do with the constitutionality of the various programs associated with the New Deal, especially Social Security. I'll post a few stories on the dispute, but do some research on your own. What is the argument that Social Security is constitutional? What is the argument that it isn't?
2302: One way we can get familiar with Congress is to read up on the bill making process and how a particular bill might do in the institution. We have a great opportunity to follow this process since Obama has sent his jobs bill - the American Jobs Act of 2011 - to Congress to be considered by each chamber. Its still early in the process, but do some research and try to determine what process the bill is likely to take through the institution and whether it is likely to be passed. The goal of this assignment is to learn about the internal structure of Congress, so focus the bulk of your attention on that.
