CGP Grey Electoral College Extravaganza

Immigration policy in a Nutshell

As you all now know, Obama has now used his executive orders (Unconstitutionally) to create a new policy for immigration to try to "fix" the system. Now is the time to review the system he put in place and whether it needs changes. Therefore, here is a video showing what his policy is like if illegal immigrants entered your home. Enjoy!!!!!

BA HUMBUG

SNL Offers a Critique on Obama's Executive Order...and They Kind of Have a Point, and They Kind of Don't

Saturday Night Live 11/22/14:



The above video offers a satirical commentary on the current state of American politics. In particular, it illustrates many American's current frustration with Congress' inability to pass legislation and the president's inability to work with Congress. It's critique of our legislative process is biting, current, and funny. However, it does miss the mark in terms of Obama's usage of the executive order. Here is a chart to help us put this comedy in some context:

Click the picture to access an article on how presidents have used executive orders in the past, and don't forget to vote in our poll!!

Breaking News: Obama Takes Bold Action on Immigration

As many of you know, last night President Obama gave his first major policy speech since the midterm elections. Obama's speech laid out his plan to use his executive authority to reform our immigration system. Over the last 2 weeks we have discussed the possible policy and political outcomes of the 2014 midterm elections, and last night we may have gotten a glimpse as to how President Obama and the newly elected Republican Congress will interact.

Obama's plan calls for the use of an executive order to change the rules the INS uses when deporting illegal immigrants. The usage of his power in such a manner is constitutionally questionable, but does have legal precedent from past Republican presidents. So far Republicans in Congress have been critical of Obama's plan to use his executive authority, and some have even gone as far as saying he is illegally abusing his power. Below are several videos from CNN.com  that should help us understand the new policy Obama is proposing, the legal precedent that may support it, and the Republican criticism of his action.









From CNN.com:
Hillary Clinton backs Obama's immigration plan

Finally, it appears that possible presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has come out in support of Obama's policy. Considering our current unit of study on the campaign process, do you think it is in Hillary's best interest to support Obama's policy? How could this both help and hurt Hillary's chances at the White House in 2016?

CGP Grey Explains Election Systems

As we have discussed in class there are a number of election systems used throughout the democratized world. Here in the U.S. we use the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) or Winner-Take-All system as they do in Great Britain. However, we are in the minority of countries who use this system. Some argue that the U.S. should change its election system to better represent the diverse ideologies of the electorate and allow for more parties to seek and win political office. Below are several videos by our favorite YouTube explainer (that's a thing, right?) CGP Grey that will help us to better understand our system as well as some possible reforms.


Problems with FPTP




The Alternative Vote



Mixed Member Proportional Representation



Single Transferable Vote

COULD ANY OF THESE SYSTEM WORK IN THE US?

My Current Event

http://prezi.com/9x4kk7lum29h/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share
Here is my current event on the Peace and Freedom party.

Review third party obstacle falshcards

flash cards

Unpacking the 2014 Midterms

It's been a week since the Americans cast their ballots in the 2014 midterm elections, and with the passing week have come some not too shocking, albeit disappointing developments. First, the voter turnout for this midterm was very low, even by midterm election standards. Second, exit polling has revealed a nation just as, if not more, polarized than ever. Take a look at the articles from FiveThirtyEight below for more information.

The Divide Between Republican And Democratic Voters On Major Issues

Preliminary Turnout Numbers Are Way Down From 2010 And 2012

Debating the Role of Third Parties in the United States

As we have discussed in class, it is unlikely that a third party will rise to prominence in American politics any time soon. However, many Americans say that they would gladly give their support to a political party other than the Republicans and Democrats. Why is it then, so difficult for third parties to have success in our political system?

Assignment:

1. Watch the videos linked below:

• Debating the Role of Third Parties in America - Part 1 of 5
• Debating the Role of Third Parties in America - Part 2 of 5
• Debating the Role of Third Parties in America - Part 3 of 5
• Debating the Role of Third Parties in America - Part 4 of 5
• Debating the Role of Third Parties in America - Part 5 of 5

2. As you watch the video take notes on the obstacles third parties face in American politics.

3. Research the following topics in preparation for a fishbowl discussion on Tuesday:

• Single-Member Winner-Take-All Districts
• Winner-take-all aspect of Electoral College
•  Limited Ballot Access
•  Campaign Financing (rules/limits, not effects)
• Federal Funding of Presidential Elections (5%)
•  Exclusion from Presidential Debates

Fishbowl Discussion:

Which obstacle presents the greatest threat to third party success?

Hey Look, CT is on The Daily Show! That's a Good Thing, Right?

I'm not sure if any of you saw this, but the Connecticut governor's race made The Daily Show's "Democolypse 2014" election coverage! In the clip below Jon Stewart makes fun of our gubernatorial candidates for debating "the real issues"...the names of their yachts. Apparently the rest of the country thinks of Connecticut as rich man's paradise with a butler in every home and a yacht in every garage. If only that were so...

The Daily Show
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Indecision Political Humor,The Daily Show on Facebook

Also, below is a link to the New York Times website page "The Upshot" that has some excellent articles that provide some perspective on the election results. I recommend taking a look at them, both for your paper, and because you're all political nerds like me now! Ha!

New York Times: The Upshot

Current Event

Current Event: Midterm Election
http://web.mail.comcast.net/service/home/~/?auth=co&loc=en_US&id=967606&part=2

2014 Midterms Explained in 8-bit

I found this interesting video that I thought I'd share with you guys, seemed to explain things nicely

2014 Midterms Explained in 8-bit

How to Watch the Midterm Election

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/04/upshot/how-to-watch-election-night.html?rref=upshot&module=Ribbon&version=context&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=The%20Upshot&pgtype=Multimedia&abt=0002&abg=0

I found this video on The New York Times website and I thought it might be helpful to everyone who is watching the midterm election tonight.

Midterm Elections

current event current event

Election Night 2014

Happy Election Day Eve! I hope this post finds everyone excited and anxious to find out the results of the 2014 Midterm elections! Below I have posted the link you will need to complete your election day viewing assignment, as well as a link that you may find helpful for your critical election papers. While you can't vote tomorrow, remember to be good citizens and encourage everyone who can to get out to the polls!

Happy Election Day!

Election 2014
Election 2014 Viewing Assignment
New York Times Election 2014: Who Will Win the Senate

Critical Election Paper Link
New York Times: How Birth Year Influences Political Views