Congress Discussion
If you have questions you still need to ask, here's your opportunity. If you have comments based on some of the questions asked in the discussion today, here's your platform. Credit will be given to supplement the credit you earned today.
Have a safe and snowy weekend.
Mr. Thompson
posted by erdecker @ 3:29 PM
8 comments
8 Comments:
Mr. Thompson,
I know what packing and cracking are (Gerrymandering) but I was wondering what the pros and cons to each of these tactics are. Also, is one considered more effective?
Ben H
Many say that congress has too much power, yet they're very ineffective. How could we modify our systems so that congress can work effectively, without skewing their balance of power?
How can we break away from our two party system? (How can we move away from the deadlock we are currently in?)
Should DC be allowed a voting seat in congress?
Incumbents already have a huge advantage over their opponents. Is it just to allow them to exploit their Franking Privilege to give them an even higher upper hand?
What is the difference between censure and impeachment?
Why are filibusters allowed only in the senate?
We grant congressmen immunity while on business. Shouldn't congressmen be held to an even higher standard than an ordinary citizen? What are the consequences of us putting congressmen above the law?
Benji:
I think there are pros and cons to both.
Pretend that the states are congressional districts, it's time for presidential elections, and you're Clinton. In Iowa, 40% of the people support Obama. In Minnesota, 40% of the population also supports Obama. Rather than allow Obama to win both states, why not condense all the supporters into one state? Consequently, you know Obama has at least one electoral vote, but it's better than him possibly having two. A spoiled apple ruins the barrel.
Once again, pretend you're Miss Clinton. The Minnesotans are avid Obama supporters- but all of the citizens of surrounding states support you! Why not split up the state of MN and lessen Minnesotans influence over the election? You can't stand united when you're divided.
How unethical is that??
Hey i wasn't there on friday but my two questions for congress were
1. Is there anyone there to "monitor" the congressional meetings?
-->In class when Ernesto said if someone walks away from their seat in congress (Texas was the example i believe) others will cast votes for them.
Is it the job of anyone to monitor this? And if we can see scandals and such happening and we are able to talk/know about it in class then why does it continue?
2.I read Mr. Thompson's example of Pork and who is the one to determine what is "ok" and what is too far?
--->does anyone even do that??
If there is no limit on how long a bill can be considered what happens when new congress people come in, like if the bill takes longer then 6 years to be passed? how is that fair because its could be totally new people coming in
Another question i have is what happens if the person who proposed the law is no longer in office before the bill is passed?
This was part of my hour's discussion about why the whole congress gets to vote on a bill or all of the senate or each part when only the specific committee is an expert on it. My question is, if the senator from my district is elected but because they have no seniority they cannot get into the certain committee, don't I have a right as a constituent to still be represented if it affects me.... even if my senator isn't in the committee???
How does our Congress compare to something like Parliament in the United Kingdom?
Does Congress have the power to completely throw out the old Constitution and create a new one?
Where does money for deficit spending come from? (We went over this in class this week I guess..)
If congress makes the laws..... and in the future congress ends up doing something we don't agree with, how do we take action to make laws they wouldn't pass against themselves...?
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