NOW THAT THE DEBATES ARE OVER.
Answer the following question:

Who would you vote for?  Give a positive reason why this person is good for the office NOT why the other person is bad.

The Second Presidential Debate 

DECISION 2016

Town Hall moderated by 

Anderson Cooper

Watch the debate on Sunday October 9th at 9:00 - 10:30
Offer your reactions and comments on the debate as it occurs.

Remember the Rules
1. Respect each others opinion.
2. Don't take their comments at face value
3. No off topic comments
4. No inappropriate Language / or inappropriate comments.

New Hampshire Primary

a) Should New Hampshire always be allowed to be the first primary?

b) Is there value for the Republican candidates who came in 4th or lower  in Iowa to stay in the race?

c) What does a win for Sanders mean for his chances going into South Carolina?  Consider Hillary was expected to dominate Iowa and Sanders virtually tied her there.  Also consider that Sanders is campaigning in his backyard as a Senator from Vermont.

d) Offer your general opinion on any candidate you may find interesting.  Please remember to check back and reply to another students opinion as well.

THE POPE AND A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS

A) Did the Pope act as a diplomat or as a religious icon? 

B) What role should religion play in US domestic policy decisions?

Remember to discuss these issues responsibly respecting each other's opinions.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE PRESIDENT Today's Date (For example: Jan. 1 2015)

Dear President __________ (Write the President's name here),

In the body of the letter, you should first briefly introduce yourself. Remember to include you name and address so that you can receive an answer to your letter. Explain why you are writing this letter to the President. Perhaps you have a question, a suggestion, an opinion, a request, a concern, or a criticism for the President. Look up the President's schedule ( and using critical vocabulary from the President's Packet, write well thoughtout questions, concerns or requests.)  Please avoid expressing your personal politics but rather assert you concerns as a high school students starting your adult lives.  The letter should focus on a day in the life of the President. My goal here is that you A) can use critical vocab to ask questions about the President's day and B) express your concerns as a young citizen The President's schedule can be found at this link: http://www.whitehouse.gov/schedule/president/2014-12-02 Ask the President specifically for a response that you would like (for example, you might request that the President visit your city or support legislation helping students).     Remember to thank the President for reading your letter.

Thank you, (or use another closing phrase)(Sign your name here) Acopy of your letter is due to me on January 6th/7th depending on our day 1/ day 2 schedule. We will mail them together.

Winter Break Assignment:

 

Watch a movie about the Presidency and blog a review of the movie citing 5 critical vocabulary terms from the packet provided to you in class.

Here are some choices:

Romantic Comedies: 

The American President
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyGibtCfMLM

Dave
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkf4VQx2MHE

Classic Movie:

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm9qaEJ3MBc

Action Adventure: 

Air Force One
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwQzfS-Di98

Historical recreations:

Frost/Nixon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh26dgvPWO0

Thirteen Days
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSA7Evcy7iE

Capaign Finance Reform

Lobby groups and other special interests allow Americans a voice in government.  What dangers are present in American democracy when that access into the government is abused?

Watch the following video and offer your opinion using at least two vocabulary words from the unit.