Friday, October 5, 2012

PS101OL Final


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April Rogers

PS101OL

Final

October 5, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.   How many Justices are on the United States Supreme Court, how are they appointed, who are they currently, and how long do they serve? Please describe their role in terms of the balance of powers.

According to www.SupremeCourt.org, there are nine Justices of the United States Supreme Court, one of whom is titled Chief Justice.  Our currently serving Justices are Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Antonin Scalia, Anthony M. Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr., Sonia Sotomeyer and Elena Kagan.  Article III of the United States Constitution set forth the definition and formation of the Supreme Court.  Justices are appointed by sitting US Presidents and must be subject to critical, disciplined and rigid Congressional confirmation process, ultimately approving for or denying the appointment.  The Court and the Justices have a sworn duty to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America.  According to the US Constitution, a US Supreme Court Justice may serve a lifetime appointment “during good behavior” although some justices have opted for retirement.  Their time serving on the bench is compensated.  The role of the Supreme Court and powers of the Supreme Court has developed over time.  The Constitutional definition of the Supreme Court is vague but this branch of government is seen as coequal to the Legislative and the Executive branches of government.  The Court’s most important function is judicial review on the constitutionality of laws.  Any law or action by the states, the federal government or the President that are constitutionally questioned may be reviewed and possibly revoked by the Court.  The decision of the Supreme Court is final.  It is interesting to note that the Supreme Court did not have a building until 1935 after existing for 146 years!  The words “EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW” is inscribed on the overhead of the main entrance to the building as a firm and resolute symbol of the American people’s determination to hold to the promise of equal justice for all.


 

 

2.   What is the ‘State of the Union’ address? Why is it notable? When it is done? Who will do the next one?

According to the website, www.presidency.ucsb.edu, the State of the Union message to Congress by the currently sitting President of the United States is mandated by Article 2, Section 3 of the US Constitution whereby it is stated, “He shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient;”.  Our first President, George Washington, set a precedent by delivering the first State of the Union address to Congress in 1790.  Back then it was known as the Annual Message.  Since that time, the message has been delivered annually, if not regularly, and is known as the State of the Union address.  This speech is notable for many reasons.  Originally an administrative report, the information presented by the President now provides more detailed information on the fiscal health of the nation, the economy, national security information and, in modern times, has become a rallying point for the President, Congress and the citizens of the US.  Traditionally, the State of the Union address takes place in January in accordance with the National Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 which is to be delivered to Congress no more than two weeks after Congress convenes in January.  Interestingly, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution in 1933 changed the opening of Congress from March to January which also affected when the delivery of the State of the Union speech must be delivered.  The speech takes place in the House chamber and there must be a House concurrent resolution passed setting aside the specific date and time calling a joint session of Congress for the event.  The next person to deliver the State of the Union address will be the next elected President of the United States of America – either President Obama or Governor Mitt Romney.   

 



3.   What is campaign finance? Why is it such a big issue in Washington, D.C. and among Americans?

Campaign financing is money used to get an individual elected into public office.  The rub is that some campaign financing comes directly from taxpayer wallets, whether we like it or not.  The Federal Election Commission of the United States enforces the provisions of the Federal Election Campaign Act, Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act and Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act.  According to the Federal Election Commission website, public funding of Presidential elections means that qualified Presidential candidates receive federal government funds to pay for the valid expenses of their political campaigns in both the primary and general elections.  National parties, Democrats and Republicans, can also receive federal money for their national nominating conventions.  Regulations of campaign funds was created after the Watergate scandal of the 1970’s where President Richard Nixon’s re-election campaign was discovered to have received hundreds of thousands of dollars from some of our country’s largest corporations.  The goal for Congressional finance reform was to limit candidate dependence on donations from wealthy special interest groups.  In short, to stop campaign finance corruption and increase competition for candidates who may not have large contributors or large personal wealth.  The public funds collected are strictly voluntary and is collected from income tax returns.  However the system is not perfect as “soft” money always finds its way into politics and there are loopholes that can be easily gotten around.  The system is outdated as most campaigns cannot be run on a small budget.  It is pathetic that our political machine is based upon the almighty dollar – he who has the largest war chest wins.

 




 

4.   Who are your Senators? What have they done in office that you are aware of or that you can find? What would you like them to do that they are not doing currently?

The two Senators from South Carolina are Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Jim DeMint.  Senator DeMint’s website notes his voting record from January 26, 2011 to the present.  He has voted in favor of such topics as honoring the victims and heroes of the January 8, 2011 Tucson Arizona shooting, most areas of the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act, extension of most provisions of the US Patriot Act, confirmed several District and Circuit Court Judges and a temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and Small Business Investment Act.  He is currently set to kick of a “Save Small Businesses” tour in the Anderson SC area Monday, October 8, 2012.  A matter close to my heart, he will visit Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home here in Anderson to discuss veteran healthcare issues.   Senator Graham currently serves of five committees including Appropriations, Armed Services, Aging, Budget and Judiciary in addition to his duties as a SC Senator.  On a personal note, I am pleased to share that Senator Graham took a few moments to recognize Calhoun Academy of the Arts for receiving a Healthy Lifestyles Grant two years ago that a member of our PTSA wrote and submitted.  He wrote a letter of congratulations to the school and PTSA for our outstanding support for our children.  I cannot say at this time that there are issues my Senators are not addressing.  They have managed to stay away from scandals according to their websites, vote consistently and along party lines.  Of course, the optimist in me would like to see less partisanship and much more cooperation between parties, but overall I am satisfied with the job these two gentlemen are doing and appreciate their service to the state of South Carolina.    

 


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