| Line 2: |
Line 2: |
| | In our first lecture we focused on the Executive branch of government, including a discussion of the upcoming presidential election. We devote this week's lecture to the branch that the Founders thought would be more important: the Legislative branch, which consists primarily of Congress and its staff. | | In our first lecture we focused on the Executive branch of government, including a discussion of the upcoming presidential election. We devote this week's lecture to the branch that the Founders thought would be more important: the Legislative branch, which consists primarily of Congress and its staff. |
| | | | |
| − | In the United States and in 49 out of 50 states there is a "bicameral" legislature, which means there are '''''two''''' legislative bodies. In Congress this legislature consists of the separate entities (or chambers) of the House of Representatives and the Senate. State legislatures usually have a Senate but often use a different name for their other legislative body. In New Jersey the equivalent of the U.S. House of Representatives is called the "Assembly". Usually the term of office for the Senate is longer, and thus considered more desirable by politicians, than the term of office for the House (or Assembly). Nebraska has a "unicameral" legislature: only one legislative body rather than two. | + | In the United States and in 49 out of 50 states there is a "bicameral" legislature, which means there are '''''two''''' legislative bodies. In Congress this legislature consists of the separate entities (or chambers) of the House of Representatives and the Senate. |
| | | | |
| − | When one political party controls one legislative body and the other political party controls the other legislative body or the executive branch, then this is called "divided government." While some complain that it is harder to enact laws when there is divided government, others observes that divided government makes each side more responsive to the public. Competition is usually a good thing in bringing out the best for everyone.
| + | At the state level, state legislatures have a Senate but often use a different name for their other legislative body. In New Jersey the equivalent of the U.S. House of Representatives is called the "Assembly". Because the term of office for the Senate is longer than for the Assembly (or House), politicians aspire to eventually be elected to the Senate. Nebraska has a "unicameral" legislature: only one legislative body rather than two. |
| | | | |
| − | Another term important in discussing legislative politics is "grassroots". The grassroots are ordinary citizens who volunteer their time to participate in politics, by speaking out, by emailing others, by attending political events, by putting bumper stickers on their cars or signs along the roads, by making phone calls urging others to vote, and by expressing their views to public officials on important issues. The grassroots are in contrast with the media, the political insiders, and the corporations; the grassroots care more about social values that affect the future direction of the Nation, for example. The grassroots are those who volunteer to help with and attend large political rallies. The Tea Party movement in recent years has been among the grassroots. | + | When one political party controls one of the legislative bodies, and the other political party controls the other legislative body or the executive branch, then this is called "divided government." While some complain that it is harder to enact laws when there is divided government, others observe that divided government makes each side more responsive to the public. Competition is usually a good thing in bringing out the best in everyone. |
| | + | |
| | + | Another term important in discussing legislative politics is "grassroots". The grassroots are ordinary citizens who volunteer their time to participate in politics, by speaking out, by emailing others, by attending political events, by putting bumper stickers on their cars or signs along the roads, by making phone calls urging others to vote, and by expressing their views to public officials on important issues. The grassroots are in contrast with the media, the political insiders, and the corporations; the grassroots care more about social values that affect their families and the future direction of our Nation. The grassroots are those who volunteer to help with and attend large political rallies. The Tea Party movement in recent years began with the grassroots. |
| | | | |
| | == Review from Last Week == | | == Review from Last Week == |
| | | | |
| − | Many of the answers to last week's homework were superb. But there was room for improvement on the following questions. Also, keep in mind that: | + | Many of the answers to last week's homework were superb. But there was room for improvement. For example, keep in mind that: |
| | | | |
| | *the legislative branch makes the laws | | *the legislative branch makes the laws |
| Line 17: |
Line 19: |
| | | | |
| | The United States is governed by "Rule of Law." No one, not even judges, congressmen, or the president, is allowed to violate the law. But they are able to make, enforce, and interpret the laws, depending on which branch of government they are in. | | The United States is governed by "Rule of Law." No one, not even judges, congressmen, or the president, is allowed to violate the law. But they are able to make, enforce, and interpret the laws, depending on which branch of government they are in. |
| | + | |
| | + | A mistake made by a top advisor to President Obama after he was elected was to declare that now he "rules" America. Nope. A president governs rather than rules. The law is what "rules". |
| | | | |
| | === "1. Why is it important to participate in politics?" === | | === "1. Why is it important to participate in politics?" === |
| | | | |
| − | Many students emphasized the need to be aware of what is going on with politics. But "participation" is far more than become knowledgeable and aware. It also requires informing others, volunteering time, and "getting the word out." It involves correcting misinformation and countering the deceit used by bad candidates. It entails being proactive, just as exercise, a good diet, and going church consist of doing something rather than doing nothing.
| + | In their answers, many students emphasized the need to be aware of what is going on with politics. But "participation" is far more than becoming knowledgeable and aware. It also requires informing others, volunteering time, and "getting the word out." It entails correcting misinformation and countering the deceit used by bad candidates. Participation means being proactive, just as exercise, a good diet, and going church consist of doing something rather than being merely a spectator or sports fan. |
| | | | |
| | === "5. If a police officer pulls over a car on the New Jersey Turnpike ...." === | | === "5. If a police officer pulls over a car on the New Jersey Turnpike ...." === |