Difference between revisions of "Am Govt Homework One Answers - Student One"

Revision as of 18:46, September 3, 2010

David's Homework One Answers

List the different factors that affect the outcome of an election, such as the status of the economy (consumer confidence), the extent of media bias in favoring one side, the strength of the candidates with respect to electability, special world or national events that may sway the public more to one side than the other, and so on. Ponder how much "weight" or emphasis to give each consideration (with the totals adding up to 100%, as in 30% to the economy, 35% to media bias, etc.). Then answer these questions:

1. List what you think are the top factors (e.g., jobs, handling of the wars, Tea Parties, media bias, government spending, education, or anything else) affecting the outcome of the election this November 2nd, and give relative "weights" to each according to your opinion.

I think the factors that affect the outcome of an election vary from election to election. For example, with the current financial crisis, the Status of the economy will be a very important factor in the coming election, however in previous elections it may not have had as much weight as it does now. Considering the current national situation I will give the following weight to each issue; 35%=Status of the Economy, 30%=Wars & other overseas entanglements, 15%=Energy related issues, 5%=Other issues, 15%=Media Bias (I Feel that media Bias is less of an issue because voters tend to only watch media sources they agree with, for example, Conservatives and Moderates overwhelmingly tend to watch Fox and shun MSNBC and CNN, and Liberals tend to shun Fox and only watch MSNBC and CNN. Get what I'm saying?)

2. Identify the total numbers by political party in the House and Senate, before the election (e.g., the House consists of __ Democrats and __ Republicans, for a total of 435). Include the Independents in the Senate in the Democratic totals because they vote for the Democratic leadership.

House of Representatives; 257 Democrats and 178 Republicans, totaling 435 Members

Senate; 61 Democrats, 39 Republicans

3. Is the President on the ballot this November? If not, then why not?

No. The President is only on the ballot once every four years and it has only been two years since the previous election.

4. Using your answers questions 1 and 2 above and any other information, make a prediction of composition by political party of the House and Senate after Election Day. Explain briefly the basis of your predictions.

It is almost certain that Republicans will recapture at least one Legislative body and very possibly both. The odds are increasingly not in the Democrat's favor for two primary reasons. First off, there is an extremely strong anti-incumbent attitude which has arose largely due to the efforts of the Tea Party movement and and the poor policies of both the liberal controlled Legislative and Executive Branches. Another factor that will play a role in the Liberal's demise this November is trend known as "devided government", the trend that whichever party controls the Whitehouse, the opposite party will gain control of Congress.

My Predictions; House of Representatives; 210 Democrats and 225 Republicans, totaling 435 Members

Senate; 45 Democrats, 55 Republicans

Extra credit:

5. What tactical change by either party between now and the election would cause you to change your prediction significantly?

If, by some act of God, (Which, Ironically most liberals don't believe in) the Economic Stimulus began to have a profound and noticable effect on the economy and job market, and unemployment dropped dramatically, the liberals would still probably lose some seats in Congress, but would still probably be able to maintain their Majorities.

--Davidkon 14:45, 3 September 2010 (EDT)