October 10

Journal: None

In Class: Today we wrapped up the Judicial Branch with our discussion on the Supreme Court and their decision on Flag Burning (free speech v. protection of the flag)

We also talked through the Legislative Branch looking at the best approach to representation
TRUSTEE V. DELEGATE (blue pages in your packet)

We will finish up with the Executive Branch on Monday (purple pages) and turn your packets in! This will be the final thing on your grade for TERM 1.

YOUR CAP POINTS ARE DUE TOMORROW AT 2:15... NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!

Homework: Finish up your CAP Points and get them to me ASAP :) 

Also look through your packets and make sure everything is complete with the exception of the purple pages

CAP POINTS DESCRIPTION: 

Each of the C.A.P. write ups must be typed and turned in when required. The page requirements for each category are complete pages, not half or three quarter pages (unless specifically noted as a half page write up). All pages should be Times New Roman Font, size 12, double spaced.  Write ups should be headed properly with YOUR NAME, the C.A.P. CATEGORY, DATE OF THE EVENT and DATE WHEN THE C.A.P WAS COMPLETED. 

CAP IDEAS                

1. PUBLIC MEETING OF GOVERNING BODY (60 Points)

In order to fulfill this requirement, I recommend you attend a city council meeting for either Provo or Orem.   However, you may also attend any public meeting, such as planning and zoning or school board meeting. Write a 1 page summary of the meeting.  This paper must include the following: what public meeting you attended, where it was held, date and time of attendance.  The body of the paper should include issues discussed and solutions or recommendations made at the meeting.  Be sure to include a conclusion, discussing your personal opinions and observations from the issues discussed and the meeting in general.

2. MAGAZINE NEWS ARTICLE (20 points)

Read a magazine article from a periodical like Time, U.S. News and World Report, Newsweek, etc. or an on-line news source.  Choose an article that focuses on a national or international issue relating to government.  Write a 1 page summary about the article. The summary must include the following: Citation, an overview of the issue and an evaluation. The evaluation should include your opinion and reaction to the topic and its effect on society.

3. TV NEWS PROGRAM (30 points)

In order to fulfill this requirement you must watch any one of the following programs:                

Nightline                                                              Situation Room

O’Reiley Factor                                                          Meet the Press

Hannity                                                                       CNN

Anderson Cooper 360°                                    Hardball w/ Chris Matthews

Politics Nation                                                 Rachel Maddow Show

Take notes on what you observe and hear.  Include your hand written notes with your paper.  Write a 1 page summary of the major issues discussed during the program.  Your summary must include:  The date and the title of the program that you watched, summary of the issues, and your personal opinion/reaction.

4.  WRITE A LETTER TO A POLITICAL LEADER

(member of the U.S. Congress or a State Legislator) (30 points)

Express your views, opinions, or questions on a political subject.  The letter must be at least 1 page in length and relevant to the person you are sending it to.  Make a copy of your letter and turn it in for credit.    Please share with the class any responses you may receive.

5.   POLITICAL VOLUNTEERISM (50 points)

Choose a candidate or issue you support and perform at least 1.5 hours of volunteer work. Work may include distributing leaflets, stuffing envelopes, making phone calls, door knocking or a variety of other activities.  To get credit you must get a signed note from a supervisor indicating the date and time spent along with the type of work done. You must also type a 1/2 page description of the candidate or issue you chose with a description of the specific task you helped with.

6.  POLITICAL RALLY (50 points)

Attend a political rally, speaker or meeting.  Write a 1 page summary of the event including your opinion and/or what you learned. 

7. JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE (60 points)

Attend either Youth Court (times and locations to be announced) or Magistrate Court. Write a summary that includes an evaluation of the proceedings (how things work) and a summary of each case observed. Also include an opinion of the effectiveness of the system. The write up must be a minimum of 1 ½ pages in length.

                        **You may NOT be personally involved in the case.**

8. REGISTER & VOTE (50 points)

Democracy revolves around the right to vote.  Too many Americans choose not to exercise that right. For those of you who are 18 years old at the time of any local, state or national election; voting will count as a category for you.  You must get a note signed by one of the election officials at the polling place.  It should include their name (written legibly) and the location where you voted.  You must also write a ONE page summary describing the voting process.  What did you experience at the polling place?  Also, how do you think the actual voting process could be done more effectively?

9. OTHER IDEAS?

Check with me J It must pertain to American Government and the C.A.P purpose.