Unit 5: Gun policy: Old fight; new strategies

http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/24/politics/gun-control-status/index.html?c=politics

Government policies are becoming quite popular in the United States government. These policies are used to handle many different issues that the United States faces. They can be made as solutions to many problems such as taxes, environmental dilemmas, and health care issues. 

Policies can be influenced by many different factors. Political parties, politicians, organizations, public opinion, and the media are all known to sway certain government policies in certain directions. 

Gun control has been a topic of discussion since the beginning years of the United States. It began when the Bill of Rights finally became ratified in 1791. The second amendment stated, "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

Earlier, Gun-control Democrats in Virginia overcame the rough criticism of the National Riffle Association. The govenor, lieutenant govenor, and attorney general's wins shocked the NRA who is known as politically powerful and headquartered in Washington. Terry , at the final governor campaign debate, said, "I don't care what grade I got from the NRA."

McAuliffe has been pushing for stronger gun-control since just after he took office. His efforts fell short not long after. McAuliffe concluded that the result of his efforts was due to the fact that the 'battles are being fought' more in Washington. There, over a year ago, the Senate failed to expand on the development of stronger gun-control laws following the Newtown, Connecticut school shooting. 

Unit 4: Supreme Court could weigh in on NSA case, justice says

http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/18/justice/supreme-court-justice-nsa/index.html?iref=allsearch

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest federal court in the United States. Created under Article III of the Constitution, the Supreme Court serves to handle a number of court cases ranging in severity each year. The Supreme Court is the final interpreter of federal constitutional law. SCOTUS, however, is only allowed to work inside their jurisdiction during federal and state courts.

There are 8 associate judges and 1 chief justice. All of these positions are nominated by the President and approved by the Senate. These positions are held for life unless they are impeached or decide to resign from office. The current members are Justice Clarence Thomas, Justice Antonin Scalia, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Justice Stephen G. Breyer, Justice Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr., Justice Elena Kagan, and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. John G. Roberts is the current Chief Justice.

Earlier this week, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice Antonin Scalia spoke before the National Press Club. Ginsburg was asked about her opinion on if Snowden, who leaked data from the National Security Agency, was a whistleblower or a traitor. She replied by saying she could not say and also said, "It's also possible, is it not that the question you raise could come before the court. And we are not at liberty to preview."

Back in June of 2013, The Washington Post and The Guardian released stories that showed proof the NSA was 'up to no good'. These stories revealed they had been collecting phone record and surveillance on American citizens. The whole situation startled Americans and left many wondering the limits on the 4th amendment regarding search and seizure laws. Where is the line drawn on privacy and national security?

Unit 4: Sebelius out, Obama nominates new health secretary

http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/11/politics/burwell-hhs/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Under the separation of powers, the executive branch includes cabinets under the presidential system of government. Cabinets are advisers of the president who head different executive departments of the government. Cabinets are appointed by the president and, therefore, are usually of the same political part as the president. The selections of the president are then approved by the senate insuring that the chosen cabinet member will be suitable for the duty and not just the president's choice.

Cabinet members are the heads of fifteen different executive departments. Each department deals with a set subject in handling major federal agencies. These 15 departments include the department of agriculture, commerce, defense, education, energy, health and human services, homeland security, housing and urban development, interior, justice, labor, state, transportation, treasury, and veteran affairs.

Today, President Obama announced that he is nominating Sylvia Mathews Burwell to be the next health secretary. This job would place her ultimately in charge of  overseeing Obamacare.

Burwell is currently directing the White House budget office. During her time in the White House budget office, Burwell dealt with last year's budget drama and had to send out the shutdown order after an agreement was not met.

Obama commented on Burwell's previous work in office, ""Sylvia is a proven manager, and she knows how to deliver results," he said. "And she'll need to be a proven manager because these are tough tasks, big challenges."

Burwell's new work will introduce new hardships. The implementing of Obamacare has brought about a sort of chaos inside the Department of Health and Human Services. However, the chance of the situation turning around is possible. Obamacare recently reached 7.5 million signups. Burwell's experience in the budget office and the Treasury could bring about another spike in signups if the senate approves her nomination.

Unit 4: Afghanistan is still a long way from democracy

http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/afghanistan-still-long-way-democracy

Worldwide, there are three main systems of government: parliamentary, semi-presidential, and presidential. During the 1950's, 60% of the world was considered parliamentary, 30% semi-presidential, and only 10% presidential. In present times, much more of the world has switched to a democracy-type of government ran by a president. In fact, nearly two-thirds of the world are ran by either semi-presidential or presidential systems of government.

Afghanistan is considered part of the two-thirds majority as it has a presidential system of government. However, their strive for democracy is taking a great amount of time. Saturday Afghans will participate in an election to replace President Hamid Karzai.

As many voters have admitted to wanting to participate in their country's future, the threat of danger lurks for many. Violence may prevent voting levels from reaching their full potential. Just last Friday in eastern Afghanistan, two Associated Press journalists were shot by Afghan police officers while traveling alongside election workers. This specific attack was subsequent to Taliban attack on the Kabul office of government election administration panel last week. The percentage is raising fast, but currently, 10% of voting locations have been closed due to the potential danger of the site.

Another concern becoming apparent in voters' minds is potential government-sanctioned fraud. In the previous election in 2009, President Karzai's rival candidate, Abdullah Abdullah, believed the election was rigged. The allegations that followed caused mayhem in the country and almost resulted in a civil war. Many voters also question if Karzai will leave the government alone after he steps down. Some are concerned that he or his allies may continue to manipulate government decisions.

While the country is trying to become more of a democracy, the difficulty of preventing a civil war is evident. With the Taliban controlling large areas of the county, uproars of damage and violence are quite possible. Many argue that it is more important for the results of the election to be accepted by Afghans than for the results to model a stronger sense of democracy.