Homework: State Government RQs due Wed.
FrontPage: Fed Questions on your desk. Do you believe it is a good thing that states
can make their own laws?From the company who brought you Bacon Soda comes a drink that I can't imagine anyone ever ingesting unless they were double-dog dared to.A company called Lester's Fixins is dead-set on giving America meat-flavored carbonated beverages. First, they gave us Bacon Soda, and now..... Buffalo Wing Soda:
Federalism
The “Tug-of-War” between Washington and the states
Understanding Federalism
What is federalism? Why is federalism a good system for the
United States? Is it mentioned in the Constitution?
How was it established?
Examples of types of powers: Expressed (and inherent), implied, denied,
reserved
Two Perspectives
What is the difference between the states’ rights position and the nationalist position with regard to the powers of government?
When it comes to the “tug-of-war” between states and the national government, what names do we give to the “fans” of the 2 “competing sides”?
Monitoring the environment Does the Constitution mention the
environment in any way? Which level of government should retain this
power, then?
Does the federal government involve itself in environmental issues in any way?
How might it justify those actions?
Providing for and overseeing Public Education
Does the Constitution mention this power? Who retains this power, then?
Does the federal government involve itself in education in any way?
How might it justify those actions when necessary?
Determining whether marijuana should be available for medical use?
Does the Constitution mention the regulation of drugs? Which level of government should retain this power?
Does the federal government regulate drugs?
How might it justify this action?
Should states be able to make their own laws with regard to medical marijuana? What might be the negative consequences of allowing this
freedom?
Federalism and Immigration
Recently, the state of Arizona enacted a very controversial immigration law. This law enables police, with reasonable suspicion, to question suspected illegal
immigrants and request proof that they are here legally. Proponents (supporters) of the law argue it is necessary to fight illegal immigration in
Arizona.
Which level of government does the Constitution say has the job of protecting the borders and making immigration policy (state or federal)?
Do you believe that Arizona has acted appropriately in this situation? Why or why not?
What might be the negative consequences if states were able to take action like this?
If you were a Supreme Court Justice hearing this controversy, how would you rule? In favor of the states’ right to make this law, OR That only the federal government has the power to make laws regarding immigration?
Homework: State Government RQs due Friday
FrontPage: NNIGN
In 1927, UQ's Professor Thomas Parnell wanted to prove to his students that some things that appear solid are in fact liquid. He heated up a sample of tar pitch - a solid polymer that can shatter if you hit it hard enough - and poured it into the funnel you see in the picture. He sealed it and left it for three years to set, then cut the end of the funnel. Eight years later, the first drop fell through the funnel.And here we are, 82 years later, waiting for the ninth drop to fall. Waiting to be the first humans to ever lay eyes on it falling, in fact, because the pitch has a frustrating tendency to shed its small load at exactly the time no one's watching.
The Pitch (tar) Drop Experiment
