Civil War

Was the Civil War inevitable? One example explained, build off other responses. Post by Sunday, December 13th.

Choice: What circumstances justify breaking the law?

During the years leading up to the Civil War, everyday Americans in the North and South were forced to make difficult choices regarding slavery. Because of the Fugitive Slave Act, escaped slaves could be forcibly returned to the South yet many average Americans broke the law by helping them find freedom through the Underground Railroad. Beyond the obvious examples of stealing to feed the hungry or get medicine, what would be an acceptable example of breaking the law (to help someone) to you? You can build upon others' responses agreeing with additional examples or by disagreeing. Please post for full credit by Sunday, 11/29 for full credit.

Farm or Factory?

If you were a teenager in New England in the early 1800s, would you stay on the farm or go to the factory? Explain your reasoning with 2 examples. Post by Sunday 11-15 for full credit.

Qualities of a President

What makes a President great? List the 3 most important qualities one should possess as President and explain your reasoning. Please post by Sunday 10-25 for full credit.

Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights refer to the first ten amendments to the Constitution:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
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.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

PICK ONE AMENDMENT (FROM I- VIII) THAT YOU COULD GIVE UP IF FORCED TO. EXPLAIN YOUR REASONING. Post by Monday 10-12 for full credit.

Test your current event knowledge

Click on the link below to test your current event knowledge. Complete quiz and talk about your results. What were your strengths and weaknesses? Complete by Sunday 10-4-09 for full credit. Please put first name, last initial and class number with post.


http://www.usatoday.com/news/news-quiz.htm

Concerns facing the United States?

What is your biggest concern currently facing the United States and why? (One paragraph) Please post by Sunday, September 13th for full credit. Must put first name and last initial with post.

Remembering 9-11

What do you remember about 9-11? If you have no memory, when did you first find out about the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11th?
Please post by Wednesday 6-17 for full credit.

Flag Burning

Some protests against the government during the Vietnam War Era included burning the US flag. The Supreme Court ruled that the burning of the US Flag in protest is allowed as freedom of expression. Do you agree with this decision and what is your position on a constitutional amendment which would prohibit the burning of the US Flag?

Please post by Sunday 5-17 for full credit.

Geneva Accords-Rights of Civilians

The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are international treaties that contain the most important rules limiting the barbarity of war. They protect people who do not take part in the fighting (civilians, medics, aid workers) and those who can no longer fight (wounded, sick and shipwrecked troops, prisoners of war). .


The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are part of international humanitarian law – a whole system of legal safeguards that cover the way wars may be fought and the protection of individuals.


They specifically protect people who do not take part in the fighting (civilians, medics, chaplains, aid workers) and those who can no longer fight (wounded, sick and shipwrecked troops, prisoners of war).


The Conventions and their Protocols call for measures to be taken to prevent (or put an end to) what are known as "grave breaches"; those responsible for breaches must be punished. The Geneva Conventions have been acceded to by 194 States and enjoy universal acceptance.



DISCUSSION QUESTION: Complete by Sunday 4-26 for full credit.

Has the "War on Terror" made the Geneva Accords regarding rights of civilians impractical or are they still necessary?

US Soldiers-Military Commanders

During World Wars One and Two, the United States resisted putting United States soldiers' under foreign military commanders. Should this policy remain or should it be changed? Explain your position.

Complete by Monday 3-23 for full credit.

Justification for War?

We will soon be studying about the United States' entry into world war:
Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, so let's discuss reasoning for
going to war.

Is war ever just? Explain one example. Do not repeat other responses.
Complete for full credit by Monday 3-2. Any responses posted after 3-2
will earn half credit.

Wild Ride

How might 2009 be a "wild ride" for you?

Post your comment by Friday 1-16-09 for full credit.