Secure+Liberty

=and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,=

Reading
Throughout the history of the United States, our government has debated many political issues. Some of these issues disappear with time and progress, while others continue to plague our government. It is important to know and understand each side of the debate so you can make your own educated stance as an informed voter. Download the word document below to your H:drive and work through the assignment, completing research online.



Watching
It is no secret that campaigning in America is VERY expensive. In 1971, the government passed the Federal Election Campaign Act, thus creating Political Action Committees. The Civics Connection is sponsored by the The Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government and their mission is "Promoting the development of enlightened, responsible, and actively engaged citizens." The video cannot be embedded into this wiki, you will need to click on the hyperlink below to watch the video. After viewing the video, click on the "Student Resources" and the "Primary Resources" links below the video for more information on PACs.

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Learning
// Now it is time for your blog post. As you are writing your blog, remember the guidelines you agreed to in our netiquette discussion. Also, do not just answer the questions that are listed below. Use these questions as a guide for your thinking,**do not** just type the question and answer yes or no and // // try to go more in depth. // // You will have to go back and put more depth into your blog if just answer the questions with no extra thoughts. // // Remember this blog is not just for the eyes of your peers in the class, anyone in the world can access your blog and need to fully understand what you are talking about. This reflection is also how you show me that you completed your reading and watching assignments. Make connections to them in your blog and when you talk about them, create a hyperlink in your blog so your readers can see what you saw. Please see me if you need more guidance in posting a blog. //

After viewing the video and completing the comparison chart, complete a reflection in your blog using the questions below as a guide. > >> "The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissention, which in different ages & countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders & miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security & repose in the absolute power of an Individual: and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty." >>
 * 1) How do political parties influence government?
 * 2) In September of 1779, our first president, George Washington, warns the nation about the development of political parties. He cautions the citizens of the newly formed nation to steer away from drawing parties lines. Read the quote below. Why does he believe political parties will be the "ruins of Public Liberty"?
 * 1) What are PACs and why do they have such a great influence on election?
 * 2) Are PACs good for our government? Why or why not?

Doing
Start a new blog called Political Action Committees. Use the provided link to view a listof PAC’s. In your introductory paragraph on your blog post answer:
 * Why are there so many PACs?
 * What is their purpose?

Research a PAC that you would support if you were to support a cause either with volunteering your time or giving of your money. Write a three paragraph explanation in your blog post:
 * of the cause,
 * the reason why you support it,
 * and what types of candidates your PAC would support.