Burning the American Flag

Do you agree or disagree with the court's decision in Texas v. Johnson? Explain.

Federal Drinking Age Reading

In this example, did the federal government abuse its power? (state your opinion with reasons)

Essay Suggestions

- read the question carefully and figure out what you are being asked to write
about; focus especially on the key terms that define your task (define,
discuss, explain)
- organize your ideas and briefly outline your essay before you write
(approximately five minutes)
- write the essay; it should have a brief intro (one or two sentences that
restate the question), the factual information, evidence and examples, and a
conclusion (one or two sentences).
- most AP essays have several parts-make sure you answer all of them
- support your answer with specific examples and evidence
- if time permits, reread the essay and make sure you have answered the
question fully
- don't try to "fake me out" with ideas that do not answer the question
- do your best!

California Article on the Initiative

http://articles.latimes.com/2009/may/20/local/me-analysis20


I think you will find this article interesting.- Mr. Kersey

jesse's post

I personally have a hard time fully siding with one side all together. I see both positives and negatives in both directions. California is an example to me on why initiative should be abolished. California is in such turmoil right now, not fully because of initiative but a good amount. People don't want to pay high taxes but love asking the government to spend money. Keeping the decisions to our voted electives can be a good thing. The people we elect have a great understanding of our government and how it works, it's their job to do so. These people make decisions that are educated and respected, the problem lies in the corruption it todays government. I personally think that their are electives that put themselves before their people, state and country. If that is the case, and respectfully think it is in some cases, then the whole point of people electing senators, governors etc. is put to rest. Thats when initiative comes in handy because the people are actually making the decisions. In a perfect world that would be great because it would truly be the people making the decisions but we don't live in a perfect world. People can be ignorant, stupid, and selfish and that makes initiative obsolete. Getting a group of people together and getting a few signatures for something that brings no positive the the states people can create tension between government and its people. In a perfect world both ways would work perfectly and affectively. But we are far from perfect, so I believe finding a balance is finding a solution.

Initiative and Referendum

I disagree that California, Colorado and other states should abolish the use of the initiative. Using initiative, or in other words limiting the use of representatives in the government, citizens who are eligible to vote have more voice and power in the system. The main purpose of democracy is to grant people equal rights, with the initiative, people can directly involve in solving problems that they think are significant. The result of the process might not always be a success, but it gathers American people together to voice their own opinions. That is the real meaning of democracy, to get people to vote for what they want best.
The most convincing reason that can be brought on against the initiative is the argument of public knowledge. It questions if the citizens are well informed enough to not be altered easily by the media or other influences. I think it is basically the government's job to inform people. They might not have sufficient information about the issue because the representative system leaves their interest out of consideration. To give them the power to vote directly is to uphold the constitutional idea of equality.
The result of the initiative is profound. A popular example is the same-sex marriage issue in Ohio, 2004. Only one single problem regarding same-sex couple having marriages motivated citizens to vote, or to voice their opinions. It means that some controversial issues placed on the ballot can encourage people to participate more in the democratic process. They have their own voice, or their own power.

Initiative/Referendum Question

I do not agree that states such as Colorado and California should abolish their use of initiative. The use of the initiative gives citizens a direct say in their government just as the constitution says "for the people, by the people..." The initiative is a way for voters to have an impact in their government without representation. Whether the citizens are voting for "pregnant pigs" or "gambling lotteries" the initiative allows voters to express their opinions while getting involved in their government.

According to "Ballot Measures Preview" the 2004 election proved that presence of the initiative on the Ohio ballot made an impact. The main issue on the ballot was a ban on same sex marriage. This, being one on the main issues of debate today, made a huge impact on the presidential election. Many people believe that George W. Bush's win of Ohio of nearly two points is credited to the presence of the initiative.

It is proven that states with the initiative have a higher voter turn out by 3-5% than states without the initiative. The increase in voter turnout shows that having the initiative on the ballot makes Americans feel that they have a larger say in the election process. If the initiative can increase the voter turnouts by that margin in only 36 states, I believe that every state should adopt, not abolish the initiative to increase involvement in future elections.