The Framers to the Future

~Benjamin Franklin had invented the first Time machine. James Madison was his first test. Having traveled to 2011, he has landed in the middle of Washington D.C.~

James Madison still couldn't believe it. 234 year into the future and the government system still hasn't changed much. I remember debating over all these issues back then he thought. James had spent the day in Washington D.C, observing the new government. The 3 branches of government were still 3 branches. Electoral College was still electoral college. Even

if the basic structures were similar, how did all these amendments happen? James Madison was intrigued. How did the world get rid of slavery? True it was inhumane but it was essential to the Souths economy. Thats when he saw the map. It was huge!

James Madison was impressed that the country he helped form was such a better place now. Free from the chains of slavery and prejudiced, America has become a superpower that is the symbol of freedom around the world.

Times Up James! Cried Ben Franklin voice. Time to go back t

State government current event

http://www.northjersey.com/news/119822934_Dumont_spending_plan_sees_no_further_staff__program_cuts.html

Dumont school budget comes in at 2 percent

After cutting all school funding, Chris Christie is increasing funding by a little this year. According to the 9th amendment, the state has jurisdiction over everything else that the Federal government doesnt, including schools. Only the state has the power to decide on funding schools.

Federal current event

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2011/03/19/libya_obama_military_intervention

Obama: U.S. will not send ground troops to Libya

"President Barack Obama authorized limited military action against Libya Saturday" Only the National governement (legislative branch) has power over the army. The commander in chief is allowed to command the troops and tell them whether to deploy to the ground. The national government has the power to raise an army. The state government could never have control of an army, or be allowed to raise an army.

Federal powers and State powers

I am the federal government.

I am able to mint money

I am able to raise an army

I am required to provide reliable mail service

I am able to build interstate highways

I am required to deal with federal crimes

I am the state government

I am able to control schools laws

I am able to control marriage laws

I am able to establish local government

I am able to set property laws

I am able to control doctors and lawyers licence laws

I am able to deal with most crimes

I am able to control whatever the federal government controls

We are the Federal and State governments

We are able to impose taxes

We are required to abide by the Constitution at all times

We are able to build roads

We are able to build roads

Judicial Branch current event

http://articles.cnn.com/2010-04-26/justice/walmart.suit_1_wal-mart-stores-appeals-court-class-action/2?_s=PM:CRIME

Court: Wal-Mart gender pay lawsuit can go to trial

Walmart is being sued for discriminating against women. The lawsuit began in California by Betty Dukes and 5 other workers.They are claiming that women make up more than 70 percent of Wal-Mart's hourly work force but in the past decade made up less than one-third of its store management. The federal appeals court came to the conclusion that there was enough merit in the claims to proceed to trial on a class-action track, so the case is being viewed by the Supreme Court.

In Article 3 Section 2 of the Constitution, The supreme court can review a case if they think that the decision will conflict with the Constitution. Also, if the people suing are not happy with the decision of the appellate courts, they can appeal to have the case viewed by the Supreme court.

Current Supreme Court Justices

Dear Mom

Today's field trip to the Supreme Court building was amazing! Walking down the corridors seemed like a dream. This is where the Supreme Court Justices walked. They are the judges who decide on right and wrong. Walking done one hall, I saw pictures of all the curret Justices; Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., Antonin Scalia, Anthony M. Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, Samuel Anthony Alito Jr., Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan. They inspire me to make the right choices. Wish you were here!

Love,

Richard

Types of Courts

The Judicial Court system is made up of 3 levels of courts.

Supreme

-Decisions are final

-will review case if Justices think decision will conflict with the Constitution

-Decisions guide future decisions in lower courts

District

-most cases, federal law

-U.S. divided into large districts, each covers several states

Appellate

-citizens can "appeal" decisions given in District court

-called courts of appeal ot appellate courts

-consider whether the origional trial was fiar/legal

-decisions can appeal to Supreme Court