Black History Month Essay Contest

Here is a link to another essay contest.  The essay is limited to 500 words and the topic is:

"Describe an African-American who made a significant achievement in science and technology and how has that achievement advanced American quality of life. How has this person inspired you to become interested in science and technology and how do you plan to use this inspiration to advance America?"  

Here is a link to the forms needed to enter the contest.  You must snail mail it in and the deadline is January 20, 2012, so time is running out.  I know the topic is not exactly government, but it is a great chance to get money for college!  Good luck!

Policy presentations

Go to prezi.com if you want an alternative to powerpoint.

Art and essay contest

Global Connections and the Amity Turkish Cultural Center are having an art and essay contest. The theme is "1 billion hungry in the world, what is your role?" Here is a link to the website. submission are due January 27, 2012. Let me know if you would like to participate and I can sponsor you.

Is the incumbency advantage no longer so advantageous??

According to a recent Gallup poll 76% of Americans think most Congressmen and women should be fired. Here is a link to the CNN article.

Missed the GOP debate on Saturday?

Here is some coverage of the Republican debate held on Saturday from the CNN Politics page. Aside from the article there are also some videos on this page, mostly about Gingrich and the extra scrutiny that comes with rising to the top of the field.

Fox News interview of DNC chairwoman

Debbie Wasserman-Schultz is interviewed on Fox News about the upcoming Presidential election and the candidates President Obama might face.

Opinion article on recent birth control ruling

CNN article

New immigration news

Foxnews article

Guidelines for policy presentations

AP US Gov. and Pol. group policy presentations 2011 Guidelines

15 points available in each category

Presentation style/creativity – Are you simply reading the powerpoint? Do you have some sort of activity that would require class participation? Are you making the debate come alive for the students?

Clarity and accuracy – Do you make the argument easier to understand? Do you give both sides of the policy debate a fair shake? Is there a perspective of the policy debate that is missing in your presentation?

Evidence of research – Do you have a complete list of resources? Are parts of your presentation cited? Are the resources gathered credible?

Choice of multimedia excerpt – Did this add to the overall educational value of your presentation? Do you actively point out the merit of whatever it is that you chose? Is there any accompanied activity that goes along with the multimedia choice?

Assessment of other group members – Are you honestly reporting your group member contributions? Is it clear how the presentation was put together with help from all members of the group?

Stossel in the Classroom essay contest

Here is another opportunity for an essay contest and here is the prompt:

Why do you think politicians make promises? When they try to keep them, why are there often unintended consequences? Describe a promise made by a current politician or political candidate from any party, and discuss whether or not they will be able to keep that promise and what, if any, are some potential unintended consequences from that promise. Please use at least one example from the Stossel special or other Stossel report to support your response.

Go to the website for more details. We will be viewing the accompanying video on December 9th (A-day) and December 12th (B-day). The essay is between 500-1000 words and is due by February 6th.

Gingrich plans to rework social security

Will it work? Art Laffer discusses on Fox News

Republican Debate

Watch the Republican Debate tonight

Essay contest

Here is the link to an essay contest where the first prize is $1000 cash.