Duties of The Executive Branch

Source: http://papundits.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/duties-of-the-executive/
Constitutional Connection: Article II, Section Section 2
     The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.
Explanation of Connection:
     This cartoon demonstrates Article II of the constitution because it is showing that the Executive branch is not doing what they should be doing. The cartoon shows the founding fathers writing the constitution, they are starting to write the duties of the executive branch, they are saying that their responsibilities are to go on dates and to go on late night talk shows.  This cartoon disappoints me because its exposing the executive branch for what they really are, which is basically t.v. 

Burris to high court: Let me run

Source: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0910/41956.html
Constitutional Connection: Article III, Section 2
     In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be party, the supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.
Explanation of Connection:
     Senator Roland Burris of Illinois, is fighting to serve the final weeks that he has left in the time he has, he is taking this fight all the way to the Supreme Court. A federal court ruling earlier this year said that, only the candidates running for a full Senate term on Nov. 2. can be on the ballot for a special election on the same day to serve the final weeks of Burris' term. The democratic nominee Alexi Giannoulias, GOP nominee Mark Kirk and a few eligible third-party candidates, are on the ballot. But Burris, who has publicly shown interest in running to finish his term, will ask the Supreme Court on Friday to set aside the district court’s ruling. U.S. district judge John Grady's decision ensured Burris could not get on the ballot for the special election. After an unsuccessful attempt to appeal Grady's ruling, Senator Burris is taking his case to the Supreme Court.
     This article is demonstrating the constitution because it shows which cases are able to go to the Supreme Court. Senator Roland Burris tried to work things out with the district judge, but since that didn't work, he is going to take it to the Supreme Court. What i would like to know is, why can't the Supreme Court rule and impeachment?

Obama nominates Sotomayor

Source: http://www.cbs.com/thunder/player/tv/index_prod.php?partner=tvcom&pid=7PjYmOHMCU1y5hlL4s8b1LlunrGfnWcr

Constitutional Connection: Article II, Section 2
     He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
Explaination of Connection:
     President Obama introduced is nominee for the supreme cour, Sonia Sotomayor of New York.  Sotomayor is the first Latina women in the supreme court.  This demonstrates Article II, Section 2  of the Constitution. President Obam said that he takes this responsiblity of appointing someone to the supreme court very seriously. Obama wanted some with a mastry of the law and was able to give clear answers to complex legal questions. Second he wanted someone that understnads the judicial role and that their job is to interpret the laws, not make them.
     I think it's a good and bad thing for the president to nominate and appoint people in office.  It's bad because the president may just use the people that they put in office for their own advantage. It's a good thing because having someone appointed by the president means the president knows them and puts them above every other nominee, so they must be special.

Bill Cartoon

Source: http://zingology.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/20091113_healthbill.jpg
Constitutional Connection: Article 1, The Legislative Branch, Section 7
     "Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States"
Explanation of Connection:
     In the cartoon it shows that this Health Care bill just passed the House of Representatives and is on its way to the senate.  The senate in the cartoon is a brick wall and the house is wall made out of barb wire.  The bill just passed the House of Reps. and says that that was a tough wall to climb and its glad that its done with the house.  But the brick wall (senate) is going to be an even bigger challenge for the bill to pass. 
     This cartoon demonstrates Article 1, Section 8 in the U.S. Constitution.  It shows the process that a bill goes through before it is made into to a law.  I like that it takes more then one step before a bill becomes a law because you get more feedback and opinions on this law from different people.  Some might really hate the bill and other may support it 100%.  Even though this process takes a long time, it is sometime beneficial for the people because your voice is heard through your representative or senator on this bill.

Sunday shows tackle the econamy, taxes

Source: http://www.politico.com/multimedia/
Constitutional Connection: Article 1, The Legislative Branch, Section 8
     "The Congress shall have the power to lay and collect taxes"
Explanation of Connection:
     Congress is debating whether to cut taxes or not.  Senator John Boehner said that if that is the only option he has is to vote for those tax reductions he will vote for them.  Austin Goolsbee, White House Council of Economic Advisers, said that the best way to help these small businesses in the most direct way is, through the presidents small business bill.  Some believe that tax cuts on the richest Americans will have any affect on the economy. Peter Orszag, former director of office management and budget, believes that we cant afford the Bush tax cuts.
     This article demonstrates Article 1, Section 8  of the U.S. Constitution because it demonstrates tax laws.  Congress is trying to pass this small business bill that is supposed help these small business out and create more jobs.
     I think this is a good bill to pass because in a time like this we need tax cuts.  For small businesses this bill might help them out and if it does allow them to hire more workers, the bill will also help out many families.

Nebraska Senator Aims to Repeal Tax-Reporting Mandate in Health Care Law

Source:http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/09/12/nebraska-senator-aims-repeal-tax-reporting-mandate-health-care-law/
Constitutional Connection: Artical 1, The Legistlative Branch, Section 7
     "Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it"
Explaination of Connection:
     The senate is strongly supporting reapling the tax on buissnesses buried deep in the health care law, but President Obama is angleing against it.  Senater Mike Johanns said that the new law, which demands that compainies that makepurchases that are worth more then $600, must file a 1099 reporting form to the vendor and the Internal Revenue Service, will cost billions of dollars and is not worth the price for exposing tax cheats.  "The White House, I think, is probably going to try to get Democrats to walk the plank again on this provision and vote against it. What that means is they would have to go home and say well, I voted that you will have to do more paperwork instead of creating jobs," he said.
     This article is an example of Article 1, Section 7 of the U.S Constitution.  Congress is trying to pass a law that the president is not totally for it.  Even though President Obama is angleing agaist the bill, senaters are still tries to get this bill passed.
     I like the fact that the president does not have the final say for which bills become laws.  This article is interesting because being president is suppossed to be the most imporent job in the country, but it doesnt mean that the president has all the power. 

Arizona Enacts Stringent Law on Immigration

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/24/us/politics/24immig.html
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 10 - Powers of the States and People.
     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
Explanation to Connection:
     Arizona signed the toughest bill on immigration into a law, even after President Obama strongly criticized it. The laws will give police the power to detain anyone who is suspected to be in this country illegally. This is an example of the tenth amendment because it is showing that the states do have power.  Even though President Obama did not like the immigration law that Arizona is setting up, Arizona still has the power to do it.
     I personally do not agree with this law, but it amazes me how much power a state can have.  Every state has the power to make laws about anything(driving age, working age, etc.), but the reason why this is such a big deal is because it is such a big law on such a big issue.  I wonder if the passing of this law will influence other states to do the same?

Fifth Amendment Report Cards

Source: http://www.toonpool.com/cartoons/fifth%20amendment%20report%20cards_50330
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 5
     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.
Explanation of Connection:
     In this cartoon a little boy id trying to see if the fifth amendment will help him with his probably not so good report card. The little boy takes his report card to the law, to get rid of his bad grades. The fifth amendment is saying that you have the right not to incriminate yourself. The boy in the cartoon is trying to use the fifth amendment to deny incriminating himself from his bad grades.
     This cartoon is interesting because of the way it uses a boy and his report card as an example of someone trying to use the fifth amendment. I think it was a good representative because a bad report card id something that you would want to incriminate yourself from.

A Constitutional Case in a Box of Cash

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/business/17road.html?_r=1&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/S/Search%20and%20Seizure?ref=search_and_seizure
Constitutional Connection:  Amendment 4 - Search and Seizure.
     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.
Explaination to Connection:
     Steve Bierfeldt was being detained in a St.Louis airport because the box that he was carrying had $4,700. Security screeners demended to know wehere he got the money. With every question that the T.S.A asked him he would ask if he was legally requird to answer the quesiton.  It turns out that Mr. Bierfeldt was carrying that money because he was returning home from a regional confrence of Campaign for Liberty, a group that supports Ron Paul, the former presidential candidate. Mr. Bierfeldt traveled from political events with donations and money from the sale of T-shirts and bumper stickers.
     This article shows tdemonstrates the fourth amendment of the U.S. constitution because it shows the people have the right of being against unresonable searches and seizers.  In this case Steve Bierfeldt knew that so he decided not to answer any of the questions he was being asked unless it was illeagal if he refused them.
     Just like the rest of the constitution, the fourth amendment gives alot of power and freedom to the people. I respect the fourth amnedment because i think it gives the most power to the people, it gives you the right to not answer anything that you dont want to.

Utah’s Gun Permit Popular With Nonresidents

Source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/us/06guns.html?ref=gun_control
Constitutional Connection: Amendment 2 - Right to Bear Arms.

     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.
Explanation of Connection:
   In 2004, Utah received about 8,000 applications for gun permits. Last year, 73,925 applications were submitted, about 60% of the applications were from non-residents. Utah's gun permit allows thousands of gun owners to have their gun on them in 32 other states that recognize or have formal reciprocity with Utah’s gun regulations. Gun laws vary from state to state. In New York, New Jersey and Connecticut they do not honor other states' permits. Like Utah, Florida allows non-residents to get permits. Utah stands out because its permit is inexpensive and is broadly accepted.
  This is an demonstrated the second amendment because the people who are purchasing these permits in Utah know that they have the right to bear arms. Guns can be used as self defense or in the case of an emergency. I agree that guns are very dangerous and they can be put into the wrong hands. If states have their own gun laws, are they infringing on peoples rights to bear arms?

Rallies in Downtown Manhattan

Source: http://video.nytimes.com/video/playlist/us/1194811622217/index.html
Constitutional Connection:   Amendment 1 - Freedom of Assemble
     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.
Explanation of Connection:
      There have been protests for and against the mosque to be built on ground zero.  Some do not think it is right for there to be a Muslim center near the 9/11 attack.  Around the corner, supporters of the mosque are protesting for the rights of the Muslims to be able to practice their religion freely.
       This is an example of the first amendment because it is showing freedom of assemble. The people protesting against the mosque do not believe that the Muslim's should practice their religion near the September 11 attack. But supporters of the mosque believe that its their constitutional right to practice their religion where they choose. 
        This video is interesting because it shows how both sides of issue are feeling about the mosque being built.  Even though President Obama agreed to the mosque, people are still cominng together to either protest against it or protect it.

Obama's mosque moment frustrates Dems

Source:
http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=92C8F152-18FE-70B2-A878F4F33C430FFC

Constitutional Connection:
Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Press
        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.

Explanation of Connection:
     President Obama is supporting the Park51 community center in Manhattan.  President Obama told Muslim leaders at the White House that he was supporting the community center because organizers " have the same rights to practice their religion as anyone else in this country." Some democrats were annoyed by this.
     This article demonstrates the first amendment because it shows freedom of religion. If president Obama said no to building the mosque that would go against the constitution.  Religion should be practiced freely by anyone who wants to.
     I would hate to live in a country where the government controls the religion and who, when, and where you are allowed to practice it.  This article is interesting because we do not live in a country where your religion is controlled by the government, but the Park 51 project showed us that the government does have the power to do just that.