Blog #4: What involvement should US government (state and federal) have in a case like Terri Schiavo's.

The case of Terri Schiavo is a very interesting to look at because of the intricate legal process that followed after being her lifeline was removed. As a background,Terri Schiavo, a middle aged woman, was in a coma since the early 90's. In 1998, her husband made a decision to take off her feeding tube, an essential lifeline, so that she could die a "dignified death". A court order in March of 2005 finally ordered the tube to be removed after seven years of on and off court battles. It is at this moment where the parents of Terri appealed the decision fighting to keep their daughter alive. After this appeal, the case really takes off as it goes through a remarkable 26 court decisions in a matter of weeks. Personally, I feel as if the state should not have a decision in the matter. Yes it is nice to know that it is comforting that both federal and state governments are looking after the personal liberties of its citizens and protecting their rights, especially the 14th amendment concerning her due process rights in court. However, i feel as if the issue is more of a personal decision. And as a personal decision you have to "put yourself in the situation". Maybe it is just me, but what is the point of living if you aren't living a life. However, the point of the case is that it is able to test the balance of powers in the constitution. After losing in the courts (judicial branch), the parents appealed directly to governor Jeb Bush (Executive) only to be sent back to congress (Legislative) who was able to pass a new law. The case goes "full circle" and later ends up dying. I don't know about you but it sounds like a dignified death to me.

What are the similarities and differences between the Honor Code at MBA and the US Constitution?

As stated in the MBA handbook, the Honor Council at Montgomery Bell Academy was instituted in 1945 simply to " promote gentlemanly conduct". While this institution only has influence among faculty and students at MBA, there are many similarities that can be drawn to the US constitution. 

One of these similarities can be with the Supremacy clause in the constitution. This clause states that the national law has the power to override any state law. Similarly, the handbook states that the headmaster has the power to overrule any Honor Council decision. 

Another example illustrating the similarities between the Honor Council and constitution can be seen when electing officers for the Honor Council. The council is composed of twelve students elected by their classmates for a one year term. After each term a member may go up for re-election. Similarly, the constitution states that in the legislative branch a congress is to be comprised of a house of representatives and a senate. After winning an election,each of these bodies hold a two year and six year term respectively.

One key difference between the constitution and honor council is the process by which the system can be ratified. While the constitution has a means of being ratified through amendments, the honor code at MBA is set in stone, and has not undergone any serious changes. 

What is the pupose of government? Does politics support or impede that purpose?

According to American Government: Power and Purpose, Government can be defined as "the institutions and procedures through which a land and its people are ruled" (p.5). While the country we live in is a democratic republic, there are many other types including oligarchies,monarchies, authoritarian governments, etc. Even though there are many forms of government, one might wonder why we have government at all. The primary reason is simple a government is needed to maintain control As the British philosopher Thomas Hobbes points out, Governments are needed to prevent anarchy.By providing order over a people, governments are able to protect the liberties of its citizens. Also as the text illustrates, governments are necessary to provide public services. This can be exemplified by the roadways provided for transportation. 

What do I hope to learn in AP Government this year?

The main reason i chose this class was to simply learn the basics of how my government works. It seems like you can't go a day without turning on the television and hear of a brewing political debate or the 2008 presidential race for the white house. By taking this class, I hope to have some of these questions answered. I also see this class as a potential gateway toward opening a future in political science in college. I have always been attracted by the allure of senate and presidential races, and have made in effort in the past to keep current with issues not only around the nation, but  in middle Tennessee as well. In particular, it will be interesting to learn about how a political campaign is run,especially from a man who holds a public office.