We have successfully completed our legislature that we are going to propose to either Rob's or Nathan's representative. We intentionally kept it brief and to the point in hopes that a politician might actually take the time to read a shorter bill proposed by someone other than himself. This is our letter to a state senator. Currently it is addressed to Senator Wiens of Douglas County.
Nathan Kamins Rob Newell
7119 S. Glencoe ct 2414 East Terrace Dr
Centennial, CO 80122 Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
March 25, 2008
Colorado State Capitol
200 East Colfax
Denver CO 80203
Dear Senator Wiens:
We are writing as two concerned high school students from Arapahoe High School, Rob Newell and Nathan Kamins. We are writing to you because as American citizens we have been taught that everyone, regardless of class, gender, race, and any other division possible, can have a positive influence on the government. As the acting senator in Rob Newell’s representative district, we are appealing to your human sensibilities to help us in this time of economic downturn. We have learned that most success starts at the state level and so we contacted you in hopes that we could change or community for the better along with your help.
In the face of the current economic situation, we feel Colorado should do more to ensure its own economic prosperity and that of its inhabitants. As students, the economic issue most immediate to us is the affordability of higher education. With the National Renewable Energy Laboratory located right here in the state, Colorado should do more to recruit top academic talent to the sate in order to establish ourselves as a Mecca for the renewable energy economy. That is why we are proposing a specific scholarship program to encourage bright young minds from inside and outside the state to study and live in Colorado.
The current cost of higher education is simply unacceptable. By investing a small amount in a student’s higher academic career, Colorado can stand as a harbinger, showing the positive economic impact that investment has on both the scholarship recipient and the community in which he lives. This is why Colorado should begin a program offering full tuition to any school in the state for the most qualified in-state and out-of-state candidates, in exchange for a two-year commitment to live and work in Colorado for two years after graduation.
Because of Colorado’s unique opportunity in the renewable energy economy, this program should be focused primarily on students with an interest in environmental studies, environmental engineering, or energy-based research. This is why we also propose a concomitant increase in funding to energy research programs at universities throughout the state. By establishing the University of Colorado as the pre-eminent research base for renewable energy in the nation, and making it financially viable for the top students in the country to attend this program, Colorado can boost its own economy with their continued presence and foster the growth of an industry known for its progressivism.
As concerned citizens of our state it would be in yours and our best interest to pursue any programs which would better our economy and reputation amongst the other states in our nation. We feel that you truly have the best interest of our state at heart and thus if you feel that this proposal is beneficial please contact us (Nathan Kamins – Nathankamins@gmail.com, Rob Newell – Hardy38@comcast.net) for more information on this hopeful proposition to better our state.
Sincerely,
Rob Newell and Nathan Kamins
Concerned AP government students at Arapahoe High School
Mar 29, 2008
Mar 20, 2008
Cost of college
As most of us are getting very close to college the price is starting to become a real issue. Today, in 2008, we hear all about the price of school etc. here are articles in 2004 and 2006 discussing the price increase. If every year we are appalled by the cost of school, what is it going to be like when Mr. Meyer sends his kids to school?
2006 article
2004 article
2006 article
2004 article
Mar 16, 2008
the economic impact of renewable energy
As the sting of our quickly diminishing economy starts to hit home with many of us, we look at what is causing much of what we as Arapahoe students are experiencing. While there are very few at our school who are truly suffering we still are literally paying the price for the increase in price of gasoline. And as the costs of filling our tanks go up, so does the cost of our lunches. Our foreign relations do not seem to be fixing themselves very quickly and so we must look progressively at what might be a solution for our problems. One way to kick-start an improvement in our economy would be to lessen our dependency on foreign oil and gasoline. If we look toward different energy sources in the future, we could also see a better economy in the future.
Below is a link to an article discussing the benefits of renewable energy in Pennsylvania, imagine what could happen to Colorado and its image if we were to create some initiative in this field.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07228/809842-28.stm
Below is a link to an article discussing the benefits of renewable energy in Pennsylvania, imagine what could happen to Colorado and its image if we were to create some initiative in this field.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07228/809842-28.stm
Jan 29, 2008
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Here is a link the the official site of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
http://www.nrel.gov/
We feel that the National Renewable Energy Laboratory would be an excellent place to invest our ideas in order to promote the economy of our state.
http://www.nrel.gov/
We feel that the National Renewable Energy Laboratory would be an excellent place to invest our ideas in order to promote the economy of our state.
Jan 28, 2008
The Economy Today
The following article was published by the New York Times as an analysis of Bush's economic stimulus package: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/24/washington/24cnd-econ.html?hp
Check it out!
Jan 12, 2008
Federalism
Below is a look at the federal government vs the state government in economic issues.
After researching the differences between state and federal economic policies, and decisions on passing bills, we have decided that the state senate will be the most probable outlet for making any legitimate difference with out legislature. Stay tuned for the final draft of our bill!
National versus State Government
The first type of government in America (the Articles of Confederation) was based primarily on state government. Prior to the signing of the Constitution, America had been made up of thirteen colonies, which had been ruled by England. Following the Revolutionary War, these colonies, although they had formed a league of friendship under the Articles of Confederation, basically governed themselves. They feared a strong central government like the one they lived with under England's rule. However, it was soon discovered that this weak form of state government could not survive and so the Constitution was drafted. The Constitution:
• defines and limits the power of the national government,
• defines the relationship between the national government and individual state governments, and
• guarantees the rights of the citizens of the United States.
This time, it was decided that a government system based on federalism would be established. In other words, power is shared between the national and state (local) governments. The opposite of this system of government is a centralized government, such as in France and Great Britain, where the national government maintains all power.
Sharing power between the national government and state governments allows us to enjoy the benefits of diversity and unity. For example, the national government may set a uniform currency system. Could you imagine having 50 different types of coins, each with a different value? You would need to take along a calculator to go shopping in another state. By setting up a national policy, the system is fair to everyone and the states do not have to bear the heavy burden of regulating their currency.
On the other hand, issues such as the death penalty have been left up to the individual states. The decision whether or not to have a death penalty, depends on that state's history, needs, and philosophies.
Exclusive Powers of the National Government and State Governments
National Government State Governments
• Print money
• Regulate interstate (between states) and international trade
• Make treaties and conduct foreign policy
• Declare war
• Provide an army and navy
• Establish post offices
• Make laws necessary and proper to carry out the these powers • Issue licenses
• Regulate intrastate (within the state) businesses
• Conduct elections
• Establish local governments
• Ratify amendments to the Constitution
• Take measures for public health and safety
• May exert powers the Constitution does not delegate to the national government or prohibit the states from using
In addition to their exclusive powers, both the national government and state governments share powers. Shared powers between the national government and state governments are called concurrent powers. Current powers of the national government and state governments include the ability to:
• Collect taxes
• Build roads
• Borrow money
• Establish courts
• Make and enforce laws
• Charter banks and corporations
• Spend money for the general welfare
• Take private property for public purposes, with just compensation
Powers Denied to the National Government and State Governments
National Government State Governments
• May not violate the Bill of Rights
• May not impose export taxes among states
• May not use money from the Treasury without the passage and approval of an appropriations bill
• May not change state boundaries • May not enter into treaties with other countries
• May not print money
• May not tax imports or exports
• May not Impair obligations of contracts
• May not suspend a person's rights without due process
In addition, neither the national government nor state governments may:
• Grant titles of nobility
• Permit slavery (13th Amendment)
• Deny citizens the right to vote due to race, color, or previous servitude (15th Amendment)
• Deny citizens the right to vote because of gender (19th Amendment)
Branches of Government
The delegates to the Constitutional Convention faced a difficult challenge. They wanted to ensure a strong, cohesive central government, yet they also wanted to ensure that no individual or small group in the government would become too powerful. Because of the colonies’ experience under the British monarchy, the delegates wanted to avoid giving any one person or group absolute control in government. Under the Articles of Confederation, the government had lacked centralization, and the delegates didn’t want to have that problem again. To solve these problems, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention created a government with three separate branches, each with its own distinct powers. This system would establish a strong central government, while insuring a balance of power.
Governmental power and functions in the United States rest in three branches of government: the legislative, judicial, and executive. Article 1 of the Constitution defines the legislative branch and vests power to legislate in the Congress of the United States. The executive powers of the President are defined in Article 2. Article 3 places judicial power in the hands of one Supreme Court and inferior courts as Congress sees necessary to establish. A complete diagram of the branches of the U.S. Government may be found in the U.S. Government Manual (PDF, 9.7k).
Though in this system of a "separation of powers" each branch operates independently of the others. However, there are built in "checks and balances" to prevent tyrannous concentration of power in any one branch and to protect the rights and liberties of citizens. For example, the President can veto bills approved by Congress and the President nominates individuals to serve in the Federal judiciary; the Supreme Court can declare a law enacted by Congress or an action by the President unconstitutional; and Congress can impeach the President and Federal court justices and judges.
State Government
State governments have their own constitutions, similar to that of the national Constitution; however, the laws made in individual states cannot conflict with the national Constitution. The state constitutions all differ because each state has unique histories, needs, philosophies, and geography.
During the first 100 years of United States history, the states did most of the governing that directly affected the people. The national government mainly concentrated on foreign affairs. This is known as "dual federalism," where each level of government controlled its own sphere. However, during this time a rift began to form between the two over the issue of who had sovereignty that would culminate in the Civil War.
This issue was resolved following the Civil War. After the war, a series of constitutional amendments were passed that spelled out the federal government's control over social and economic policy and protection of the civil rights of citizens.
The Civil War Amendments
• Thirteenth Amendment: "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime . . . shall exist within the United States."
• Fourteenth Amendment: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States . . . are citizens of the United States . . . No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."
• Fifteenth Amendment: "The rights of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."
After researching the differences between state and federal economic policies, and decisions on passing bills, we have decided that the state senate will be the most probable outlet for making any legitimate difference with out legislature. Stay tuned for the final draft of our bill!
National versus State Government
The first type of government in America (the Articles of Confederation) was based primarily on state government. Prior to the signing of the Constitution, America had been made up of thirteen colonies, which had been ruled by England. Following the Revolutionary War, these colonies, although they had formed a league of friendship under the Articles of Confederation, basically governed themselves. They feared a strong central government like the one they lived with under England's rule. However, it was soon discovered that this weak form of state government could not survive and so the Constitution was drafted. The Constitution:
• defines and limits the power of the national government,
• defines the relationship between the national government and individual state governments, and
• guarantees the rights of the citizens of the United States.
This time, it was decided that a government system based on federalism would be established. In other words, power is shared between the national and state (local) governments. The opposite of this system of government is a centralized government, such as in France and Great Britain, where the national government maintains all power.
Sharing power between the national government and state governments allows us to enjoy the benefits of diversity and unity. For example, the national government may set a uniform currency system. Could you imagine having 50 different types of coins, each with a different value? You would need to take along a calculator to go shopping in another state. By setting up a national policy, the system is fair to everyone and the states do not have to bear the heavy burden of regulating their currency.
On the other hand, issues such as the death penalty have been left up to the individual states. The decision whether or not to have a death penalty, depends on that state's history, needs, and philosophies.
Exclusive Powers of the National Government and State Governments
National Government State Governments
• Print money
• Regulate interstate (between states) and international trade
• Make treaties and conduct foreign policy
• Declare war
• Provide an army and navy
• Establish post offices
• Make laws necessary and proper to carry out the these powers • Issue licenses
• Regulate intrastate (within the state) businesses
• Conduct elections
• Establish local governments
• Ratify amendments to the Constitution
• Take measures for public health and safety
• May exert powers the Constitution does not delegate to the national government or prohibit the states from using
In addition to their exclusive powers, both the national government and state governments share powers. Shared powers between the national government and state governments are called concurrent powers. Current powers of the national government and state governments include the ability to:
• Collect taxes
• Build roads
• Borrow money
• Establish courts
• Make and enforce laws
• Charter banks and corporations
• Spend money for the general welfare
• Take private property for public purposes, with just compensation
Powers Denied to the National Government and State Governments
National Government State Governments
• May not violate the Bill of Rights
• May not impose export taxes among states
• May not use money from the Treasury without the passage and approval of an appropriations bill
• May not change state boundaries • May not enter into treaties with other countries
• May not print money
• May not tax imports or exports
• May not Impair obligations of contracts
• May not suspend a person's rights without due process
In addition, neither the national government nor state governments may:
• Grant titles of nobility
• Permit slavery (13th Amendment)
• Deny citizens the right to vote due to race, color, or previous servitude (15th Amendment)
• Deny citizens the right to vote because of gender (19th Amendment)
Branches of Government
The delegates to the Constitutional Convention faced a difficult challenge. They wanted to ensure a strong, cohesive central government, yet they also wanted to ensure that no individual or small group in the government would become too powerful. Because of the colonies’ experience under the British monarchy, the delegates wanted to avoid giving any one person or group absolute control in government. Under the Articles of Confederation, the government had lacked centralization, and the delegates didn’t want to have that problem again. To solve these problems, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention created a government with three separate branches, each with its own distinct powers. This system would establish a strong central government, while insuring a balance of power.
Governmental power and functions in the United States rest in three branches of government: the legislative, judicial, and executive. Article 1 of the Constitution defines the legislative branch and vests power to legislate in the Congress of the United States. The executive powers of the President are defined in Article 2. Article 3 places judicial power in the hands of one Supreme Court and inferior courts as Congress sees necessary to establish. A complete diagram of the branches of the U.S. Government may be found in the U.S. Government Manual (PDF, 9.7k).
Though in this system of a "separation of powers" each branch operates independently of the others. However, there are built in "checks and balances" to prevent tyrannous concentration of power in any one branch and to protect the rights and liberties of citizens. For example, the President can veto bills approved by Congress and the President nominates individuals to serve in the Federal judiciary; the Supreme Court can declare a law enacted by Congress or an action by the President unconstitutional; and Congress can impeach the President and Federal court justices and judges.
State Government
State governments have their own constitutions, similar to that of the national Constitution; however, the laws made in individual states cannot conflict with the national Constitution. The state constitutions all differ because each state has unique histories, needs, philosophies, and geography.
During the first 100 years of United States history, the states did most of the governing that directly affected the people. The national government mainly concentrated on foreign affairs. This is known as "dual federalism," where each level of government controlled its own sphere. However, during this time a rift began to form between the two over the issue of who had sovereignty that would culminate in the Civil War.
This issue was resolved following the Civil War. After the war, a series of constitutional amendments were passed that spelled out the federal government's control over social and economic policy and protection of the civil rights of citizens.
The Civil War Amendments
• Thirteenth Amendment: "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime . . . shall exist within the United States."
• Fourteenth Amendment: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States . . . are citizens of the United States . . . No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."
• Fifteenth Amendment: "The rights of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."
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