have a link to an article from the news that
addresses that unit’s ideas and concepts (US House of representatives in their constituencies: an exploration form the book (the american congress reader). . The student initiating the post, should also spend a
paragraph (200 words) explaining how the article speaks to the unit’s readings. It is ideal that the article
be current (i.e., in the news of the day) but depending on news cycles, this may not be
feasible. In that case, students should search for news items in the last six months or year.
Students responding to posts should add something new to the discussion, not merely agree
or disagree with it. Whether agreeing or not, responses should be thoughtful and add texture
and nuance to the discussion, perhaps through the linking of other stories or the offering of
additional or counter examples.
also write a response to each post of these three posts do not have to agree or disagree just add a paragraph adding to the argument.
1- Diversity in congress
/th-us-congress-is-the-most-racially-diverse/3661380.html” rel=”nofollow”>https://www.voanews.com/a/th-us-congress-is-the-most-racially-diverse/3661380.html
The new Congress set to take office in January is slated to be the most racially diverse in history. Record numbers of Hispanics, African-Americans, Asian-Americans and women of color will serve in the next legislative session. Most of the racial, gender and religious diversity will be represented by Democratic lawmakers in the House and Senate, even though the party is the minority of both chambers.The Congress will still be overwhelmingly white and male compared to the overall population. And the number of women serving in the House and Senate is flat. Fourteen women won election for the first time this month, but those gains will be offset by the number of female lawmakers who are leaving at the end of this year. Hispanics will hit a new record in the next Congress, with 38 members across both chambers. Thirty-four Hispanics will serve in the House, while the Senate will have four Hispanic members.
2-Puerto Rico Statehood
http://thehill.com/homenews/news/337347-puerto-rico-votes-in-favor-of-statehood
One issue that I feel is not getting enough attention is statehood for Puerto Rico. There was a vote in Puerto Rico to see if they should be granted statehood. An overwhelming majority of the vote, 97 percent, voted for statehood. However, only 23 percent of the population voted. Therefore, detractors argue the vote isn’t fully representative of Puerto Rico’s interests. Additionally, rights for statehood has to go through congress. It is highly unlikely that they will approve statehood for Puerto Rico. This is mainly because being a state would entitle Puerto Rico to federal funds and protections. With the government currently having a republican majority, it is unlikely that they would allow funds to be used to help repair Puerto Rico. There is a high unemployment rate, as well as rampant crime and poor education. It would be quite the undertaking that the current congress would not likely take. If anyone has any input regarding Puerto Rico’s statehood and bailout please comment!
3-Congress’ Leadership Power
The link below is to an article on the complications Congress is currently going through in regard to downsizing experts congressional staff has access to. With reduced staff and expertise to rely on, members are forced to conduct their own public relations. Public relations that have increased in recent years with social media and in turn have given more responsibilities to members. Members who turn to leadership for help and guidance. This gives more power to leadership because they have the ability to keep their resources on hand.
The connection of this article to our readings is leadership activities and media and public relations. Leadership activities and duties have increased with the reduction of staff and members become more reliant on leadership. This gives leadership more power in institutional tasks such as organizing the chamber and scheduling floor business, and party tasks such as organizing the party promoting party unity, and publicizing party views. With media and public relations, leaders don’t necessarily have full teams and groups to “orchestrate, organize, and coordinate political events and communication strategies that promote the party’s message to the general public” (Davidson, 159).
0 comments