Read the following article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/29/world/asia/29prexy.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

How important is it for Obama to go to the war zone?

Assess the Presidents powers as Commander in Chief.

What do you think the US should do in both Iraq & Afghanistan?

Health Care

Today is one of the most momentous days in recent political history. Will Obama's health care plan be passed by the House or will it die? Start with the following article and answer a number of questions. You will also need to find a summary of the provision of the heath care bill.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/22/health/policy/22health.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

1. What makes this vote groundbreaking? Is heath care all that important? What is Medicare & Medicaid?
2. What provisions will affect you--think 22 year old newly college graduated?
3. What is a pre-existing condtion & why is it important?
4. Can this program actually save money? How?

You may need to search a bit for answers, but they are all accessible. Good luck!

Who are YOUR PA Congressmen & Senators?

I will assume you know their names--research their websites and give a summary of their views on major issues of the day. (Our Representative & 2 Senators)

1. What is the most surprising positions?

2. Catagorize the PA politicians in terms of their ideology

3. Assess their prospects for reelection

Lobby Through Comedy

The road to political influence is twisted. In an effort to jumpstart the Consumer Protection Agency, A-list comedians, mostly from SNL, redo their President impressions to lobby for a new agency. Watch http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/f5a57185bd/funny-or-die-s-presidential-reunion and answer the following:

1. What are the Presidents trying to do?

2. How is Obama viewed by the former Prezs?

3. Google Richard Shelby. What is his role in fighting the Consumer program?

4. Most importantly--is this effective? Will this type of political action encourage citizen action to support an agency?

5. Detail Obama's plan for a new agency--will it actually happen?