Political Science

Class Announcements

  • Handouts were not printed correctly; older versions will be circulated.

  • Students not on the list should write their names down to ensure proper inclusion.

Current Events in U.S. Government

  • Department of Education (DOE) Closure Discussion

    • Recent discussions about the potential closing of the DOE.

    • Importance of the DOE:

      • Provides funding to public schools, especially those in low-income areas.

      • Oversees various educational programs.

    • State responsibility:

      • Schools are funded by property taxes, leading to disparities between wealthier and poorer districts.

      • Curriculum is set by individual states.

  • State Standards and Curriculum Changes

    • California has been proactive in updating education standards, especially in history education, to include diverse perspectives (LGBTQ history, Asian American history, etc.).

    • Contrast with other states, such as Florida, which have banned AP African American studies, showcasing state-level differences.

Implications of DOE Closure

  • Potential Loss of Services

    • Effective programs like Head Start that assist children from low-income families may disappear.

    • Federal oversight of scholarships and grants, including FAFSA processes, could face complications.

    • The DOE was established in 1979; there are currently 15 federal departments, one being the DOE.

  • Funding Implications

    • Closing the DOE could decrease federal funding for education, particularly affecting low-income districts.

    • It raises questions regarding the motivation behind such actions, including the possibility of redirecting funds to other educational initiatives or programs.

Federal Employee Decisions

  • 2 Million Federal Employees to decide by February 7th whether to accept a temporary compensation package or risk job loss.

    • The move is framed as a strategy to downsize the federal workforce, potentially saving money.

    • Challenges raised about how this could impact essential services and public sector stability.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Changes

  • Recent developments have led to the elimination of mandated DEI practices at the federal level.

    • Some companies have stayed committed to DEI initiatives while others rescind these efforts.

    • Ongoing litigation from organizations like the ACLU to challenge these removals.

Examination of the Second Amendment

  • Historical Context

    • Discussion on the origins of the Second Amendment, which emphasized community militias due to the lack of a standing army.

    • Evolved perceptions and regulations surrounding gun ownership.

  • Role of the NRA

    • The National Rifle Association (NRA) presents itself as a defender of civil rights focusing on the right to bear arms.

    • Investigated its influence through lobbying and campaign financing, particularly its significant contributions to candidates who support gun rights.

    • The NRA's strategy has shifted over time, responding to societal changes and gun violence events, pushing for looser gun laws.

Key Legislation and Regulations

  • Gun Control Movements

    • Various legislative responses to gun violence, including the National Firearms Act of 1934, establishing regulations and taxes on firearm ownership.

    • The impact of subsequent laws, particularly focusing on mass shootings and public safety concerns, leading to Assault Weapons Ban of 1994, which expired in 2004.

  • Cultural Shift

    • Discussions around social perception of gun ownership in different states, particularly in conservative areas versus places with stricter laws like California.

Conclusion and Future Discussion Points

  • Ongoing trends in U.S. government, including the evolving landscape of educational funding and gun control legislation.

  • Students encouraged to stay informed and discuss the implications of these changes in future classes.