Executive Order

President Trump promised a record number of executive orders on his first day in office. As of Monday, he has already signed several executive orders and issued several pardons.

For a closer look at the power of these orders and their limits, watch the following story and then answer these questions:

1) What is an 'Executive Order?'

2) How does it work?

3) How is it different than a 'Bill?'

4) Which of Trump's executive orders do you most agree with? Least?

5) If you were President what 'executive orders' would you sign on the first day?

Veterans Day

Dear US Service Member,

We don’t know each other and will probably never meet, but I want you to know that you and all of the troops are in our hearts and prayers each day. Please remember what you're doing will always be appreciated and never forgotten. I wish you all the best and pray for your safe and speedy return home to your family and friends. Thank you.

Talawanda HS Student

Oxford, OH

Some of our soldiers don't get much mail from home. They don't often hear how much we appreciate all they do for our country, even though there are many easy ways in which we can let them know. Write your letters of thanks in class and we will compile and send them to our soldiers currently serving overseas.

Electoral College

 

The final New York Times/Siena College polls, released yesterday, showed a virtually tied race. Kamala Harris is clearly favored in states that account for 226 electoral votes, while Donald Trump is favored in states that account for 219. To win, Harris will likely need at least 44 combined electoral votes from the seven battleground states, while he will likely need 51. But surprises remain possible. A highly regarded Iowa poll, for example, shocked many political analysts over the weekend by showing Harris ahead there — a potential sign of her strength with white voters. Alaska is another state where she has a small chance for a big upset. Trump could pull off his own surprises in New Mexico or New Hampshire.

You can explore all of the combinations through this map.

1) What is the best path to the White House for each candidate?

2) Which candidate benefits most from the Electoral College? Why?

3) How does the current map compare to past Presidential elections?

4) Why don't we just go by the popular vote?

5) Do you think the Electoral College is the best system for choosing our President? Why/ not?

6) What would you do to change the Electoral College if anything?

Make America Scared Again

With Election Day right around the corner from Halloween, it is festively fitting for people around the nation to dress up as the next potential president on the scariest day of the year. Since 1996, Spirit Halloween has accurately predicted who would win the presidency based on sales of presidential candidate masks. 

A latex mask of US President Donald Trump is one of the favorites in the run-up to Halloween celebration this year; even in Mexico. What are the others?  Who will win? You decide...

'Trumpacabra'             'Mamala'

'Creepy Joe'

 'Barackula'    'Hillareficent'

 

Print and cut out your favorite.  Attach to a popsicle stick or tie string to wear. 

 Happy Halloween!

Debate Debrief

 

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris touched on over a dozen topics during the debate Tuesday night in Philadelphia. The graphic above shows the time dedicated to each subject.

The fiery and contentious debate may be the only face-off of the campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris And former President Donald Trump. Harris tried to walk a fine line between being both an incumbent and a change candidate and Trump was called out repeatedly for misinformation.

Donald Trump doubled down on unsupported claims that Haitian immigrants are abducting and eating people's pets in the city of Springfield, Ohio.  

Which of these topics talked about in the debate were most important to you?

Which of these topics do you think they should have talked more about?

Who do you think won the debate?  Why?

Campaign Songs: Harmony vs. Discord

 

Music has helped set the stage for politicians for generations, and some songs have become intertwined with campaigns, from Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the U.S.A.," to Beyoncé's "Freedom." But sometimes artists don't want their songs to be used by a particular candidate – and sometimes they sue! Correspondent Tracy Smith looks at when the playing of political anthems segues into copyright infringement.

1) What messages or values do campaign songs convey?

2) Why do you think some artists don't want their songs to be used by a particular candidate?

3) Are Republican and Democrat's tastes in music different?  Which artists associate with each party?

4) Listen to the playlist from the roll call of the DNC.  Which song represented Ohio?   Do you agree?  Why or why not?

5) If you were a candidate, which song would you pick as your anthem? Why?

What Is Current Events?

This course looks at the role of the media on international, national, state, local, and school-wide levels. Although the content is constantly changing there are recurrent themes including domestic and foreign policy, the economy, war, crime, and the environment.  Let's look back at the stories that made the headlines the past year and, make some predictions about what we may study this year.

What do you think was the biggest story of the Summer?  What predictions do you make about this Fall?