Tragedy

In his remarks regarding the horrific tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, President Obama alluded to 'taking action' to prevent this from ever happening again. Sadly, political pundits quickly turned his address into a debate over gun control in our country instead of coming together and healing.
So, A.P.G.A.P. students, the question for this week is to examine the role that firearms play in U.S. politics. Why do you think are two political parties are so split when it comes to gun ownership? Why is gun ownership such a hallmark of American culture, but not in other developed countries? What was the intent of the Second Amendment and how does that intent apply to today? Last, would more regulations on gun ownership prevent something like this from ever happening again, or is just a quick reaction in our desire to find someone to blame?

The Supreme Court has announced they will hear two cases on gay marriage this coming spring. As you will learn in a few months, there are two perspectives when it comes to the role the Supreme Court should play in American politics; judicial restraint and judicial activism. As can be concluded from those terms, restraint involves a court that does not seek cases that will lead to significant, sweeping precedents, whereas judicial activism is exactly as it sounds; active in making decisions that lead to policy.
It appears our current Supreme Court is activist as they are tackling one of the most controversial, debated, and current topics in our political culture today.
Read the article and write back with your opinion on the following:
Should the Supreme Court be able to choose cases which will lead to both publicity and policy changes?
How do you think the Supreme Court will decide this case? What amendment(s) will they look to in defining marriage and the constitutionality of a law that bans gay marriage? How do you think the Supreme Court should rule on this case?
Is gay marriage a political issue? Why/why not? Does it matter? Why does it matter? Who should have the authority when it comes to telling people who they can and cannot marry? (country, state, church, individual)...