Governor Andrew Cuomo's Vision for New York

Newly elected New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently outlined his vision for New York State. What were some of the specific problems in NY State that he addressed? What does Governor Cuomo hope to accomplish during his administration? Finally, what is your view about some of the major issues facing the state?

Be sure to comment on prior posts and list just your first name, last initial, and Block on your signature.

President Obama's Education Reform Message

""Education is the key to economic success."

President Obama recently issued this quote to the nation and proposed a thorough examination of America's educational system.

In two-three paragraphs explain some of the President's proposals for educational reform and what, in your opinion, do you think he meant by the quote. Factors to consider are competition in a changing, global economy and the realities of limited resources to deal with this issue.

Remembering Sept. 11th

On September 11th, 2010 the United States will mark the 9th Anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in our nation's history. Over 3,000 Americans lost their lives that day and the United States, and the world, still are dealing the reprocussions of that attack.

Your task is to comment on September 11th from a perspective on what it has done to the United States economy. What are some of the economic issues directly, or indirectly, related to the attacks? Spend some time reflecting and researching your response. Your entry should be two-three paragraphs long and try to comment on your peers' blog entries as well.

AP US History- Summer Assignment

Hopefully all of you had a great, and relaxing, summer. As part of your first homework assignment I would like for you to reflect on the textbook reading assignment. Please keep your comments brief (a paragraph or two at most) and discuss what you thought were some of the pros and cons of the assignment. What did you like, or dislike, about THE AMERICAN PAGEANT?

Be sure to read and hopefully comment on your classmates' blog entries. Finally, welcome back to school and I look forward to a great year with all of you.

Local Community Issue

The Town of Schodack, like other small communities throughout NY State, is facing tough economic times and issues. Your group's task is to specifically identify a pressing local issue and a provide a detailed plan about how you would propose to solve it.

Local Government Issues- May, 2010

Participation in Government makes it necessary to be aware and informed of local issues that may impact your community. It has been said that local govt. has more of a direct impact on citizens than any other level of government.

Your task is to research the proposed Schodack Central Schools 2010 Budget and the proposed work furlough for NY State Workers and comment on how both the local and NY State issues impact you or your family. Why is it important and what measures can be taken to deal with these pressing issues?

History of Federalism

The United States established a system of Federalism in order to set up a dual form of government where powers are shared between the federal and state governments. Throughout United States history there has been a constant struggle over that delicate balance of power.

Your task is to work together as a class and generate a timeline of US Federalism and how it has evolved since its inception. Chapter Three in your textbook outlines some of the key terms and event associated with this struggle for power. Use your textbook and other AP Review materials / books (on the heating unit) to list, in chronological order, the major shifts / terms/ transitions/philosophies in the relationship between the federal and state governments.

Your timeline should include Pre-Civil War court cases, the Civil War, late 19th-early 20th century, FDR's New Deal ( a dramatic fundamental shift in philosophy), LBJ's Great Society, Nixon's and Reagan's "NEW" Federalism, and the basic philosophical differences between the Republicans and Democrats over the role of the federal govt (as evidenced by the Health Care debate).

You may work together on this and with about 30 minutes left in class the timeline can be generated up front on the board and you should take notes on it.