Currently getting sources together for the annotated bibliography and working on app essays.
Waiting to hear back from my potential mentor.
Finished TREK today!
Wednesday update: Found a book and Electoral Choice, Ideological Conflict, and Political
Participation
Talking on the phone is really scary for me but I have a mentor! (She's Miss Alison Whitten, the one Mr. Correa suggested. She is currently a legislative assistant for a government relations firm in Washington, D.C.) I will be receiving some informative links from her later tonight. So excited!
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Friday, September 26, 2014
TREK Post 1
We did not have class today because of TREK. I've been working on essays and getting sources together. I did go over an essay today with Mr. Templet.
Saturday update: it's funny how life works. One of my previous links broke and I went looking for the article it cited and instead found a better one! Here it is.
Halfway through with the annotated bibliography.
Sunday update: this.
Saturday update: it's funny how life works. One of my previous links broke and I went looking for the article it cited and instead found a better one! Here it is.
Halfway through with the annotated bibliography.
Sunday update: this.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Bibliography and ACT
We received practice packets for the ACT today. I am getting my sources together and annotating them. I am scheduled to go over an application essay with Mr. Templet on Friday.
A potential mentor (recommended by Mr. Correa, thanks sir) responded. I am going to discuss my thesis with her on Thursday to see if she can help. If it's not her field there's a good chance she knows somebody who could help.
For comparison and ideas: Electoral systems from around the world (Notes: legislative electoral systems were split into three categories (majoritarian, proportional, and mixed). I was interested to see that the idea of ranking candidates was used in some countries, since this was been suggested for use in the United States at an MIT event.)
Reforming the nomination process (Notes: The panel concluded that the primaries and caucuses should start later than they did in 2008; the earlier they start, the more they favor candidates with better funding. It was also proposed that the states which hold the primaries and caucuses first rotate, ending Iowa and New Hampshire's influential status. Having small states hold the primaries/caucuses first would allow the larger states to get more information about candidates through the media. the main goals of the nomination process were also stated: it should elect quality candidates, not the most well-known or best financed, the earlier voting states should provide information to the later states, there should be maximum participating/voter turnout, and the states should have equal power over the process).
A potential mentor (recommended by Mr. Correa, thanks sir) responded. I am going to discuss my thesis with her on Thursday to see if she can help. If it's not her field there's a good chance she knows somebody who could help.
For comparison and ideas: Electoral systems from around the world (Notes: legislative electoral systems were split into three categories (majoritarian, proportional, and mixed). I was interested to see that the idea of ranking candidates was used in some countries, since this was been suggested for use in the United States at an MIT event.)
Reforming the nomination process (Notes: The panel concluded that the primaries and caucuses should start later than they did in 2008; the earlier they start, the more they favor candidates with better funding. It was also proposed that the states which hold the primaries and caucuses first rotate, ending Iowa and New Hampshire's influential status. Having small states hold the primaries/caucuses first would allow the larger states to get more information about candidates through the media. the main goals of the nomination process were also stated: it should elect quality candidates, not the most well-known or best financed, the earlier voting states should provide information to the later states, there should be maximum participating/voter turnout, and the states should have equal power over the process).
Monday, September 22, 2014
Day 10: Presentations, Bibliography, etc.
Spent some time reading the documents associated with the annotated bibliography assignment (due October 3rd before school) and the first set of thesis presentations (mine is October 10th).
Getting together some sources:
I tried to look at this book but the internet said it was blocked or something.
The polarizing effect of presidential debates
A list of some alternatives to the electoral college
MIT discusses alternatives to the electoral college
Reforming the presidential nomination system (note: this was before the 2012 elections; check to see what changes were implemented first)
During our thesis presentation we are supposed to explain why our projects are important so I am finding some statistics for that:
Pew Research Center polls regarding the election in 2012
(Notes: Page 2, negative campaigning)
Media in 2012 (Republicans)
(Personal lives of the candidate were consistently covered more than policy issues, and public record)
Abolishing the electoral college and replacing it with the popular vote.
Getting together some sources:
I tried to look at this book but the internet said it was blocked or something.
The polarizing effect of presidential debates
A list of some alternatives to the electoral college
MIT discusses alternatives to the electoral college
Reforming the presidential nomination system (note: this was before the 2012 elections; check to see what changes were implemented first)
During our thesis presentation we are supposed to explain why our projects are important so I am finding some statistics for that:
Pew Research Center polls regarding the election in 2012
(Notes: Page 2, negative campaigning)
Media in 2012 (Republicans)
(Personal lives of the candidate were consistently covered more than policy issues, and public record)
Abolishing the electoral college and replacing it with the popular vote.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Day 9: Prezi and Mentors
I investigated how Prezi works. The format is learn able and there is a forum for questions in case I run into formatting trouble. There is also a timeline template. I will need to modify it, of course.
Mr. Correa has suggested a mentor (an alum's parent, yay!) who should be contacted for government related theses, so I will see if she would be willing to mentor me.
Getting my college and scholarship essays more organized on Google Drive (putting them in folders and such) and I also have my two teacher recommenders and my employer (Dr. Stuart Ravnik, STARS program).
Ms. Johnson just gave me my transcripts so that's on track.
More articles to read for the timeline (I have the general process down, but the specifics are a little fuzzy. Also I need to get more into the campaign process.):
Delegate details
A timeline of the 2012 election (it starts in 2009!)
The government's timeline for the 2012 election
2008 election timeline for comparison
Note to myself to study the debate process and its criticisms when looking at the campaigning process.
(In other news, Mr. Satarino subbed, Ruby received her driver's license, and David gave us all fruit snacks).
Update: waiting for mentor response, applied for another scholarship, finishing Apply Texas essays, scheduled to meet with Mr. Templet again this Friday.
Mr. Correa has suggested a mentor (an alum's parent, yay!) who should be contacted for government related theses, so I will see if she would be willing to mentor me.
Getting my college and scholarship essays more organized on Google Drive (putting them in folders and such) and I also have my two teacher recommenders and my employer (Dr. Stuart Ravnik, STARS program).
Ms. Johnson just gave me my transcripts so that's on track.
More articles to read for the timeline (I have the general process down, but the specifics are a little fuzzy. Also I need to get more into the campaign process.):
Delegate details
A timeline of the 2012 election (it starts in 2009!)
The government's timeline for the 2012 election
2008 election timeline for comparison
Note to myself to study the debate process and its criticisms when looking at the campaigning process.
(In other news, Mr. Satarino subbed, Ruby received her driver's license, and David gave us all fruit snacks).
Update: waiting for mentor response, applied for another scholarship, finishing Apply Texas essays, scheduled to meet with Mr. Templet again this Friday.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Day 8: Reading, Badges, College
I am thinking about how to format the timeline. A paper would probably not be efficient; I want to investigate every stage of the election, look at proposed improvements, and then study the pros and cons of each improvement as well as their constitutionality. I feel like a Prezi, from what I've seen of them, might be okay, provided I manage to counteract the amount of text there will be. So today I will look at how it works.
How the caucuses work
(Notes: Iowa holds its caucus first, 19 states hold caucuses, the opinion seems to be that the voter turnout is not high except in Iowa, most Republican caucuses are winner-take-all, Democrats assign delegates based on the percent of the vote each there is this thing called a mixed-caucus system, after the caucus there is usually another stage before the delegates are sent to the national convention)
Overall thought: A lot of the election system seems to be this tug-of-war between wanting voters' input but trying to avoid "tyranny of the majority" or results influenced by the uneducated masses.
That makes the overall question how do we make sure the presidential candidates and the choice of the president reflect the will of the people while avoiding the election of someone who looks good but is ineffective.
I did a freak out about college apps, just because the recommendation process is becoming a hurdle. I have all the paperwork filled out but I couldn't print it all out multiple times to give to recommenders so I emailed them, which I hope is okay.
I am also looking at ways people have tried to reform caucus procedures, like Count My Vote in Utah.
Update: Still freaking about college and scholarship apps. There's just a lot of paperwork and due dates and it's kind of overwhelming. I'll figure it out, I think.
How the caucuses work
(Notes: Iowa holds its caucus first, 19 states hold caucuses, the opinion seems to be that the voter turnout is not high except in Iowa, most Republican caucuses are winner-take-all, Democrats assign delegates based on the percent of the vote each there is this thing called a mixed-caucus system, after the caucus there is usually another stage before the delegates are sent to the national convention)
Overall thought: A lot of the election system seems to be this tug-of-war between wanting voters' input but trying to avoid "tyranny of the majority" or results influenced by the uneducated masses.
That makes the overall question how do we make sure the presidential candidates and the choice of the president reflect the will of the people while avoiding the election of someone who looks good but is ineffective.
I did a freak out about college apps, just because the recommendation process is becoming a hurdle. I have all the paperwork filled out but I couldn't print it all out multiple times to give to recommenders so I emailed them, which I hope is okay.
I am also looking at ways people have tried to reform caucus procedures, like Count My Vote in Utah.
Update: Still freaking about college and scholarship apps. There's just a lot of paperwork and due dates and it's kind of overwhelming. I'll figure it out, I think.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Day 7: TAG Forum
We didn't have class today because of forum. However, I did go over an application essay with Mr. Templet this morning and I am filling out the survey for teacher recs. Also will be doing more college stuff over the weekend. I also requested transcripts today.
Sunday update: Edited the app essay, did the short answer questions for UT, working on two other app essays, and I have one question left on the survey. Trying to clear this college stuff so I can really focus on thesis...
Sunday update: Edited the app essay, did the short answer questions for UT, working on two other app essays, and I have one question left on the survey. Trying to clear this college stuff so I can really focus on thesis...
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Day 6: Survey, Resume, Thesis
We are supposed to fill out a survey, but some of the info I need for it is at home and you can't save your progress, so I think filling it out at home will be in my best interests.
I also updated my resume.
After reading more articles I am getting more knowledgeable about the primary/caucus stage. The most common issue I am seeing with the primaries is that they are held at different times, so the states that vote early have more influence and candidates that are better known/ have better funding get a sort of head start. Some proposed solution include having all the primaries at the same time, and dividing the country into four regions which vote successively.
I will be looking into the pros and cons and the constitutionality of each proposed solution.
I also updated my resume.
After reading more articles I am getting more knowledgeable about the primary/caucus stage. The most common issue I am seeing with the primaries is that they are held at different times, so the states that vote early have more influence and candidates that are better known/ have better funding get a sort of head start. Some proposed solution include having all the primaries at the same time, and dividing the country into four regions which vote successively.
I will be looking into the pros and cons and the constitutionality of each proposed solution.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Day 5: Making the Timeline
Continued reading articles. Also started constructing the timeline (with this basic info on the election process). I am taking government this year so it turns out I can read the constitution for two classes this year. Success!
Timeline:
The states vote for their delegates in primaries or caucuses.
The delegates go to their party's convention and vote for the presidential candidate.
Generally, the winning presidential candidate selects his/her VP.
The voters participate in the general election, voting for their electors.
The electors vote in the electoral college (538 votes). If it ties, the House chooses the president, and the Senate chooses the VP.
Problems with the process:
Caucus: (will be getting details out of some articles: problems(WP), pros and cons)
Primaries: (NYT editorial)
Electoral college: "misfires," winner-take-all (remember that Maine and Nebraska are the only states who use the district system), candidates focus on swing states, often completely neglecting over half the states in favor of states that can win them the election.
House contingency procedure: one-state-one-vote, giving a lot of power to small states.
Things to investigate:
Utah's changes to the caucus.
Caucuses vs. Primaries
Timeline:
The states vote for their delegates in primaries or caucuses.
The delegates go to their party's convention and vote for the presidential candidate.
Generally, the winning presidential candidate selects his/her VP.
The voters participate in the general election, voting for their electors.
The electors vote in the electoral college (538 votes). If it ties, the House chooses the president, and the Senate chooses the VP.
Problems with the process:
Caucus: (will be getting details out of some articles: problems(WP), pros and cons)
Primaries: (NYT editorial)
Electoral college: "misfires," winner-take-all (remember that Maine and Nebraska are the only states who use the district system), candidates focus on swing states, often completely neglecting over half the states in favor of states that can win them the election.
House contingency procedure: one-state-one-vote, giving a lot of power to small states.
Things to investigate:
Utah's changes to the caucus.
Caucuses vs. Primaries
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Day 4: Ms. Marberry Visit
Ms. Marberry talked to us about college. This reminded me that I need to double check my scholarship deadlines. Also, I have updated my resume but I need to change the format; it is not being very compatible with Google Drive. I am finishing my Common App essay and will probably need to revise it with a teacher. I will probably be working on college apps all weekend so that I can really focus on my thesis next week.
I hope I am on track with college apps and it looks like I am, but you never know with these things...
(Also I keep forgetting my English book so I'm putting it here: book)
I hope I am on track with college apps and it looks like I am, but you never know with these things...
(Also I keep forgetting my English book so I'm putting it here: book)
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Day 3: Much Reading
Thesis: reading a lot of articles today
The Compact Clause and the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
(raises questions about the compact's constitutionality).
Issues with the Electoral college
(The most popular problem I'm seeing is the ability of a candidate to lose the popular vote but win the electoral vote and thus win the election, candidates focusing on only swing states and continuing that focus through the presidency in order to win reelection. Also, as in other articles, I am seeing opposition to the "winner take all" rule used to assign electoral votes. The use of this system is prevalent because it gives the state maximum power in the electoral college).
Pluses and minuses of the national popular vote interstate compact
(Concludes that NPV would diminish the electoral college, even out media coverage disparity between swing states and spectator states, eliminate the use of the House contingency procedure, and ameliorate sectionalism. However, the downsides are increased campaign spending, the weakening of the two-party system, and the introduction of structural imbalances in the election system. The structure of the NPV allows member states to withdraw at any time. Also there are issues with constitutionality that have not been resolved).
Some more structural stuff:
I think I will have to go through each stage of the election and look at issues with them, since it appears that the academic community concedes that there are problems with the caucuses and electoral college. I will have to address these in addition to my problems with election platform integrity. Because of all this, I am thinking that my final product might be a timeline of my improvised election process.
College:
My next scholarship app is due at the end of September so I finally have more time for college essays. I am brainstorming ideas for the Common App essay and Topic C for Apply Texas. Also, I created an account on Cappex in addition to my existing Fastweb account and will be looking for more college and scholarship info through there.
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