Wednesday, August 28, 2024

The Supreme Court Blog #2



The Supreme Court



The United States Supreme Court is vital for our government, and is used to protect and uphold the values of the Constitution. The Supreme Court is the highest court within the United States, and even the most powerful judicial body in the entire world. With ultimate jurisdiction over all federal cases and state cases that involve any point of the U.S. Constitution or federal law. The Supreme Court has the ability to draw boundaries on government power, limiting the president and states telling them what they can and can't do. John Marshall established the idea of Judicial Review, with the court looking to the Constitution to solve national problems.  

 What I found interesting from these videos was the idea that "The Supreme Court is made of people, not disembodied spirits." It's interesting to think that 9 justices interpret a 200 year old Constitution, in a continuously evolving society, and deal with immense controversy. Justices respect one another's good faith in trying to achieve the overall objective. I was shocked to hear that thousands of petitions are put into the hands of the court each year, and hundreds of cases are done a week. I learned each petition receives equal and individual consideration. The justices only come together once a week to decide on what cases will be brought to the Supreme Court and seek further evaluation. This idea makes me wondering what cases are turned away and what happens with those and the people involved.


Each Supreme Court justice serves on average 16 years, but for many even more. The most time consuming part of their job is the opinion writing, which is a process I never knew about. One justice from the majority side will write out the opinion, and then each justice will make edits. Even if majority agrees on something, the opinion writing can affect whether or not the decision on the case will stand. The Chief Justice, who currently is John G. Roberts Jr, deals with establishing the weekly agenda and overseeing trials against the President like impeachment. I feel as if I gained a lot more knowledge on how much work goes into being on the Supreme Court behind the scenes.


 



Wednesday, August 21, 2024

My Top Five Sources of News and Information

     

    In society today, information can be gathered through a variety of different sources, usually based off of personal preference. Where someone is getting their information from can play a major role in a view on different events or topics. In order to have a complete understanding, and an educated view, individuals should use a variety of resources. As an individual I gain my information mostly through the use of social media, where people can share information in any manor they choose. 

1. Tik tok is one of the biggest platforms of social media at this time for the general population, and its users consist of all ages. With few community guidelines users are able to update any content, which is usually short engaging video clips. Although Tik tok was initially used for entertainment, it now has the power to share and spread important information. Depending on the account people post about all areas of life whether that be health and fitness related, travel/world locations, history, scientific related topics, or just random thoughts. I personally have been able to keep up with current events because of the quick flow of videos containing loads of information

 


2. Instagram, an app usually used to share life photo highlights, also can be used as a space to teach and influence followers. The app has developed over time and is now being used by a wide range of companies and businesses to expand viewers and share promotional content. Instagram also has a "reels" option similar to Tik Tok filled with video clips. Users choose who they follow on instagram so content can be limited, but instagrams offers a "related post" tab allowing users to gain new information and content on their feed. Whether it's a politician, celebrity, news source or network most likely they will have an instagram account used to share content and promote their ideas. I personally follow lots of celebrities and politicians so my feed is filled with new information each day.



3. Word of Mouth is a key source for me. I often will over hear a conversation, or be exposed to a news story or important event by family and friends which then allows me to do my own research and become educated. I have definitely grown up in a very opinionated and politically active household, so I am used to hearing very controversial conversations about issues worldwide. I find it very interesting to hear different opinions from family and friends, and see how each persons different life experiences shapes their opinions on different topics. Although conversations can sometimes be hard and lead to disagreements, I think being able to communicate opinions, and listen effectively is a life skill. The information Ive heard has allowe
d me to shape my own individual opinions and made me a well rounded individual.



4. A more classic source I use to receive news and information from is online articles. A quick google search leads me to lots of different links from sources across the spectrum. I usually will search a topic if I overhear a conversation or see a video on another platform like Tik tok or Instagram. What I like about online articles is they are posted by all kinds of news outlets and there are a variety of views you can expose yourself to. A personal example of this for me is looking at both Fox News and CNN for information during the presidential election to read  various points and opinions.


5. My final source would be The New York Times What I like about this platform is there are articles filled with important political and world wide information, but also sources on celebrity drama, or lifestyle trends. Breaking news is often reported on New York Times so it's a source I often find myself going to in any time of unsettlement. Another thing that makes me use New York Times is the array of writing styles, you can find in depth articles or a quick few summary sentences updating readers on events. 

Blog #9 EOTO 2

Citizen Journalism Several key components make up the history of citizen journalism in the mediasphere. Citizen journalism is the practice w...