Does Voting Matter?

In modern times, many people question the importance of voting. Some wonder if voting even matters at all. People hear on the news that one particular candidate is in a clear lead, and so they won't vote for their candidate because they think he will lose. Voting is definitely important. First, America needs as close to 100% participation in order to achieve the highest approval. If only 50% vote, that means that only have of the country's opinions will be accounted for. If only 25% of the country gets what they want, there will be many angry Americans. Also, if no one votes for a losing candidate, then there shouldn't be an election at all. The reason that candidate might lose is because everyone gives up on him. If everyone who supports him comes out to vote, then that candidate has clearly a better shot at winning. Voting is very important in America. Despite the popular belief that your vote doesn't count, voting is still essential. Everyone in America should vote because it does matter.

Bush and the Bailout Bill

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081003/ap_on_go_co/financial_meltdown

At long last the bailout bill has passed... but if George W. Bush meant anything to Congress could it have been completed faster? The answer, in my opinion, is yes. In about a month a new election is going to take place, meaning Bush's power is soon to be at and end. Also, it is a well known fact that Bush's approval rating in America is one of the lowest in U.S. history. To add to it all, Congress is a Democratic majority now. Why should Congress listen to Bush? About a week ago George Bush addressed the nation on the severity of the crisis and requested that Congress act quickly to pass the bill. Instead of getting Congress pumped up to quickly pass the bill, Congress took their time as they reluctantly amended the bill in conference committees. As it says in the article, Bush warned America of the worst economic depression since the Great Depression, and yet still he could not get Congress to act swiftly. This, without a doubt, has to do with his lack of approval, respect, and credibility in Congress. If this was seven years ago, I would not be surprised if the bill was completed within two days of Bush's speech. Bush's main role in the bailout bill was signing his name in order to pass it; other than that he was essentially a lame duck.

Senate vs. House Powers

The Senate is given a special power by the Constitution. They are allowed to approve or reject appointments by the president as well as accept or reject treaties. In the Bush era, the Democratic minority in the Senate has shot down many bills, showing the power of the Senate to reject treaties and laws. Also, when Bush nominated Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court, the Senate began to accuse him of cronyism. Bush was essentially forced into withdrawing her nomination and instead bringing in Samuel Alito. Another major power of the Senate is their power to impeach. If they find the president, vice president, or other executive officials guilty of treason or bribery, they can bring him before Congress and try him. This has happened several times in U.S. history. Examples include Richard Nixon, Andrew Johnson, and Bill Clinton.