Does voting matter

 

Many people often decide not to vote because they think that one vote is not going to make a difference. If everyone had this mentality, though, democracy would break down completely. It is important that all eligible voters cast their vote so that the will of the people is accurately reflected.  To vote is a way of expressing an opinion. Voting definitely does matter, especially with respect to certain groups or types of voters. For example, since a very high percentage of senior citizens vote in elections, candidates or elected official make sure to satisfy the interests of this group in order to obtain their vote. This is why there is a focus on social security during election times. Senior citizens are rewarded for voting because their vote is so important to the candidates.  Although one vote may not make a difference, by banding together as a group, one can see real results.  There are many groups out there who are not getting any attention simply because they are not voting.  Elected officials do not try to satisfy their interests because it will not really help them to be re-elected. One example of this occurring is with people who have disabilities. Since it is difficult for these people to make it to the polls, they vote in much fewer numbers than other groups.  Consequently, politicians do not listen to their problems. There are over thirty five million eligible voters who have disabilities, however, so they could potentially have a large impact on elections if they voted together. Politicians would have to start listening to and helping this group if they want to win elections. As you can see, if people will simply work together and commit themselves, voting can have a large impact.

Federal Budget Process

The United States federal budget process consists of procedures that are named in the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.  The first step in the process is a budget request from the president (developed by the Office of Management and Budget), in which he suggests what the budget should be spent on in the upcoming fiscal year. The House and Senate Committees  then hold hearings on this request and create their own Budget Resolution which allocates spending authority for the next year. From here it goes to the House and Senate for the appropriations bills to be passed. After this there is Consideration of Reconciliation legislation if the spending requires changes to the law and Consideration of Authorization 

legislation.

Budget Calendar - http://www.rules.house.gov/archives/budget_time.htm

George Bush is a lame duck

George Bush has pretty much no power or influence left. Americans are focused on the  presidential race, and most of them are hoping for a change from the current administration. Obama's campaign platform is based on this idea since the Bush administration made so many colossal mistakes. Members of Congress are also hesitant to listen to Bush's warnings that neglecting to implement a rescue plan will end up in an economic disaster. This is because George Bush has tried to instill the country with fear in order to justify the Iraq war and the Patriot Act. Furthermore, with the elections coming up soon, many Republicans are intent on making the vote that will satisfy their constituents and get them re-elected. They are much less concerned about supporting and following the president.  http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1843847,00.html

Powers of House vs. Powers of Senate

The Senate and the House are considered equal institutions in the legislative branch, both they both have powers that are unique only to them. The Senate and the House of Representatives make up the two houses of Congress. a bill must pass though both of these houses before it can become a law. One power of the Senate that the House does not possess is that the Senate's Advice and Consent is required in presidential appointments and treaties. If the president proposes either of these things, the Senate has to agree with a two thirds majority for them to pass. The House of Representatives also has some powers that add to their strength. The House has the sole power of impeachment. The Senate does, however, have the sole power to try impeachment cases. Furthermore, revenue-raising bills have to originate in the House.