History Class

Today in history we did a group discussion where each of us got a certain subject from the first amendment and had to explain why our certain subject was important. Mine was freedom of speech. I think it worked out really well. The first time was a little awkward because we really weren't sure what exactly to do and we felt that 8 minutes was too long of an amount of time, but by the last group it was basically the opposite, and we ended up not having enough time. I really got into the discussion and I liked doing it because it gave us the opportunity to talk about what we're learning. I think it worked really well though, and I'm glad to do it again. Almost everyone in the groups were talking and we all learned a lot from it, both researching it on our own and hearing what others had researched/had to say on their subject. It was a really great idea and worked very well.

History Timeline

Bill of Rights

Today in class we worked on the Bill of Rights and learned all the amendments. We did a worksheet on a group of people visiting a private Madonna performance, how the police handled it, and how each person had at least 2-3 amendments keeping them from going to jail and being able to sue. The Bill of Rights is a list of amendments which basically is a list of all the rights we have when it comes to the law. I think this system was working really well but the way things are today isn't the same as these amendments (FBI, CIA, etc. listening to phone conversations, going into people's internet, etc.). I don't think it's fair that they're able to just do as they please and look at what others are doing and saying (because we all know there are people in the FBI, CIA, etc. that abuse that power).

Dear Scott Brown,

Hello, my name is Brittany Gallant. I'm a sophomore at Triton Regional High School. I've done some research on the 2012 campaign for senate and I do give you credit on what you've stood for; abortion, health care, and tax cuts. These are all great accomplishments that have helped Massachusetts. But what have you done for the middle class? You may have said you'd like to help them, but how? The middle class being treated the way they are with taxes and what not is the biggest concern right now and should be a top priority. Almost, if not more then (depending on what you consider "middle class") 50% of the population is middle class. Most of our people are middle class, so why does the least percent (upper class) pay the least in taxes? Get the best benefits in healthcare and education? This shouldn't be going on anymore. The middle class is the glue to our country; it keeps us together. If I were you that would be at the top of my list of things to do. I'd make sure that the middle class got treated better than the upper class, because they're working harder, getting less pay, and paying more. Even the lower class gets better benefits. As for me, I'm growing up in a middle class family, and I know the struggle my parents face to pay taxes. My friend's parents as well. And then there are people that are more than well off, have no worry in the world, and get treated like royalty. Some of them their parents only work one job. They go on luxury vacations, get into great schools, etc. Which brings up another concern of mine. Why should people with more money get a better education? Do they deserve better than I? It's not fair; and I know "Life's not fair" and all, but come on. This is education we're talking about. That's something that we need to keep our country going. So why do I have to pay thousands to get a good education when my teacher went to the same school as one at a public school. It doesn't make sense and I think you should fix these things because they are very important. Thank you.


Brittany Gallant

Recently we've been working on the Constitution and the three branches. Learning about all this makes you realize how much thought and time was put into the Constitution. It wasn't easy to just come up with these laws and systems; there was a lot of debating and different ideas that had to be thought out before making it official. Each branch was made so that they interacted with one another. They made it so if a law was passed it'd take going through a lot of people to actually be a law, instead of having one or two people decide. It keeps our country from having so much conflict. The separation of powers is something that makes us strong and spread out (as in not just one branch has all the power). Although there are flaws in it, it wouldn't be humane if it was perfect.

Spreaker

http://www.spreaker.com/user/4863886/my_audio_presentation

9/18/12

Today in class we worked in groups on the branches that make up our country: judicial, executive, and legislative. The judicial branch is the supreme court, which is made up of federal judges. Executive is the president, vice president, and civilian & military employees. The legislative branch is congress- the senate & the house of representatives. We did a packet on identifying how each branch interacted with the other. 

In the past two days of school we have been learning about the Constitution; how it was made, who was there, how they decided what their choices, etc. Yesterday we got a sheet where we read actual notes taken during the meeting. My sheet was whether they should have proportional or equal representation. Each person gave their own reason as to which one they preferred, some even changing their minds. Then today, after being tested on the preamble, we worked with others to see what they're sheets read and what the people thought about; "1 house or 2 houses" and "whether the people should make the elections or not". Every persons opinion had a great support as to why they felt that way, which led us to learn about how together we were able to make the "Connecticut Compromise".

Civic Values

http://private.rewindy.com/story/pwlrVr2B/view/1

Three Artifacts to Describe Me

One artifact that would really describe me is a phone. I don't necessarily mean that I talk on the phone or am texting all the time, but I like to talk to other people and listen to what they have to say. Whether I'm gossiping (yes, I'll admit, I love listening to gossip!) or asking someone's opinion on something, I love to talk to people. Sometimes I do get into trouble for it, but I will admit, occasionally, it is something relative to school... sometimes!

Another artifact that would show my personality is an electric guitar. Not that I can play one, (I wish I could though) but because they're loud and different, and I love music. They stand out and are always heard (and of course listened to). To be specific, it wouldn't be just any electric guitar. It would be red (mostly because I have red hair, but also because red just pops), and shaped as if it's "flared" or there are flames on it.

A recycling bin is another artifact that would describe me. I'm not a total earth-loving-save-all-the-trees-vegetarian, but I do like making a difference to make the world a better, cleaner place. Whenever I think about what I want to be when I grow up, something relative to helping the environment always reaches my mind. Of course, so does becoming a billionaire pop star, but hey, a kid can dream. I do like to do small things that I know will be put to good use, and hope one day that I'll be able to make a bigger difference.