http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/dpatton/2008/dp_08111.shtml
Voters Should Pass A Minimal Civics Test
By Doug Patton , August 11, 2008
I have never been an advocate of the popular notion that "everyone should vote."
Some people look at me as if I am somehow un-American when I say that I am
not in favor of encouraging people to vote who would otherwise never darken the
door of a polling place. I really don't want someone on the streets of Hollywood,
who just failed to identify the vice president of the United States on one of
Jay Leno's "Jay-Walking" segments, helping to select the person who will lead my
government for the next four years.
So here is a basic, common-sense test that every American wishing to exercise the
right to vote should answer (I'm sure in this dumbed-down era in which we live we
will have to come up with multiple choice answers to make it easier, but here are
some preliminary questions):
1. Name the three branches of the federal government.
2. Name the current president and vice president of the United States.
3. How long have they served?
4. How long are the president and vice president allowed to serve?
5. How many members are there in the U.S. House of Representatives?
6. How are House Members chosen?
7. How long is their term in office?
8. How long are they allowed to serve?
9. Name the current speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
10. Which party currently holds the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives?
11. How many members are there in the U.S. Senate?
12. How are U.S. Senators normally chosen?
13. How long is a U.S. Senator's term in office?
14. How long are they allowed to serve?
15. Name the current majority leader of the U.S. Senate.
16. Which party currently holds the majority in the U.S. Senate?
17. How many individuals currently sit on the United States Supreme Court?
18. Name three of them.
19. How are members of the U.S. Supreme Court selected?
20. How long can Supreme Court Justices serve?
21. What is an electoral vote?
22. How many electoral votes are currently required in order to elect the president and vice president?
23. How is the president selected if he/she fails to receive the required number of electoral votes?
24. How is the vice president selected if he/she fails to receive the required number of electoral votes?
25. What is an executive order?
26. How is an amendment to the U.S. Constitution passed?
27. How many constitutional conventions has the United States had?
If a potential voter could not answer at least 18 of these questions (two-thirds), he/she should not be allowed to vote.
How did you do? Need to study up?
Answers in the 1st Comment
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But the idea of a voting elligability test just hits me as an invitation to voter rights abuse. Who choses the questions? You just know it wouldn't stop here. And anyone who has spent time observing how political polls are carefully worded to encourage certain responses should be able to see that such a setup could easily be used to screen out individuals and groups with "unacceptable views". Those on this web site should be familiar with the abuse and dismissal that holding views deemed "unacceptable" by the establishment/majority can earn you...
-SG
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
The Grackle's Nest
Well I'd say an overwhelming minority maybe 5% of voters could answer all these questions. I think i got about 5 or 6 wrong.
-Kenny
War is Peace
Freedom is Slavery
Ignorance is Strength
Had a brain fart on 15 (Senate majority Leader): but I chalk that up to Reid's lack of leadership and personality. Hard to remember him if he does nothing worth remembering.
And I honestly don't think I ever learned how the Veep is selected in an electoral stalemate. Figured that was done by the House, too.
-SG
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
The Grackle's Nest
but if only we could test the heart and souls of men as well. Smart people are still voting for Obama and McCain.
"free thinkers are dangerous, and beautiful"
Great point...
Unfortunately, there are some peole here at BTM (and elsewhere) who wholeheartedly believe that what's in a man's heart carries no weight and that their intellect must be solely relied upon in order to trust what they say.
Some of the most brilliant political, diplomatic, and militaristic minds throughout the history of the world were led astray by what was in their hearts - thus defining the downfall of their legacies.
I barely got 18, and I thought I knew my politics! Just goes to show there is always room for improvement, even among those of us who think they are in the know. ;)
I'm not that old, but i do try to listen and learn.
This is what I do know just from talking to my friends.
And these people are going to determine who runs this country??
I'm scared.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi3erdgVVTw
obama IS not the answer!
I know that is easier said than done isnt it?
I also know that there are many truly scary things going on today as well. Even at the age of 31, and seeing some really bad things in my life, I get scared sometimes too.
Its really inspiring to have such a young person as yourself so interested in what is going on today.
Of course, there have been many ancient writings from all over the Earth speaking of the young in this period of time, and how many of you will be the key in ending all that is taking place today.
Know this. There are many entities both in this dimension, and other dimensions that want the best for mankind, and are working for that purpose. Our perceptual reality is a small fraction of what is truly there in space and time. The Hopi Indians have some very interesting believes; just one example, that if true will mean great joys for Humans in the future.
Dont fear though, many are with you facing the same things.
We must not fear, and give the darkness our energies.
Keep you head up and your mind and heart open.
Peace!
I can remember back in the late 40's and 50's where half of
the hollywood movie stars served their country in time of war!!
People like Audie Murphy, Jimmy Stewart, Lee Marvin (Marine)
Clark Gable. There were more. Elvis Presley served 2 years in the Army!
You don't this hollywood bunch even give it a second thought, and they
probley couldn't pass this test either!!
Its better to remain silent and thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt!
This is part of the Master Plan!
KISS is their motto. IMHO
Well,
I didn't get any of this stuff in school.
I guess you could call it "cooking the books"
I think this would eliminate half or more of the
Voting public.
BTW: My score wasn't that good either.
Wake Up America
http://www.tiptopwebsite.com/websites/index2.php?username=liberty4us&pag...
.. later
1) Executive, Legislative, Judicial;
2) George W. Bush and Richard B. Cheney;
3) Since January 20, 2001;
4) Two four-year terms (or no more than ten years if serving the remainder of a previous term);
5) 435;
6) By popular vote within their state congressional district;
7) Two years;
8) No limit;
9) Nancy Pelosi;
10) Democrat;
11) 100 [two from each state];
12) By statewide popular vote within their state;
13) Six years;
14) No limit;
15) Harry Reid;
16) Democrat;
17) Nine;
18) the nine [in no particular order] are: John Roberts, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, David Souter,
Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, John Paul Stevens, Samuel Alito and Anthony Kennedy;
19) Nominated by the president, approved by a simple majority of the U.S. Senate;
20) Life;
21) Each state receives one electoral vote for each member of its congressional delegation;
22) 270;
23) By a vote of the U.S. House of Representatives;
24) By a vote of the U.S. Senate;
25) a presidential decree requiring no congressional approval;
26) By a vote of two-thirds of the congress and three-fourths of the state legislatures or through a constitutional convention;
27) One
Remember the Words you say keep them soft and sweet You never know from day to day which one's you'll have to eat! www.tiptopwebsite.com/liberty4us
It's time to bone up on civics!
Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone; and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.--John Quincy Adams