Reply on critical and constructive criticism.pdf

250-300 words

Replies: 2 replies; at least 100 words; critical and constructive criticism; useful feedback/ideas

how to strengthen argument

Required readings and presentations

Biblical reference

REPLIES

Joshua,

I enjoyed reading your post about the roles of state legislators. In addition to what you

mentioned, they also "vie with governors in the policymaking process. Governors have the

power to veto, but legislators have the power to override gubernatorial veto. In addition, the

legislature plays several oversight roles with regard to the bureaucracy" (Bowman & Kearney,

2014). In a lot states, there is a divided legislature where “one party represents legislature and

other represented by governor” which slows down the legislation process but arguably is in the

innate design of the institution. (Structure, Apportionment, and Process, 2016)

Legislators also complete the very important work of constituent services. I have the

privilege for working for a Massachusetts State Senator, Benjamin Downing. I worked on a

variety of constituent services. The casework mainly related to issues with legislation, letters of

support, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and the Department of

Unemployment Assistance (DUA). I also worked on a case with the Department of Children and

Families (DCF). Constituents would call with various issues, looking to be connected to a

specific state agency, institution or organization. I would guide people to the appropriate

resources and acted as a liaison between the constituents and the state agency or contact(s). I also

prepared various documents for mailings to constituents, other staff members and the like. I also

arranged and coordinated events called “Coffee and Conversation” which were designated times

at various locations across the Commonwealth for people to meet with the Senator and have

conversations with him. Despite the amazing experience and how the power can easily go to

one’s head, Micah 6:8 was helpful to me when I worked there. It instructs us to “seek justice,

love mercy and walk humbly with God” which reminded me every day that I was not any better

than anyone else I served.

References

Bowman, Ann O’M., and Richard C. Kearney. State and Local Government. 9th ed. Boston:

Wadsworth, Inc., 2014. ISBN: 9781435462687.

Structure, Apportionment and Process. (2016, September 15). Lecture. Retrieved September 15,

2016, from https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-13602223-dt-content-rid-

114117976_1/courses/GOVT327_B01_201640/GOVT327_Presentations/Structure,

Apportionment, and Process (LMS)/res/index.html

Paula,

I enjoyed reading your post about the Missouri state legislature and your perspective

about legislators. Although the Senate and House of Representatives are in every state, it was

interesting to read about how the Missouri General Assembly works on a budget for the state

militia.

Both the Senate and House of Representatives define and advocate for state interests and

funding for specific projects when federal monies run out. Externally, legislators make policies,

represent the people and perform oversight to bureaucracies. (Bowman & Kearney, 2014) Within

the legislature, there are specific rules - formal and informal - that govern their jobs. (Bowman &

Kearney, 2014) The legislators work to pass bills throughout the very lengthy and complex

process. (Bowman & Kearney, 2014)

I have the privilege for working for a Massachusetts State Senator, Benjamin Downing. I

worked on a variety of constituent services. The casework mainly related to issues with

legislation, letters of support, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and the

Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). I also worked on a case with the Department

of Children and Families (DCF). Constituents would call with various issues, looking to be

connected to a specific state agency, institution or organization. I would guide people to the

appropriate resources and acted as a liaison between the constituents and the state agency or

contact(s). I also prepared various documents for mailings to constituents, other staff members

and the like. I also arranged and coordinated events called “Coffee and Conversation” which

were designated times at various locations across the Commonwealth for people to meet with the

Senator and have conversations with him. Despite the amazing experience and how the power

can easily go to one’s head, Micah 6:8 was helpful to me when I worked there. It instructs us to

“seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God” which reminded me every day that I was

not any better than anyone else I served.

References

Bowman, Ann O’M., and Richard C. Kearney. State and Local Government. 9th ed. Boston:

Wadsworth, Inc., 2014. ISBN: 9781435462687.

Externally, legislators make policies, represent the people and perform oversight to

bureaucracies. (Bowman & Kearney, 2014) Within the legislature, there are specific rules -

formal and informal - that govern their jobs. (Bowman & Kearney, 2014) The legislators work to

pass bills throughout the very lengthy and complex process. (Bowman & Kearney, 2014) They

also "vie with governors in the policymaking process. Governors have the power to veto, but

legislators have the power to override gubernatorial veto. In addition, the legislature plays

several oversight roles with regard to the bureaucracy" (Bowman & Kearney, 2014). In a lot

states, there is a divided legislature where “one party represents legislature and other represented

by governor” which slows down the legislation process but arguably is in the innate design of the

institution. (Structure, Apportionment, and Process, 2016)

Legislators also oversee the bureaucracy, one of their most important roles. (Structure,

Apportionment, and Process, 2016) They review administrative rules and conduct policy and

program evaluation/audits. (Structure, Apportionment, and Process, 2016) Legislators forecast

state priorities and therefore require "some control of federal funds" especially with the "reduced

federal aid to states" and its importance in operating programs. (Bowman & Kearney, 2014) If

federal funds are exhausted, the legislatures therefore need to determine whether it is enough of a

state priority to utilize state funds to continue the program. (Bowman & Kearney, 2014)