US government

US Government

◦Describe key elements of the role that Congress plays within the U.S. federal system, with particular focus on Congress’ ability to reflect the will of the people. Support your argument with at least two concrete examples.

◦What are some of the issues that Congress is permitted by the Constitution to be involved in? (See Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution...)

◦What are some of the thing Congress is NOT allowed to do?

◦What is the role of Congress in relation to the role of the President, keeping in mind that they are two SEPERATE and COEQUAL branches of government?

◦What has been the results of the 17th Amendment on the Congress, states, and the country as a whole?

Physical Science

"Geologic Hazards"

1st topic

Choose one of the following geologic hazards: earthquake, landslide, or flood. Assess the factors that influence the occurrence of your chosen hazard. Analyze the human role in elevating the risks of occurrence, as well as mitigation strategies to minimize damage and loss of life.

2nd Topic

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/erwin-extinction.html . http://www.usgs.gov/natural_hazards/

Compare and contrast the mass extinction event at the end of the Permian (~250 Mya) with the mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous (~65 Mya). Include a discussion of the causes, the type of life forms impacted, the extent of the extinction, and the probability of a similar event occurring in the future.