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Reflection:

 

            Choosing the items in my 12 identified laws, cases and offices was such a strenuous process. When first introduced to this assignment, I didn’t think as much thought and researching would be needed to complete the project. After researching just about all there is to know about the executive, legislative and judicial branches, I eventually came across some items that spoke directly to me. One court case that spoke directly to my life was the West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette case. Being raised with different religious views as most of my classmates, I was always looked upon awkwardly when refusing to say the pledge of allegiance. My friends never really understood why I didn’t say it, and to tell you the truth, I was never 100 sure why I didn’t say it. I just knew I respected my mother’s wishes. Because of this law, I am not forced to go against my religion by reciting the pledge of allegiance. The overall process of finding which items to include allowed me to learn more about the government, in depth, and really put into perspective which laws, cases and offices pertained to my life.

 

The difficulties with this project came with the research. I would have never guessed finding court cases relating to me would be as strenuous as it was. When I thought I’d found a case, it didn’t directly relate to my life. There were always things I could relate to as oppose to me relating to them currently. The less difficult aspect of this process was finding things that negatively affected my life. I found that when speaking of the negatives, everything I felt came easier to me making it easier for me to write and express myself.

 

As I mature and become older with age,, I would anticipate my life being more affected by the government. Since there are so many restraints set for children under the age of 18, as I pass the ages at which limitations are set, I will be more likely to part take in government activities. With age comes opportunity. The opportunities presented to me, the more likely it is for me to take advantage of those opportunities. This process has taught me so much about the world around me I hadn’t before known. Forced to research all aspects of the three branches of government, I now have a broader understanding of how I, as well as the world around me, is governed.  I understand that laws are set forth for the welfare of this country, and that all three branches do whatever in its power to protect that. 

Here Goes My Benchmark :D 

This project really caused to me to think about what positive and negative things that effect my life. At first, I didn't think I had much that really impacted my life currently because everything currently was fine. This thought process changed after speaking to my mother about some things that have really been going on in my life that I chose to ignore. When it came down to identifying the laws that I wanted to talk about, I thought about all of the disadvantages I have now because I am legally an adult. I also thought about what things that have happened between my family members and myself in the past few weeks. 

The process for this benchmark as a whole wasn't to difficult, I would say that it was very time consuming. It is very clear to me that my life will be more affected by the government when I get older. This is because I know that I want to purchase a car, a home, have children, marry, and travel often. With these activities and goals, I know there are many things that are going to to require a lot of filling out paper work. Overall this learning process has been beneficial because I know how much the government really impacts my life. I believe that if I was ignorant of this, I would have many rude awakenings when it come time to take care of myself in the future. 

Here is my project. 

My first step in this process entailed performing general research. I made a list of possible topics to search for, that pertain to laws, cases, and offices. The topics on my list were: health, labor, civil rights, family and finance. As I searched these topics others came about such as the Philadelphia Curfew Ordinance and the process of obtaining a passport. I came across helpful websites that thoroughly presented cases and laws that affect me. At some point, I thought about my life and circumstances and what laws and court cases impact me without researching. For the bureaucratic offices, I viewed the bureaucratic projects that the class completed.

The process was straightforward, but overall difficult. Finding court cases, laws and bureaucratic processes that impact me directly was the most difficult and time-consuming aspect. I went back and forth a few times to ensure that I chose some different topics that actually impact me and I could explain. I anticipate that I will interact more directly with the government as I age. Currently, I interact with the government through my mother. In the completion of this project, I learned about government programs, laws, and court cases that I had not heard of before. This project helped me examine how the government impacts my life whether negative or positive.

Reflection

This assignment was very difficult for me because for the three branches,I couldn't find enough sub topics that effected me personally. If this topic was more about ones we could be effected by in the future than maybe I would've been mores successful but overall,this process was extremely stressful for me. In order for me to choose what topics were directly related to me,I looked at all my options for each branch,and picked out the ones that effected me. I do believe that in the near future,I will be effected by more of these topics,such as a marriage license,registering a car,maybe even adoption. Overall,I'm glad that this assignment is turned in and over with.

Here is my benchmark.