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When you compare Mr. Smith to Illinois Senior Senator Dick Durban, there are quite a few differences. Senator Dick Durban has been in the Senate for quite a while, and, whether people agree with his politics or not, a very experienced, knowledgeable Senator. Mr. Smith is full of the ideals that Senator Durban has, but wasn't quite sure how to implement them. Senator Durban, on the other hand, is more like the movie's President of the Senate: more knowledgeable, more relaxed, and more well-known. However, Senator Durban is a politician, but Mr. Smith is, at heart, a "Boy Ranger" leader. Senator Durban is more experienced, but Mr. Smith truly fights for the American Dream every day, and puts that in front of politics, for better or for worse.

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I think that the movie intentionally didn't put Mr. Smith with any party (or, for that matter, any state). I personally think that Mr. Smith would've been an independent. Before his appointment to the Senate, he was not affiliated with politics. It is likely Smith wouldn't have belonged to either party, at least to start.. If I had to guess about my future, here''s what I would guess:
-He finishes his first term, extremely popular all over the US.
-He joints the Democratic party and runs for reelection, and wins by a landslide.
-After some time in the Senate, he is chosen to run for Vice President. However, something happens to the candidate, and he suddenly is the frontrunner for President.
-He is elected, serves one term, and quits politics to run his camp on a national level.

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I really liked the movie "Mr. Smith goes to Washington". I thought that, the plotline (of a Boy Rangers Leader being selected to be a Senator) was unlikely, but plausible (at least, back than it was). When he got to the Senate, Mr. Smith was played with and made fun of. His colleagues (the Governor, the other Senator and Jim Taylor) seemed a lot like those in the current political system. Just like a certain politician today, whatever Jim Taylor said was news, whether or not it was true. The one part I thought was unrealistic is when Senator Paine admits his guilt-- this would never happen in Washington. Although it was a heartwarming ending, few Senators even have part of a heart like Senator Paine did, and the ones who do don't get caught up in scandals like that in the first place. Still, it would be nice to see certain people admit that they are, in fact, corrupt.

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OPINION OF READING:
I think that the Declaration, though powerful when spoken aloud, is even most effective when read personally, as the reader can feel the full impact of every word and interpret it as they will.

FAVORITE PART:
My favorite part of the Declaration is the part that states that all men were created equal and given by our Creator certain rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I like this because, while not a complete and total list of rights, it lays out the groundwork for our Bill of Rights. Today, when our liberties are growing fewer and fewer, remembering that our Founding Fathers made this country for men to be free is more important than ever.

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After listening to the NPR interview, I was surprised with how hard it was for Ginsberg to be nominated to the court. Bill Clinton didn't even consider her at first just because of a bad reputation that she got simply for being a woman. I think that Ginsberg is one of the most brilliant Supreme Court justices ever, and I was surprised how hard it was for her to have a career in law.

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I think the role of the government should only be to:
1) Protect the safety and rights of citizens,
2) Regulate companies and business, and
3) To help people in need.

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I identify as a democrat.

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EXPECTATIONS OF GOVERNMENT
--Healthcare should be made a basic right.
--The criminal justice system should be reformed, prison should be reserved for violent criminals.
--Privacy should be protected more strongly.
--Education should be reformed so that teachers are paid more and standards are higher.
--We should only go to war and use force when absolutely necessary.
EXPECTATIONS OF THIS CLASS
In this class, I expect to learn more about how government works. Specifically, I would like to learn more about the US and Illinois constitutions, important Supreme Court decisions, and more about the difference between what the State and the Federal government do.
POLITICAL INTEREST
My interest in politics is generally strong. However, I care about some issues quite a bit more than I do others. As a Democrat, I am very interested in the current situation with President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress.