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The Louisville chapter of The League of Women Voters encourages the informed and active participation of citizens (female and male) in government.In this segment, we learn more about our chapter's impressive history, which spans 90 years, and how the organization continues to make things at the ballot box better.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
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Previous Programs & Events
The People and the Constitution: Popular Interpretations from Left, Right and Center
Across the country, people are talking about the US Constitution. Was the 14th Amendment, declaring all persons born in the United States to be citizens, intended for freed slaves or Irish immigrants? How does the Commerce Clause, allowing the federal government to regulate commerce between the states, give Congress authority to protect the rights of the handicapped? Did the Founding Fathers have the right idea when they directed that US Senators be appointed by their state legislatures, or was the 17th Amendment correct in letting citizens vote for their US Senators?
“The People and the Constitution: Popular Interpretations from the Left, Right and Center” featured Dr. Allison Martens, University of Louisville Assistant Professor of Political Science, and Neil Salyer, Chair of Legal Studies at Brown Mackie College. Martens earned her doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin, teaches constitutional law and judicial process. She is currently researching the effects of social competition on constitutional development. Salyer attended U of L as a McConnell Scholar, graduated from the U of L Brandies School of Law, and holds a Masters in Education. Before joining Brown Mackie, Salyers was in private practice as a real estate litigation attorney.
League vice president Deborah Kent, the program moderator, said “The public is obviously ready to examine the evolution of the Constitution, and is hungry for reliable, objective and non-partisan information. This program is just another way to fulfill our mission to promote an informed citizenry that participates in the unfolding story of the American experiment in democracy.” Light refreshments were served.
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The Changing Political Landscape: How Local Demographics Will Impact the 2010 Elections
October 1, 2010
Panel:
Dr. Ron Crouch, director of research and statistics for the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet;
Scott Jennings, political strategist who served as Special Assistant to President Bush and as Deputy Director of the Office of Political Affairs, working directly with White House Senior Advisor Karl Rove;
Dr. Phil Laemmle, Professor Emeritus in Political Science at the University of Louisville."
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Unit Meetings Reinstituted for the Energy Study and Consensus
It was important that all Louisville League members participate in the energy consensus because the positions that emerged will be used to advocate for changes in Kentucky policies. To facilitate a thorough discussion of the issues, the Louisville League reinstituted discussion Units. The units are smaller groups of members who meet, not to hear speakers, but to critique and discuss the information they have received from the study committee, materials, and speakers, as well as their own research.
At the unit meetings, members considered and discussed the pros and cons of the issues and came to consensus on the nine study questions presented in "The Elegant Solution in Energy."
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