Free Educational Topics in Chicago

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  What’s an Assault Weapon, and why are they so deadly?

  Ed Spire, Co-lead, Restore our Democracy Project, NWSOFA-Indivisible

  There's been a lot of discussion lately about tighter regulations on assault weapons like the AR-15. If we are going to regulate these weapons, we will need a legal definition describing them. And instead of a definition that depends upon specific configurations or cosmetic appearance, we propose a definition based on the factors that make this class of weapons so deadly. MORE >

  This presentation focuses on the development of this class of weapons, the factors that make them so deadly, and how we can use those factors to legally define an "assault weapon" for future regulation thereof.

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  Our Antiquated Electoral College

  Ed Spire, Co-lead, Restore our Democracy Project, NWSOFA-Indivisible

  Learn why we elect the US president via the Electoral College, how our Electoral College damages our demcoracy - and what we can do about it.

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  Decarbonizing Your Home

  Ivonne Rychwa, Director of Outreach, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

  CUB will dive into ways renters and homeowners can access energy efficiency and cost-saving programs and appliances. During this presentation, you will receive information on: Building Decarbonization, The benefits of building electrification, New tax credits and rebates for home energy improvements available through the Inflation Reduction Act, Alternatives to gas appliances, and Free programs designed to save you energy and money
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  The Shifting Balance: Supreme Court Rulings and Their Impact on American Democracy

  Ed Spire, Co-lead, Restore our Democracy Project, NWSOFA-Indivisible

  The US Supreme Court is not just ensuring the laws are applied properly, and that they are constitutional, but the court is enacting policies they think are useful for our country - whether they are based on our constitution or not. MORE >

  Presidential Immunity and Accountability: One of the most consequential rulings was the Court's decision on presidential immunity. In a 6-3 judgment, the Court ruled that former President Donald Trump could be tried for actions taken as a candidate, but not for those taken while in office.

  Federal Regulatory Authority: In another significant ruling, the Court limited the regulatory authority of federal agencies. By overturning a precedent that had guided federal regulations for decades, the Court has made it easier for regulations to be challenged in court.

  Gun Control and the Second Amendment: The Supreme Court also made headlines with its decision to send several gun control cases back to lower courts for reconsideration. This move followed a major ruling that expanded Second Amendment rights, allowing for broader interpretations of gun ownership and use.

  Implications for American Democracy: These rulings collectively reflect a shift towards a more conservative interpretation of the law. The impact on American democracy is profound; will undoubtedly shape the future of American democracy for years to come.

  This presentation details the problems that SCOTUS is causing for our nation, and discusses what we can do about it.

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  The New Women: From Gibson Girls to Flappers in the early 1900s

  Mark McGarvie, J.D., Ph.D.,, Retired Professor of History and Law, College of William and Mary

  In the early days of the 20th century, New Women caused a media sensation in newspapers and magazines by threatening standards of sexual propriety, living alone while single, pursuing careers, and engaging in politics even before given the right to vote. These college-educated young women in their 20s forced a reconsideration of sexual roles in America that contributed to women's suffrage and the free expression existing several years later in the flapper movement. MORE >

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