National Government

  What is Politics? September 25, 2022 Jessica Sapp   Generally speaking, the best way to summarize politics is a number of decisions that are made in agreement by a group of individuals through a process of opinions, discussion and voting. Citizens elect people to represent the general public. Those that are elected are done so through a majority vote so the hope is that elected officials are making decisions for the majority or the greater good. While you may hear some say that they do not like “politics”, politics is actually pretty essential for our foundation and necessary so that citizens can understand laws and their due process rights. Politics determine our daily processes, from the taxes we pay and what those taxes are used for, all the way to freedom of speech, abortion laws and gun control. But without politics, we would have no controls and no due process rights so our political framework is intended to be in place to look our for citizens.   Ultimately, politics g

  American Structure: Making our Country Tick with the Three Branches of Government September 11, 2022 Jessica Sapp   The American structure of government is shaped into three branches of government –the Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch. This idea was from Baron Montesquieu and was developed in 1787 by the Founding Fathers, also known as the framers, of the constitution and written into the United States Constitution with the purpose of ensuring a just and fair system. Montesquieu had the original idea and strongly believed in the separation of powers and having a system of checks and balances. It was also structured as such so that one branch would not become too powerful. Each branch has certain roles, controls and responsibilities but also intertwines to work together. Ultimately, this provides and system of what is called checks and balances. The Legislative Branch was written into Article I of the constitution and is made up of the United Sta

Opioid Use Disorder and Community Resources September 4, 2022 Author: Jessica Sapp Working in healthcare regulation, specifically pharmacy regulation, I’ve been able to participate and contribute to conquering the opioid crisis in Florida. Opioids are substances that produce a morphine type of effect and depending on the class of drug it is, they can be highly addictive. The opioid crisis started in Florida in the early 2000s due to overprescribing practices and the misuse of prescription pain medications. If you have ever had surgery, you were likely prescribed a pain medication that is considered in the drug class of opioids. Being involved with an ever-evolving issue, I’ve been educated in substance abuse disorders and how so may individuals are personally affected, either directly or indirectly, with this chronic illness. I’ve also learned that our community lacks awareness in resources that are available to not only addicts, but their family and friends as well. Over the last ten