Supporters of limited government and fiscally conservative policies have been watching the new Republican-led General Assembly for signs of adherence to, or deviation from, these governing principles. So how did they do this session? John Locke Foundation Vice President for Outreach Becki Gray gives a report card on 11 key issues of importance to the Locke Foundation. She says it’s a mixed bag. Then we turn to debate over K-12 curriculum. State lawmakers believe North Carolina high school students should spend more time studying the principles that formed the foundation of American government. You’ll hear some of the debate this year about the Founding Principles Act, which creates a new mandatory semester-long course on principles such as inalienable rights, separation of powers, federalism, and the rule of law. Then, as legislators debate proposed election maps for North Carolina’s General Assembly and the state’s congressional delegation, some people would like to see a wholesale change in the way district maps are crafted every 10 years. Voter Bruce Springthorpe offered a computer-based alternative to the current partisan redistricting process during a recent public hearing. You’ll hear details. That’s followed by a look at the value of state think tanks like the John Locke Foundation, which produces Carolina Journal Radio. Lynn Sharp, vice president for leadership development at the State Policy Network, explains why North Carolina and the other 49 states benefit from having think tanks focusing on limited government, individual freedom, and personal responsibility. And finally, we delve into whether North Carolina’s teaching standards and requirements are ensuring that the best and the brightest are leading students. John Locke Foundation Director of Education Studies Terry Stoops explains the process and why many folks who could be offering their expertise to online students in particular aren’t able to participate.
Legislative Report Card
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