Unit: Legislative Branch
Essential Question: If you could change anything about the world, what would it be?
Legislative Branch Intro
Today we began our unit on the Legislative Branch with a powerpoint that explains the roles of Congress as well as important people in both houses. Then we broke into small groups and worked on an activity to understand the different rules and responsibilities of the two houses of Congress. If you were absent, take notes from the powerpoint. Then read the packet "The People Who Make The Laws" and use it to help you place the facts on the correct side of the House vs. Senate worksheet.
Powers of Congress
Congress has three types of powers: expressed (those listed directly in the Constitution), implied (those powers needed to carry out the expressed powers), and inherent (powers that all governments naturally have). Take notes from the powerpoint and complete the worksheet, making sure to not only write down what type of power the statement is describing, but also where it is found in the Constitution!
Influences on Government
Today we took notes on the different groups that influence the government. Then we broke up into 4 groups: 5 Senators (who vote on the bills), and 3 groups each representing different special interest groups. During each round the three groups must study a different bill and lobby the Senators to vote a certain way. If you missed the game you will be excused, but you missed out on some major extra credit points!
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Today we took notes on the process that a bill must go through in order to become a law. Take notes from the powerpoint and then, using the reading "Making Out Country's Laws", cut out the "Life of a Bill" pieces and paste them on a separate paper in the correct order. Follow the instructions on the last slide of the powerpoint presentation!
Create a Bill!
Today we created out own local, state and national bills, to be debated and passed in class! Read the example bill first to get an idea of how to organize your bills. Then print out the local bill worksheet, state bill worksheet, and national bill worksheet and complete each one. This is your chance to propose a law that would fix local, state and national problems!!
Vote on Bills!
Today we handed in our bills and broke into committees to decide which bills to kill and which to debate as a class. We will be debating the bills that survive committee as a class. Will your bill become "law"? :)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Today we begin a classic movie about an innocent guy who becomes a Senator and becomes the victim of corruption in Washington D.C. If you miss the movie, I highly recommend that you try to watch it on your own. It's worth it!
Congress and Money
Today we concentrate on where Congress gets money and how they spend it. Although you will be (or already have) focused on this topic in Economics class, we will be evaluating the political side of how Congress spends money. This should be interesting! :)