Articles, Articles, Articles

We’re starting off our second semester with a Constitutional scavenger hunt where you have the opportunity to apply today’s scenarios to a document written in 1787. Can Ben Stiller run for the Senate from Rhode Island? How would you recommend we improve the Student Loan program? And if you want to avoid the hassle of running frequent campaigns, what office would you seek in order to have the longest term?

Our current events this week were also linked to the Constitution. Many of you brought in articles showing the Legislative branch in action writing new laws such as the minimum wage act. Some of you brought in articles about the Executive branch and its role in actually signing the legislation in order for the act to become a law. A few students brought in articles about the courts. A cautionary note: make sure your article is about the Federal court system. It is easy to get confused when you do a quick on-line search for articles about the courts, as most of these articles deal with State court rulings. Remember, we have three levels of government (local, state, and federal), and our focus is on the national, or federal, level of government.

Our final assessment on the Constitution will be twofold: a fast-paced Jeopardy style round of questions and a Constitution booklet. You’ll hear more about both these assessments next week.

Reflection Letters

Your letters clearly outlined the steps you need to take to reach your goals for second semester. Being on time, doing all of the assignments to the best of your ability, being an active listener in class, taking notes, and reviewing the reading prior to coming to class were among the many suggestions in your letters. Writing down your goals is a first step toward reaching them. Good job!

We the Students

Next week we will also start looking at the Bill of Rights, with a special focus on Supreme Court cases and issues that originated with conflict in high schools. Can the Principal search your locker or backpack? Can the school newspaper be censored by the administration? Can the Principal ban a picture of a student holding a sword from the yearbook? That last item sure sounds familiar! We will read the facts of the cases and then you will act as the judge. Get out your black flowing robes and get ready to weigh the evidence!

Portfolio

We have already had three assignments this quarter and have started a new status of assignment sheet. Make sure your folder is back in the bin and that you have taken the time to update your form. You will once again find the portfolio handy when it comes time for the final exam. Remember, one of our goals this quarter is to stay organized!